JOURNAL
Stories and knowledge from Chinese incense making.
We write about aromatic materials, traditional formulas, paozhi, blending, and the everyday work of making Chinese incense.
Subscribe to receive a short Journal digest about once a week, with new articles and occasional updates from YINN.
Sep 13, 2026
Incense You Can Wear: The Chinese Incense Plaque
Discover xiangpai (香牌), Chinese incense plaques worn or carried without burning. Sam explores their history, scent and the craft behind this personal form of fragrance.
Sep 12, 2026
Traditional Chinese Incense for Everyday Use: What We Changed—and What We Kept
Traditional Chinese incense does not need to become simpler. See how YINN preserves the craft while redesigning the box, built-in holder, storage, and instructions for everyday use.
Sep 11, 2026
Paozhi and Jiu Zhi (酒炙): How Chinese Arborvitae Is Processed with Baijiu
Paozhi (炮制), also written Pao Zhi, includes methods such as jiu zhi (酒炙). See how baijiu and heat change Chinese arborvitae before it enters an incense blend.
Sep 10, 2026
How to Choose Chinese Incense: What Matters Beyond the Ingredient List
A practical guide to choosing Chinese incense by evaluating materials, paozhi, formula balance, smoke, ash, burn quality, handmade variation, and maker transparency.
Sep 09, 2026
A Map of Paozhi (炮制): Aromatic Material Processing in Traditional Chinese Blended Incense
What does paozhi (炮制) mean in Chinese incense making? Sam maps how aromatic materials are sorted, soaked, steamed, simmered, roasted, and dried before blending—and why those choices shape the final scent.
Sep 08, 2026
Jun–Chen–Zuo–Shi: How Chinese Blended Incense Is Composed
A Song-dynasty osmanthus formula reveals how Jun, Chen, Zuo and Shi give different ingredients distinct roles within Chinese blended incense.
Sep 07, 2026
Why Do Chinese People Burn Incense? Beyond Temples and Ritual
Chinese incense was never only for temples. Explore how it shaped ritual, medicine, clothing, literati life and everyday fragrance across Chinese history.