A beaded bracelet
Begin with beading, handling the materials and putting together a bracelet to take home.
Cultural Experiences · Shanghai
The Quiet Art of Chinese Incense
A day in Mr Yang's riverside studio
Spend a day working with Chinese incense in Xuejian Village, beyond central Shanghai. Mr Yang introduces the materials and techniques, then guides you through making a bracelet, an incense plaque and a powdered-incense form using a traditional stencil.
Meet Mr Yang
Mr Yang is an incense maker and teacher with a small studio beside the river. He knows the aromatic materials he works with well and explains the process patiently, giving you time to work with them yourself.
When there's a pause, he might brew tea or prepare his sweet tremella soup. The setting is informal, with most of the day spent around the worktable.
What you'll make
An incense plaque
Work the incense material into a shaped plaque, learning how scent and form come together in the finished piece.
A powdered-incense form
Use a traditional stencil to shape a pattern in powdered incense. Mr Yang shows you the technique and explains its use.
How the day unfolds
Arrive at the village studio
Meet Mr Yang and get to know the materials on the table.
Incense and its uses
Learn about the different forms of Chinese incense and how they have been used in homes and rituals. Begin the bracelet-making activity.
A village lunch break
Pause before returning to the studio for the afternoon. Lunch arrangements and costs are set out in your quote.
Make and shape
Work on your incense plaque and practise powdered-incense shaping with a stencil.
Finish and pack
Pack the handmade pieces from the day. Materials and the sequence of activities may vary by group.
What's included
- An introduction to Chinese incense and its materials.
- Guidance through bracelet beading, incense plaque making and powdered-incense shaping.
- Materials for the planned activities.
- Your handmade pieces to take home.
Meeting arrangements, language support, transport and lunch costs are confirmed in your quote before you book.
Inside the workshop
Photographs taken by our partner at the village studio. The materials and finished pieces shown are examples of the work.
Prices and practical details
- Location
- Xuejian Village, Shanghai
- Time at the experience
- Approximately 10:30–16:00
- Standard group
- 4–8 guests
- Price
- US$260 per person
- Minimum booking
- US$1,040, covering up to four guests
- One to three guests
- The four-person minimum of US$1,040 applies
- Dates
- Available by enquiry from September 2026
Allow additional time for travel to and from the village. Tell us where you're staying when you enquire so we can explain the meeting arrangements and any transport costs.
A few questions before you book
Can two of us book?
Yes. The booking minimum is US$1,040, which covers up to four guests.
Is this perfume making?
The day focuses on Chinese incense, including shaped and powdered forms. You work with the materials by hand and learn how the incense is used.
Will the session be in English?
Tell us your preferred language when you enquire. We'll confirm the teaching and interpretation arrangements for your date before booking.
Is lunch or travel from Shanghai included?
The published price covers the workshop activities and materials listed above. We confirm lunch and transport arrangements, including any additional costs, in your quote.
What should I tell you when I enquire?
Your Shanghai dates and number of guests are enough to start. If you are sensitive to fragrances or incense smoke, or have access requirements, let us know before booking so we can check whether the setting is suitable.
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Add an incense day to your Shanghai stay
Send your dates and group size. We'll reply personally within one business day and check the workshop arrangements with Mr Yang.