A 20-ha Tropical Rainforest Dynamics Plot, located in Xishuangbanna, southwestern Yunnan has been recently established by XTBG and Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Administration. The Plot is the largest of its kind in China.

    Initiated in 2006, the Plot program was funded by CAS Biodiversity Committee and XTBG. The main missions of the large-scale plot are to monitor and study the long-term dynamics of the tropical rainforest ecosystems, so as to research the origin and maintaining mechanism of species diversity.

   The field crew, from both sides, followed the standard of the Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS) when implementing construction of the Plot. The arrangement of five hundred 20×20m plots has been finished in forest compartment. The first census made it clear that there are approximately 468 species of trees which include 95,843 individuals with DBH≥1cm. The mapping of distribution patterns of trees within the Plot is in process. 

      Recensus of the Plot is planned to be carried out every 5 years.