
Herbs Origin
本 草 源
About the Competition
The 2nd "Cultivating the Peach Blossom Spring" Traditional Chinese Medicine Garden Technological Cultivation Competition was co-organized by IEEE, SFU, HF Aroma TCM Clinic and Herbs Origin to promote the integration of social innovation and sustainable agriculture, especially in the inheritance and development of Chinese medicine culture. We believe that through this competition, we can stimulate the participants' interest in Chinese herbal medicine cultivation, while improving their STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and later extend their cross-domain integration capabilities including Art.
This competition is open to all students who are passionate about social innovation, regardless of age or background. We encourage participants to propose innovative TCM garden planning solutions, combining modern technology with traditional TCM knowledge to explore the potential of smart agriculture. Through professional guidance, training and resource support, we hope that every participant can learn and realize their creativity in practice.
This program is not only a learning platform, but also an opportunity for social practice. We look forward to working with people from all walks of life to promote the development of Hong Kong's social innovation ecosystem and lay the foundation for the future cultivation of agricultural technology talents.
The meaning of "蒔秧桃花源":
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Cultivating: refers to transplanting seeds or seedlings into the soil to promote their growth. This word emphasizes the sowing and cultivation process in agricultural activities, symbolizing the beginning of hope and expectation for the future.
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Peach Blossom Spring: Originated from the Peach Blossom Spring by the Tang Dynasty poet Tao Yuanming, it describes an ideal society that is isolated from the world and peaceful. Peach Blossom Spring symbolizes people's yearning for a better life and represents an ideal state of nature, harmony and happiness.
This can be understood as:
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Sowing ideals: Through "planting seedlings", we sow the seeds of hope and ideals on the land, strive to achieve a better living environment, and let the culture of traditional Chinese medicine flourish in modern society.
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Creating harmony: Combining the concept of "Peach Blossom Spring", it emphasizes creating a harmonious, healthy and sustainable lifestyle in society, allowing people to find spiritual peace in nature.
This is not only a competition name, but also a pursuit of an ideal society, and it is achieved through practical actions (such as agricultural or social innovation). It is hoped that participants will be encouraged to demonstrate their creativity and practical ability in the planning of Chinese medicine gardens and jointly promote sustainable development.

Competition content
Phase 1:
Participate
The competition aims to promote social innovation to the students and attract who with lofty ideals to engage in the field of social innovation.
Through the competition, we hope to stimulate the creativity of students, encourage them to come up with innovative ideas related to Chinese medicine culture and sustainable agriculture, and promote society's understanding and attention to Chinese medicine gardens.
Round 1: Participants are required to register online and attend a briefing session to learn about the competition requirements and theme background.
Phase 2:
Cultivation
We are committed to nurturing innovative ideas in their early stages.
Round 2: Students must submit a simple proposal, including their design concept, expected outcomes, and implementation steps.
Round 3: Finalists will participate in a series of workshops and courses to help them put their ideas into practice and learn and grow through hands-on experience.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Knowledge and Cultivation Techniques:
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Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cultivation: Learn to identify common traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and master basic cultivation techniques.
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Eco-friendly Cultivation and Horticultural Decoration:
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Understand eco-friendly cultivation methods and use horticultural decoration to beautify the traditional Chinese medicine garden.
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Technology Applications:
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Installing STEAM Devices and Collecting Data: Learn to install and use STEAM devices to collect environmental data to optimize cultivation.
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APP & VR Software Development and Applications: Explore related software development and design innovative applications for the traditional Chinese medicine garden.
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AI Applications: Explore the applications of AI in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as assisted diagnosis and data analysis.
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Herbal Medicine Applications and Crafts:
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Essential Oils and Hydrosols: Learn how to extract essential oils and hydrosols and understand their applications.
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Herbal Handmade Soaps: Make your own natural herbal handmade soaps.
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Bonsai Candles: Combine plants and candles to create unique bonsai candles.
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Perfume Blending: Explore the world of fragrance and learn to blend personalized scents.
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Ceramic Crafts: Combine ceramics and plants to create unique garden decorations.
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TCM Culture and Wellness:
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TCM Tea Therapy: Learn about TCM tea therapy and how to blend health-promoting teas.
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Food and Medicine from the Same Source: Understand the concept of food and medicine sharing the same origin and learn how to combine ingredients to achieve health benefits.
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TCM Yoga: Combine TCM meridian theory with yoga to promote balance of mind and body.
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Herbal Medicine and TCM Lectures: Expert lectures to learn about herbal medicine and TCM.
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Note:
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Shortlisted participants may choose to attend at least two of the above workshops.
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Seats are limited for each workshop, and the organizer reserves the right to adjust the workshop content and schedule.
Phase 3:
Links
The ultimate goal of the program is to have more participants join Young Engineers | IEEE , submit relevant research papers, and present them at the year-end conference to share their research results and experiences.
The competition will also connect different relevant units to promote cooperation and resource sharing. By establishing a partnership, we hope that participants can gain support and jointly develop sustainable Chinese medicine garden planning solutions. Such cooperation will not only improve the quality of the entries, but also bring greater positive impact to the community.

Registration Process
Applications for the first round are now open. The application deadline is April, 2026. Please stay tuned.
Online Registration
2026/11/24 (HKT 00:00) -
2026/4/30 (HKT 17:00)
Please fill in the registration form

Application Process
Participants must submit their applications online. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an introductory session and submit a brief proposal outlining their design concept. Judges will review all projects according to the judging criteria.

Rewards and Opportunities
The winning project will receive a prize and full support to implement its design proposal in the university’s Chinese Medicine Garden and turn its innovative ideas into reality.
At the same time, middle school students will have the opportunity to join Young Engineers | IEEE CT/OES, receive professional technical guidance and resource support, and accumulate valuable experience.


Welcome to register !


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