This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
At Mapoling in the eastern suburbs of Changsha, there is a world-renowned green revolution base that has attracted visitors from dozens of countries and sent personnel from more than a dozen countries to receive training. This is the Hunan Hybrid Rice Research Center, which leads the global trend of hybrid rice research. Since its establishment in 1984, under the leadership of Professor Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice," dozens of scientists have struggled day and night, and one new hybrid rice combination after another has emerged in an endless stream, making tremendous contributions to the world.
The "Center" is situated in fertile fields, with flourishing flowers and trees and elegant buildings amid greenery. The light green research building bearing the hybrid rice emblem stands out among the surrounding structures. In front of the building, cedars, osmanthus, and holly cluster around a cream-white sculpture more than 3 meters high: she is a young mother, with her left hand raised to protect the child on her shoulder and her right hand holding a dove of peace about to fly, symbolizing the extraordinary significance of hybrid rice to human life and world peace. On the west and south sides of the base are inlaid two bronze plaques presented to the center by the International Rice Research Institute.
Echoing the research building, at the east end of the center there is a villa-style small building with a date-red roof, where lights often shine late into the night. That is Professor Yuan Longping, director of the center, working at his desk. Mr. Yuan is erudite and began devoted research on hybrid rice in 1964, achieving complete success by 1976 and opening a new era in rice yield increases. By the end of 1992, China had cumulatively planted 2.4 billion mu of hybrid rice, increasing rice output by more than 200 million tons. The rice seeds produced by the center have been trial-planted in dozens of countries around the world, all increasing yields by more than 20 percent over conventional rice. In 1981, Mr. Yuan received the first special-class invention award of the People's Republic of China. Since then he has won seven major international awards. In 1992, the Hunan Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government awarded him the honorary title of "Meritorious Scientist."
