From September 19 to 22, the Sixth National Water Lily Academic Conference, combined with the 11th "Famous gardens & flowers exhibition" of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was successfully held at the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG). It is the first time that this national academic meeting has taken place in Xishuangbanna.

The conference was inaugurated with addresses by Zhang Jiaolin, Secretary of the Party Committee of XTBG, and Wang Liangsheng, Chairman of the Aquatic Flowers Branch of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Sciences.

More than 110 participants from 17 provinces across China attended the event, including representatives from research institutions, as well as industry professionals, breeders, and growers.

The participants had in-depth discussion on new trends, opportunities, and challenges in water lily research and industrial development. 19 scholars made special presentations concerning fundamental research on water lilies and other aquatic plants, investigations and conservation of wild resources, breeding of new varieties, cultivation and preservation techniques, product development and utilization, as well as horticultural applications.

Aquatic flowers such as water lilies, lotus, and royal water lilies are valued for their ornamental, edible, and scientific significance, demonstrating considerable industrial potential. The conference provides substantial support for XTBG’s efforts to advance the establishment of a national botanical garden.

The academic meeting was jointly organized by the Aquatic Flowers Branch of the Chinese Society for Horticultural Sciences, XTBG, and the Hangzhou Aquatic Plants Society, with XTBG serving as the host. 

The academic meeting.

Participants pose a group photo.