As a classic alpine plant group, the genus Rhododendron is an exceptional system for studying plant adaptation to extreme environments. Zhou et al. (pages 2166–2188) constructed a graphbased pangenome encompassing 18 Rhododendron species, supporting a revised classification of the subgenus Azaleastrum. Gene families and long terminal repeat retrotransposons specific to highaltitude rhododendrons function through similar stress-response mechanisms and promote adaptive evolution. Multi-omics analyses indicate that the structural variation of alpine-adaptation candidate genes, the rapid activation of cold-sensing genes, and the sustained cold-stress response centered on CBF/DREB1 factors are the key mechanisms evolved by alpine rhododendrons to adapt to freezing conditions. Transgenic experiments confirmed that genes such as GPC1 from high-altitude rhododendrons improve cold tolerance in model plants. This work systematically elucidates the genetic basis of adaptation to high altitude in Rhododendron and provides valuable resources for research on adaptive evolution and genetic improvement in alpine plants.