Hong Kong, July 19, 2026 — The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 15 to 21. Under the theme “Cultural Legacy | Joyful Journeys,” the fair encouraged readers to explore the preservation and contemporary relevance of traditional culture through cultural and eco-tourism.

On July 19, Chi Lin Nunnery hosted a featured seminar, “Integral: Natural Dyeing and Environmental Protection,” at the fair. Mr. Aaron Shi, Project Management Director of Esquel Group and Head of Fragrant Hill Garden at Integral, joined Dr. Li Kwok-fu, Deputy Director and Head of the Cultural Department, Chi Lin Nunnery, and Ms. Xu Youpu, a natural botanical dyeing artist, for the discussion. Drawing on Integral’s green practices, the speakers explored how traditional dyeing techniques can inform environmental conservation and sustainable living.

From Ten Suchnesses to Integral: Harmony Between Humanity and Nature

During the seminar, Aaron explained the thinking behind the name “Integral.” Inspired by the Buddhist concept of the Ten Suchnesses in the Lotus Sutra, Integral offers a philosophical foundation for understanding the relationship between industry and the natural world. It translates the principles of harmony between humanity and nature, and the flourishing of all beings, into action.

Mr. Aaron Shi, Project Management Director, Esquel Group and Head of Fragrant Hill Garden, Integral

During the session, Aaron and his team shared the transformation of Fragrant Hill Garden from a former brick factory into an ecological garden. Through ongoing ecological restoration, the site has seen a significant increase in biodiversity and now provides a habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species.

Developed by Esquel Group in collaboration with the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fragrant Hill Garden is China’s first specialized botanical garden for natural dye plants and a pioneering research center for natural dyeing. Its name was inspired by Beijing’s Fragrant Hill Hotel, where Esquel founder Y.L. Yang once invested, carrying forward a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.

Ms. Grace Cao, Manager, Research and Development Center, Esquel Group

Mr. Zhu Shirong, Engineer, Fragrant Hill Garden, Integral

Fragrant Hill Garden reflects Integral’s commitment to cultural inheritance, environmental protection and industrial application. Plant-based dyes are biodegradable and require less water, helping significantly reduce chemical pollution. Through continued improvements in pigment extraction, the garden also supports the large-scale application of natural dyeing, providing a practical pathway for the industry’s green transformation

From Traditional Botanical Culture to Modern Environmental Innovation: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

Dr. Li, whose research focuses on Tiantai Buddhism and Buddhist garden art, explained that traditional Chinese gardens are designed as places where people can wander, rest, and reconnect with nature. This philosophy resonates with Integral’s vision of creating spaces where people, industry, and nature coexist in harmony.

Dr. Li Kwok-fu, Deputy Director and Head of the Cultural Department, Chi Lin Nunnery

Ms. Xu advocates natural dyes that follow the rhythms of the seasons. This approach aligns with Fragrant Hill Garden’s commitment to conserving dye plants and bringing the art of natural dyeing into modern life.

Ms. Xu Youpu, Instructor in Traditional Plant Dyeing

From a Former Brick Factory to a Sustainable Future

Traditional philosophy and botanical dyeing offer valuable insights for the sustainable transformation of manufacturing, and Fragrant Hill Garden brings these ideas into practice. Its work extends beyond natural dye research and industrial application. By combining cultural heritage, biodiversity conservation, educational programs, and public experiences, the garden helps traditional dyeing techniques evolve through modern innovation.

By building on traditional knowledge while continuing to innovate, Integral aims to advance lower-impact solutions and create new possibilities for the sustainable development of the textile and apparel industry.

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