School of Agriculture and Biology of Shanghai Jiao Tong University is responsible for starting the class of its International Summer School (2017) -- "Urban Horticulture and Its Culture" and "Chinese Landscape Architecture Culture and Ecological Research", which have been designed to show students Chinese urban horticulture, unique culture of gardens, the latest technology and the concept of healthy life in a two-week period, and provide a vivid experience for them, which have attracted more than 20 students from universities in the UK, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan and Chinese mainland.

 

On July 12, 2017, under the leading of Dr. Zhang Jingjin and Dr. Yu Bingqin -- teachers in charge of two courses -- and of two teaching assistants, a one-day course training has been conducted at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden. Located in Songjiang, Shanghai, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden is jointly established by the Shanghai Municipal Government, State Forestry Administration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Chinese Academy of Forestry. It is an AAAA level comprehensive botanical garden integrating scientific research, popularization of science and sightseeing.

 

Ge Binjie, professor of Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, served as the training supervisor of the course and guided the teachers and students to visit the wild plant resources in the garden, including some rare and threatened plants. Under the scorching sun, everyone was drenched in sweat but filled with enthusiasm. Mr. Ge introduced the characteristics of plants to students in a professional way, and the students were also absorbed to listen attentively and understand, asking questions frequently.

 

Chenshan Botanical Garden provides various sceneries in different themes to students, making them too busy with the scenery and stop constantly to watch. Beside the magnificent water lily pool, Eshan Singhal, who is from the U.K., marveled at the unique scenery in China.

 

After visiting the garden, we had the honor to invite Professor Hu Yonghong, director of Chenshan Botanical Garden, to deliver a speech entitled "The Function Changes of Botanical Garden with Time", introducing in detail the functions of the botanic garden to students: support for the urban sustainable development, living collection for protecting plant diversity, place for improving people's quality of life, platform for international exchanges of germplasm resources, etc. Professor Hu also kindly expounded the construction thoughts and conception of Chenshan Botanical Garden, which include the essence of Chinese ideology and culture (five-phase theory, etc.), to the students to see the Chinese wisdom behind the construction of the botanical garden.

 

Through this course training, the unique and exquisite scenery and culture of Chinese horticultural and gardens impressed the students deeply, allowing students from around the world to see Chinese connotation and strong motivation.

been deeply impressed by the unique pavilions, terraces and open halls, showing their love for Chinese gardens.