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Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai | A Century-Old Lukang Shop: Heritage and Innovation of Traditional Incense. Herbal Joss Sticks and Incense Seals to Calm the Soul

 
鹿港當年是一府二鹿三艋舺中三大港口之一，所以留下了許多繁華的見證，很適合來趟鹿港古蹟一日遊~~除了許多著名古蹟之外During its golden age, Lukang was one of the three major ports in Taiwan (as noted in the saying "First, Fucheng; Second, Lukang; and Third, Monga"). Today, it remains a witness to historical prosperity, making it a perfect destination for a one-day heritage tour. Beyond the famous historic sites, there is the bustling Lukang Mazu Temple. This religious background fueled the peak of the local incense industry. Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai (formerly Shih Chin Yu San Fang) is a century-old establishment that preserves ancient manual incense-making methods. It is a highly prestigious brand in Lukang!
Located on Zhanglu Road, Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai sits on a primary route into Lukang. Before heading into the town for sightseeing, travelers can stop here to buy handcrafted joss sticks with a natural, light fragrance for their prayers and blessings at the temples.
Upon entering the shop, you are greeted by a rich blend of sandalwood and traditional Chinese herbs. The spacious interior and the display of various ritual incense supplies evoke a sense of reverence. While the Zhanglu Road location is a modern, innovative storefront, there is also a branch on Zhongshan Road near the Mazu Temple parking lot. The ancestral shop on Zhongshan Road retains its original early appearance, whereas the Zhanglu Road store focuses on experience and innovation.
Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai puts the entire incense-making process on display, allowing customers to understand how it’s made. Some clever details require explanation, or you might mistake them for simple decorations! To craft quality incense, every step—soaking, powdering, fanning, rolling, sun-drying, and dyeing the "feet"—must be meticulously executed. It is a labor-intensive craft!
Founded in the 21st year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the shop boasts a 260-year heritage. Having weathered generational shifts and family branching, their ability to still adhere to ancient methods is truly remarkable!
Shih Yeh-chih, the eighth-generation successor, created the brand "Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai" to carry on the family’s integrity. He insists on ancient methods while helping modern people rediscover the fun, depth, and aesthetics of incense culture—a perfect fusion of tradition and innovation.
The shop offers a wide variety of products. Beyond traditional "standing" joss sticks, they have developed many naturally scented varieties, including incense coils and "lying" incense (joss sticks). The selection is so vast it’s hard to choose!
Unlike traditional agarwood incense, their joss sticks feature various herbal scents. In addition to sandalwood and agarwood, they offer scents like Ling-ling (Lysimachia), Cang-zhu (Atractylodes), Peony, Huo-xiang (Agastache), and Orchid. 
Incense is no longer a monotonous scent; it now serves as a functional aid for relaxation and calming the mind.
Aside from basic joss sticks, incense coils are a staple for Buddhist altars. These coils are typically categorized into 12-hour or 24-hour durations based on the number of rings. In Chinese culture, the "circle" represents "reunion and perfection." 
These fragrant coils fill the altar room with aroma and are loved by many.
The scents for these coils are just as diverse—not limited to the common dark agarwood, but including many innovative, natural herbal fragrances. Even more unique are the 2-hour and 4-hour small coils specifically designed for relaxation. 
These are no longer confined to altars; they are perfect for study rooms, studios, or living rooms to enjoy the soothing aroma.
Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai insists on handcrafted production in their own factory. They do not use industrial combustion improvers, lime, smoke suppressants, chemical fragrances, or synthetic binding powders. This ensures that while you calm your mind, you are not harming your body.
The shop thoughtfully offers a "Herbal Health Combo Pack." It contains two 4-hour coils each of: Osmanthus, Jiang-zhen, Ling-ling, Borneo Camphor, Cang-zhu, Peony, Huo-xiang, God of Wealth, and Orchid (18 coils total). If you aren't sure which scent you prefer, you can experience them all before deciding!
Based on medicinal records from the Compendium of Materia Medica, herbs are ground into powder and blended according to ancestral secret ratios. This allows the incense to release stress-relieving aromas, setting Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai apart from others.
"Lying" incense (joss sticks) is also becoming increasingly popular. Whether for meditation or yoga, lighting a stick can lead the mind and body into a spiritual space and bring tranquility. Many people dislike the pungent smell of incense in temples, but truly good incense does not sting the eyes or irritate the nose. Because it is made from natural raw materials, it releases a faint, soothing fragrance.
The Peony scent symbolizes "prosperity and wealth" and is known as the "King of Flowers," making it an excellent gift for elders. Adding medicinal herbs to incense—whether for ritual, aromatherapy, or purification—adds a layer of health.
There is also a "Lying Incense Variety Pack" containing 11 different types, including Jiang-zhen, Ling-ling, Cang-zhu, Peony, Huo-xiang, and various premium agarwoods. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy multiple fragrances at once.
Additionally, the shop sells incense powder. Made from natural herbs without additives or chemical raw materials, these are 100% made in Taiwan, ensuring quality you can trust.
Recently, "Incense Seals" (篆香, Zhuan-xiang) have seen a resurgence. This method dates back to the Tang Dynasty and peaked during the Song Dynasty. You can use pure powder or blend different powders to create your own signature scent to stabilize the spirit.
Incense seals (also called "stamp incense") involve using a mold called a "Xiang Zhuan" to pack incense powder into specific shapes. Once the mold is removed, the powder is lit. These seals often feature auspicious characters like "Fortune" (福), "Prosperity" (祿), or "Longevity" (壽). Making a perfect seal requires patience, which naturally leads to a calm state of mind.
 
The calligraphy of these seals is highly artistic; as the difficulty increases, the characters become more complex and fine. 
It is not just an art form but a meditative activity that fosters character and provides a soothing scent.
 
Modern life is too stressful; we all need ways to relax our minds. As times change, incense is no longer just for rituals. By combining it with traditional herbs, lighting incense can have the same stress-relieving effects as Western essential oils. Whether for meditation, reading, or sleep, it is a soul-soothing essential and a must-buy local souvenir when visiting Lukang!
 
~ Lukang Century-Old Shop [Shih Chin Yu Mu Xiang Zhai] Zhanglu Branch ~
Address: No. 372, Sec. 7, Zhanglu Rd., Fuxing Township, Changhua County 506
Hours: 09:00 - 21:00
Phone: 04-777-8435
Official Website: https://www.scy1756.com.tw/
Source: Blogger | Little Penguin's Life Fun
 
 
 
 
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