In the spring of 2018, a small group of Quaternary palynologists from Nanjing attended the seminar. 15 participants heard talks on palynological research from South Korea (by Bing Song), northeastern China (by Lydia Mackenzie) and a general introduction on collaborative research between China and Australia (by Limi Mao). Inspired by the cherry blossoms (mainly Prunus × yedoensis, P. serrulata, and some other varieties) lining the road between NIGPAS and Xuanwu Lake the seminar participants also enjoyed a walk to view the beautiful flowers after the seminar.