Huangshan Encounters Provence

Welcome to ‘Huangshan Meets Provence,’ where creativity flourishes through tea gardens, cultural connections, and inspiring projects. Explore nine parts that guide you from tradition to innovation, featuring a comprehensive course and downloadable resources to foster a legacy of impact.

Welcome to the Pavilion
Brewing Dreams, One Leaf at a Time

We’re not just brewing tea—we’re brewing dreams (and trying to keep the lights on).

Running a museum isn’t easy. We’ve sold everything to build it, and on some days, there’s only one visitor. From Montpellier, no less! Turns out… it was my mom. So, yes, we sell tea, teach classes, laugh, cry—and most importantly, sip, try, and dream big. Because sometimes, a museum starts with one visitor, a whole lot of tea, and endless love.

(Below this narrative, add additional text interpreting the image in more detail):

Interpreting the Image

The illustration above captures the heart of our Pavilion’s journey. My mom, smiling brightly, embodies the joy and resilience that fuels our dreams. Her unwavering support reminds us that every small act of kindness—whether it’s visiting our tea classes or sharing a cup of tea—makes a difference. The vibrant colors and playful elements in the drawing reflect the creativity and hope that our Pavilion inspires every day.

Dear Friends,
In today’s global economy, small and medium-sized tea farmers face big challenges. 🌍 Climate change, unpredictable markets, and limited resources make it harder than ever to sustain their craft. These farmers—guardians of centuries-old traditions—are struggling to preserve their livelihoods.

At the Leaf Creativity Pavilion, we asked ourselves:
How can we, as a museum working with children aged 0-6 and their families, help?

Our inspiration came from a timeless story: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. You know the one—the Little Prince cared deeply for his rose because it was his. It was loved. 🌹

Tea leaves are like that rose. Each one is extraordinary, a symbol of hard work, tradition, and resilience. But when they’re overlooked, they’re just… leaves. Forgotten. That’s where we step in. At the Pavilion, we transform these forgotten leaves into Leaf Cards—art, stories, and cultural treasures. This simple idea builds bridges between farmers, children, and families. Through Leaf Cards, families discover the value behind every leaf, every story, and every tradition. Farmers, in turn, get the support they need. It’s a cycle of creativity, sustainability, and shared joy.

And here’s the twist: this isn’t just about imagination. It’s about science too! (And trust us—it’s fun.)

A Story Behind the Science and the Connection to France
I grew up in Anhui Province, home to the breathtaking Huangshan mountain range. Imagine towering peaks wrapped in mist. Pine trees shaped by the wind. And tea leaves so fine they’re like treasures from nature.

As a child, I wandered through the tea gardens with my family. The air smelled sweet, and the leaves sparkled with dew. Tea wasn’t just a drink. It was a way of life. It taught patience, balance, and respect for the natural world.

Years later, I encountered Provence, a region in France known for its lavender fields and herbal traditions. It reminded me of Huangshan—not because the landscapes are the same, but because both places carry the same magic. That feeling of connection, creativity, and timelessness.

This is why we chose to journey from Huangshan to Provence. These two places, though far apart, show us how nature and tradition can unite us across cultures.

And here’s where the HUNTER CARD comes in. This idea was born from a desire to connect families and children in a meaningful way. Through creativity and learning, the HUNTER CARD Thought Experiment became the foundation of this project. It’s a system that blends cultural exploration with practical action—helping small farmers and empowering families to create something truly magical.

From Huangshan to Provence: The Journey
We’ve designed a six-month course to take you on an exciting adventure. Along the way, you’ll explore science, culture, and sustainability. Here’s what’s in store:

Theme	What We’ll Explore	Why It Matters	Fun Activity
Tea Molecules	What’s inside a tea leaf?	Molecules like catechins = flavor!	Test and sniff tea samples.
Plant Photosynthesis	How plants grow with sunlight. ☀️	Sun + water = healthy plants.	Experiment with local plant growth.
Mountains & Rivers	Huangshan’s mist vs. Provence’s lavender fields.	How landscapes shape plants.	Create a map and compare regions.
Geographical Secrets	Climate, soil, and altitude.	Why environment = better tea.	Test soil and record your findings.
Tea Aroma	Why does tea smell so good?	Aroma = chemistry magic.	Make your own tea “scent map.”
Tea Art	The beauty of tea traditions. 🍵	Where science meets art.	Recreate a tea ritual with your family.
Helping Farmers	Turning unsaleable leaves into treasures.	Sustainability in action!	Design and create Leaf Cards.

Call to Action
Dear friends,

Now it’s your turn to join this journey of creativity and purpose. 🌟

Let me share a personal story that inspired me to launch this initiative. My son, Hunter, spent countless hours creating beautiful leaf cards. Together, we collected leaves from parks and communities, carefully cleaned them, and painted them with markers and oil to create vibrant designs. When I was preparing to travel to France for an exhibition, Hunter asked me to take about 30 of his leaf cards with me. But just before I boarded the plane, he changed his mind. ‘Don’t take them with you, Mum,’ he said. ‘If customs doesn’t let them in, you’ll have to throw them away, and I’d be in big trouble.’ Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he added, ‘Next time, I’ll go to France myself and hold my own exhibition.

That moment reminded me of something powerful: for children, preciousness isn’t measured by money but by the care and love they pour into their creations.This is the spirit behind the Leaf & Lavender Cup—an invitation to create and connect, to turn small treasures into something extraordinary. Your ideas, no matter how big or small, have the power to bring joy, support farmers, and inspire global change.

Hunter believed in his leaf cards, and so should you. If he can do it, so can you. The road from Huangshan to Provence is brighter, more magical, and far more meaningful with your company.

Together, let’s transform forgotten leaves into treasures and small actions into ripples of kindness across the world.

Because every leaf tells a story, every step we take builds a bridge, and every creation we make brings us closer to each other.

With warmth and gratitude,
June W.
Curator, Leaf Creativity Pavilion

Note: Here’s a sneak peek into the framework behind our journey! Each part of this diagram represents an important step in our mission, from introducing the Pavilion’s mission to exploring how Huangshan Maofeng tea and Provence lavender meet and blend in the creative process. Think of it as a roadmap that guides us through the exciting adventure of connecting cultures, sustainability, and creativity—one step at a time. We’re brewing more than just tea—it’s a whole global adventure!

Nine Parts of the Course

To ensure everyone can clearly follow the course structure, here are the nine parts outlined from the image above:

1. Part 1: Welcome
2. Part 2: Our Story
3. Part 3: Framework
4. Part 4: Module 1 – TEA
5. Part 5: Module 2 – H₂O
6. Part 6: Module 3 – 85°C / 185°F
7. Part 7: Module 4 – A Cup of Green Tea
8. Part 8: Showcase Study – From Leaves to Legacy
9. Part 9: The Leaf & Lavender Cup