1978- 1982 studied forestry at Beijing Forestry University (formerly Beijing Forestry College), and graduated from 1982 with "Bachelor of Agriculture"; Thesis title: Investigation on the growth of Metasequoia glyptostroboides in Beijing. Tutor: Associate Professor Liu;

1987- 1990 studied in the department of forestry (now College of Forest Resources) of Beijing Forestry University, and 1990 obtained a master's degree in forest plants. Thesis title: Study on Biological Characteristics and Cutting Rooting Mechanism of Seabuckthorn, under the guidance of Huo Shuhua and Gao Zhiyi;

1992 to 1993, German training before going abroad by the German Training Department of Shanghai International Studies University;

1From March to September, 1993, he received German training at the Goethe Institute in Munich, Germany, and passed the German proficiency test, thus obtaining the qualification to pursue a doctoral degree.

1994- 1999 studied for a doctor's degree in biology at Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, and obtained a doctor's degree in plant system and evolution on June 24th, 1999. Title of doctoral thesis: studies on the plants of Agrimoniaceae in East Asia. Tutor: Professor Thomas Stü tzel, Professor of Plant System and Evolution.