BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China.

SOLAR PROBE

China started soliciting suggestions on Monday for a Chinese name of its first solar probe, the Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S), according to the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The satellite is scheduled to be launched into space this October. Between July 11 and 24, netizens are invited to suggest a name for the probe that reflects its function while also suggesting China’s spirit of scientific exploration and cultural self-confidence.

NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

The South China National Botanical Garden was inaugurated in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, on Monday.

It aims to strengthen the conservation, scientific research and knowledge dissemination of tropical and subtropical plants.

With a total planned area of 319 hectares, the garden conserves more than 20,000 plant species, including 6,000 economic plant species, across 38 specialized gardens.

EV CHARGING PILES

The number of new public charging piles for electric vehicles (EVs) in China increased by 228.4 percent in the first six months (H1) of 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to data from an industry association.

The number of new private EV charging piles climbed 511.3 percent in the first half of the year, the China Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Promotion Alliance (EVCIPA) said.