Cone incense.

Raw materials for making incense.

A tourist shapes the mixture into balls.

The mixture is rolled into strips.

The mixture is cut into small pieces.

Parents-child campaign.

A primary school student is learning to make Tibetan incense.

Tourists are making Tibetan incense.

Foreign tourists are learning to make Tibetan incense.

The "Tibetan Incense Making and Skills" event was held at the Second Primary School of Duilong Deqing District.

In Xizang, there is a kind of incense—ancient, precious, yet also ubiquitous. It is Tibetan incense, which is deeply woven into the daily lives of the locals.

Upon entering the Pandatsang Tibetan Cultural Experience Center, located in the Pandatsang Compound in Lhasa, a uniquely soothing fragrance greets visitors. Tourists from home and abroad, as well as local residents, gather in this historic compound to immerse themselves in the art of Tibetan incense-making. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of Lhasa's cultural and tourism services, more and more travelers to Xizang are opting for in-depth cultural experiences, further promoting the publication of China's outstanding traditional culture.

The PandatsangCompound is listed among the seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, bearing witness to the rise and fall of the Pandatsang merchant family along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Not only is it one of Lhasa's best-preserved ancient architectural complexes, but it has also become a prime destination for visitors to experience Tibetan incense and tea-making. Here, tourists can personally engage with the charm of traditional craftsmanship and delve into the distinctive essence of Xizang's culture.

"Welcome, friends from all over the world! The establishment of the Pandatsang Tibetan Cultural Experience Center aims to preserve and promote China's outstanding traditional culture. We hope more domestic and international friends can discover Tibetan incense and understand its cultural significance," explained Phuntsok, the center's incense master, to visitors participating in the incense-making workshop.

Phuntsok then introduced the history and evolution of Tibetan incense before guiding everyone into the hands-on production process. After preparatory steps like hand purification, he demonstrated the tools used in incense-making powder, rolling sticks, measuring spoons, blending knives, and aromatic ingredients.

"We've prepared seven common ingredients, one of which is a blend of 30 rare materials. The others include Ganden herb, red sandalwood, elm powder, cypress powder, and clove. For instance, sandalwood helps relieve stress and aids sleep, while Ganden herb has antibacterial and purifying properties..." Phuntsok elaborated.

During the crafting process, he detailed the precise measurements—one spoon of sandalwood powder, cypress powder, Ganden herb powder... After leveling the mixture with a spoon and rolling stick, he pressed it flat, transferred it to an incense bowl, and stirred thoroughly. Finally, elm powder was added as a binding agent—"The proportion must be exact; too much or too little will affect the result."

"I've worked in Lhasa for 12 years, but this is my first time making Tibetan incense. It's incredibly therapeutic and relaxing," shared Li Guirong, a local resident. "I've burned stick incense at home, but cone incense is new to me. I used to think Tibetan incense was mass-produced mechanically. This experience completely changed my perspective. Though my cones aren't as perfect as the master's, I'm still proud of my creation—it's truly joyful."

According to Lhapa Phentok, founder of Lhasa Chubu Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., since introducing the Tibetan incense experience to the PandatsangCompoundin April 2024, over 2,000 visitors from around the world have participated. This initiative has not only boosted their incense brand but also revitalized tourism at the heritage site, increasing occupancy rates at the courtyard's hotel and foot traffic to its restaurant. Regular parent-child workshops allow families to craft incense together using ancient methods. Additionally, the project has created employment opportunities for women in Lhünzhub County.

From hand-cleaning to finished incense, the one-hour workshop leaves visitors with more than just handmade souvenirs—it offers a "tangible" understanding of Xizang's culture. The fragrance from Pandatsang drifts through the alleys of Lhasa's old town, much like a visitor's note in the guestbook: "I once saw Tibetan incense as just a symbol of the plateau—until I crushed the spices myself and smelled the warmth of life and heritage." Here, tradition is not a relic but a living civilization within reach, carried by every wisp of fragrance to broader horizons.

Reporter: Yangjen

Translator: Liu Fang, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Li Chengye, Drakpa Wangchen