As early as 1980, the beginning of the nation’s economic reform, Prof. Shen Yucun realized that learning from international colleagues is the most effective way for rapid development of psychiatry in China. Under her leadership, great progress has been made which increases not only our academic standards but also the visibility of IMH. In 1980, collaboration was established between IMH and WHO. Subsequently, in 1982 IMH was designated by WHO to be its Beijing Mental Health Collaborating Center for Research and Training. We have successfully hosted several international academic conferences, including the First International Conference of Morita Therapy (1995), the Regional Meeting of World Psychiatric Association (1997), the International Psychogeriatric Association-Beijing Joint Meeting (1999), and more recently the Collegium International Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum (CINP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting (2004). The solid friendship developed during these activities has helped us to bridge with the international community and bring advanced information and technology to China. “Is it not delightful to have friends coming from far away?” said Confucius thousands of years ago. “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers”. This ancient wisdom has been the best annotation of our attitude toward international communication. As early as 1980, the beginning of the nation’s economic reform, Prof. Shen Yucun realized that learning from international colleagues is the most effective way for rapid development of psychiatry in China. Under her leadership, great progress has been made which increases not only our academic standards but also the visibility of IMH. In 1980, collaboration was established between IMH and WHO. Subsequently, in 1982 IMH was designated by WHO to be its Beijing Mental Health Collaborating Center for Research and Training. We have successfully hosted several international academic conferences, including the First International Conference of Morita Therapy (1995), the Regional Meeting of World Psychiatric Association (1997), the International Psychogeriatric Association-Beijing Joint Meeting (1999), and more recently the Collegium International Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum (CINP) Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting (2004). The solid friendship developed during these activities has helped us to bridge with the international community and bring advanced information and technology to China. “Is it not delightful to have friends coming from far away?” said Confucius thousands of years ago. “When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers”. This ancient wisdom has been the best annotation of our attitude toward international communication.