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Century Celebrity List: Mr. Shih Yeh-chih, 8th Generation Successor of "Shih Chin Yu San Fang"
Photo: Wen-chen with Shih Yeh-chih and Mrs. Shih
The incense-making industry can be described as one of the trades closest to the gods. Among them stands "Shih Chin Yu San Fang," a century-old incense shop in Lukang.
"Shih Chin Yu San Fang" has carried the heritage of incense making for 259 years, now resting in the hands of the eighth-generation descendant, Shih Yeh-chih. It was Shih Yeh-chih’s grandfather, Shih Yi-han, and his father, Shih Chi-hsun, who truly established the fame of Shih Chin Yu’s handcrafted incense. They insisted on using natural materials and traditional techniques, evolving and renewing themselves through the currents of time to ensure the fragrance of the shop continues for generations.
The first-generation founder, Shih Fa, established the "Shih Chin Yu Incense Shop" in Quanzhou during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1756) after learning the craft in his youth. The third generation brought these techniques to Taiwan and settled in Lukang, where the business has been passed down ever since. When the seventh-generation brothers branched out, Shih Chi-hsun, being the third-born, renamed his shop "Shih Chin Yu San Fang" (The Third Branch).
In the shop, mornings are dedicated to production. Shih Yeh-chih explains, "The principle of making stick incense is similar to making Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). The bamboo sticks are dipped in water and then coated layer by layer with incense powder." Watching Shih Yeh-chih grip, shake, and swirl the bundle, the sticks spread out perfectly—this "Lun Xiang Shan" (fanning the incense) movement is the heart of the craft. The workshop also serves as a guided tour area, where Shih Yeh-chih starts by explaining the origins and sources of raw materials like agarwood and sandalwood before introducing the traditional tools.
If you visit in the afternoon, you might see a spectacular sight: rows of incense drying in front of the shop. However, this depends entirely on the weather; sun-drying requires bright light and cannot be done on cloudy days. Shih Yeh-chih emphasizes that those wishing to see these historical artifacts or the production process must make a reservation. Because they "rely on the heavens" for their livelihood, work may stop at any time due to the weather, and the DIY experience requires time to prepare materials.
The logo of Shih Chin Yu San Fang was inspired by the smoke produced when burning incense—curling upwards in a never-ending stream. It symbolizes the transition between generations, passing the torch in an endless cycle. Heritage and innovation have found a unique fusion in this rapidly changing era. In recent years, while balancing their livelihood with the preservation of traditional techniques, the shop has integrated tourism and leisure, transforming into a cultural and creative enterprise.
Beyond traditional stick incense, they offer lifestyle fragrances such as incense cones, small coils, and large rings. Recently, they even developed floral-scented coils suitable for home fragrance. As the young eighth generation takes the lead, he understands that a legacy Taiwanese brand must create new products to meet modern demands to ensure long-term survival.
"Make good incense to form good connections; burn good incense to reap good fruits" has always been the Shih family's ancestral motto. Shih Yeh-chih notes that since their family history traces back to Quanzhou, Fujian, they may one day return to Mainland China to expand.
Wednesday, January 28, at 5:00 PM
We invite Mr. Shih Yeh-chih, the 8th-generation successor of Shih Chin Yu San Fang, to share the story of heritage and innovation in a century-old incense business.
Source: Taichung Radio ~lucky7~ Wen-chen’s Guest Room
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