The Institute of Genetics and Development Biology (IDGB), at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has built three field experimental stations along latitude 38oN in Hebei province, constituting a research base for studying agro-ecology and agricultural water resources in mountainous areas, plain areas in front of the mountains, and near shore plain areas. At present, we are carrying out 67 research projects supported by national departments, local governments, CAS and several international organizations.