On behalf of the Geographical Society of China and the Local Organizing Committee, we most cordially invite you to participate in the 33rd International Geographical Congress, to be held in Beijing, P. R. China on August 21-25, 2016. The theme of the 2016 Congress is Shaping Our Harmonious Worlds, which highlights today’s common pursuit for harmony between humankind and nature, between environment and society, and for harmonious approaches to the world’s hazards and conflicts. Under this theme, five Congress key topics will be focused, parallel to the quadrennial meeting of the IGU commissions and task forces. In addition, a rich variety of field excursions will be organized so as to provide participants a chance to appreciate some of the unique natural features and cultural traditions of this ancient and modern country. The Geographical Society of China and the Local Organizing Committee will make every effort to offer an attractive environment for communication and networking among geographers all over the world. We hope you will join the 33rd International Geographical Congress and look forward to welcoming you here in Beijing in 2016!