On behalf of the organizing committee, we are delighted to invite you to participate in the 2014 International Symposium on Soft Rock (ISSR2014) to be held in Beijing, China, on June 6-7, 2014. This Symposium is a common endeavor of ISRM Commission on Soft Rocks, Chinese Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering (CSRME) and China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing (CUMTB), who are doing their best to offer a pleasant and interesting event. We have prepared an appealing program with a good number of keynote lectures by some of the world’s leading experts on soft rock mechanics. Some experts will also present lectures representing the latest advancement and frontier achievements in soft rock mechanics. You will also have the privilege to visit our city and country. Lively and dynamic, Beijing is an old and modern city, very famous for its long history, ancient culture and modern architecture. It is a special honor for us to host for ISSR2014 in China and we strongly hope that an exciting program and the charms of Beijing will combine to make this a successful and memorable event. I look forward to meeting you in Beijing in June 2014.