From September 29 to 30, 2016, the annual meeting for pairing-assistance of Xinjiang Agricultural University was held by Hohai University, Beijing Forestry University and Nanjing Forestry University, in Urumqi, China. The unveil ceremony of the Sub-Laboratory of Cold and Arid Regions in Xinjiang, belonging to the State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering (Hydro-Lab), was hosted grandly at the meeting, which kicked off the prelude of co-building laboratories. It was hoped that more support could be provided by both our nation and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, through strengthening the construction of this platform.

In order to fulfill the national medium- and long- term plan for education reform and development (2010~2020), accelerate the pairing-assistance to make new progress and achievements, expand research of the Hydro-Lab on water issues, and strengthen the assistance and cooperation on scientific research and talent training between Hohai University and Xinjiang Agricultural University, the Sub-Laboratory of Cold and Arid Regions of the State Key Laboratory of Hydrology-Water Resources and Hydraulic Engineering was established in Xinjiang Agricultural University.

The goals of the sub-laboratory construction are listed as blow. Firstly, to give full play to the research foundation and features of both Hohai University and Xinjiang Agricultural University on hydrology mechanism, efficient utilization of water resources, river sediment, water environment, international rivers and so on. In addition, to develop theoretical investigation and make technological breakthrough of major projects, with regard to the vital scientific and technological problems of hydrology-water resources and hydraulic engineering in Xinjiang. Moreover, to play a significant role in working out problems of water and large-scale water projects in Xinjiang, and become the training base for high-level talents in the related fields of Xinjiang and northwestern territories of China.