Shanghai Pathways

For thousands of years, incense has been used in China not only for religious ceremonies but as an artistic element in folklore. Since Neolithic times, Chinese people burnt stones and wood for aromatherapy. Once more spices were introduced to the country through the Silk Road, incense was widely used in daily life. They gave clothes a better smell and were used in traditional medicine, meditation, and religious rituals. To use of incense was considered elegant. During Song Dynasty (960-1279), appreciating incense was considered one of four “graceful daily things” to do, along with tasting the tea, arranging flowers, and arranging paintings on walls.

Over the centuries, the art almost vanished in China. But in Japan, the so-called Kodo remained popular and eventually spread to Taiwan, from which it returned to the Chinese mainland several years ago. Today in China, the art is called Xiang Dao, meaning “skill of making incense.”

During this 3hrs hands-on Workshop, you will learn to

- Understand Chinese Incense Culture
- Witness a Traditional Incense Ceremony
- Blend Natural Incense Materials
- Make Chinese Incense Sticks
- Create Your Own Chinese Incense Accessories (Xiang Pai)

Xiang Pai was a popular decoration in ancient China, it is attractive and useful - unlike the burning incense, it is made with traditional Chinese pattern and designs, was worn by both genders to show nobility, wealth, and keep the incense fragrance for health.