Perfume Stores In China To Visit During Your Next Trip

There is undoubtedly a new wave of fragrance in the East, with Chinese perfumeries making their mark in the hearts of fragrance fans.

You may have spotted them on your for-you page, packaged in beautiful, distinct bottles. Or rave reviews praising each brand’s unique scents that weave stories of experiences, emotions, and culture together. Each spray is guaranteed to take you on a journey, with China-exclusive concepts and notes.

Chinese perfumes are guaranteed to be a staple in your rotation once you give them a try. Those visiting China will find their trip the perfect opportunity to snag the top fragrances of these beloved brands. Save space in your luggage for a bottle or two!

To Summer 观夏

To Summer (观夏) is a renowned name in the Chinese fragrance industry, celebrated for its exceptional Eastern-inspired scents. With a focus on oriental botanicals, including florals and tea, To Summer offers a highly regarded collection that blends tradition with innovation.

They offer more than just perfume, and have branched off into home fragrance such as candles, diffusers, handwash and more. For fragrance beginners seeking a unique souvenir from China, this is an excellent starting point.

Triple Tea (三重茶) – Tea, Woody, Citrus

A unisex fragrance created by Jérôme Epinette and David Huang. Refreshing yet elegant, this perfume leaves a sweet trail and impression of a light cup of Chinese tea. Notes of jasmine, black tea, lemongrass, and brown sugar craft a beautiful blend, perfect for daily wear in the summer.

Bitters (苦尽橙) – Citrus, Spicy, Woody

Crafted by Jérôme Epinette, this perfume may be lesser-known internationally but enjoys immense popularity in China, where it frequently sells out in major cities. With prominent notes of pomelo, bitter orange, cedarwood, and incense, this intense and dynamic fragrance is ideal for individuals with equally complex personalities.

As one of the biggest fragrance brands in China, offline stores can be found all over the country in bigger cities. Each store is built on a different concept, ranging from traditional Chinese to contemporary design.

Documents 闻献

Documents (闻献) is a high-end brand renowned for its artistic approach to perfume. Using unique, local ingredients, they blend contemporary and traditional Chinese elements to craft complex and minimalist fragrances.

Offering abstract concepts like memories, emotions, and atmospheres in a bottle, Documents is perfect for those seeking refined and innovative scents that stand out from mainstream offerings.

NAIVE Eau de Parfum – Green, Citrus, Fruity

Crafted by Yann Vasnier, Naive is childhood innocence and curiosity in a bottle. Picture playing in a Chinese citrus garden, surrounded by fresh pomelo and cut green grass.

With notes of bitter orange, green peach, jasmine, and gardenia, this layered scent invokes feelings of happiness, nostalgia, and peace from the first whiff, and is a favourite amongst the original Documents Eau De Parfum line.

FEATHER Eau De Parfum – Floral, Musk, Aquatic

Fans of my skin-but-better scents should keep a lookout for Feather. This fragrance was formulated to capture Chinese aesthetics – with oriental imagery and elegance captured in a bottle.

With notes like tangerine, lily of the valley, lotus, and oakmoss, Feather smells fresh, cosy, watery, and floral. Perfect for daily wear to the office or school.

Documents stores can be found throughout major malls in China’s big cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Look for their avant-garde, creative interiors that leave an impression.

melt season

Melt Season has established a strong reputation as a niche perfume house, known for its unique and luxurious fragrances. Although its products are on the pricier side compared to other Chinese perfume boutiques, the rich experience and journey associated with each item justify the cost.

Nobody Knows EDP (无人知晓) – Spicy, Sweet, Powdery

It’s not surprising that Melt Season’s top-selling perfume has a luxurious scent.

Feminine and complex, this fragrance captures the essence of winter with notes of Sicilian lemon, pink pepper, Bulgarian rose, and cashmere. Its popularity has surged following a collaboration with the hit Netflix C-drama, The First Frost.

Related read: This Perfume Seen on the Hit Netflix C-drama “The First Frost” is Real! Here’s Where You Can Find It

Siren EDP (塞壬) – Sweet, Floral, Spicy

Siren is steadily gaining popularity, embodying the seductive and dangerous essence of the mythical legend it represents. This fragrance envelops its wearer in the aroma of salty ocean winds and is composed of jasmine, ylang-ylang, oud, and musk.

Designed to entice even the strongest sailor, this feminine perfume embraces the darker side of allure, making it both mystical and beautiful.

Each physical store features stunning architecture that enhances the olfactory experience and transports customers to a different world, making any trip down worthwhile.

THE BEAST 野兽派

The Beast is an art lifestyle brand, with intricate and detailed product lines inspired by the beauty of flowers.

Designed and produced for the art appreciator, luxurious products and services such as floral arrangements, home decor, and accessories are available here, as are fragrance goods like perfume, candles, aroma stones, and diffusers.

MISTY MOUSSE (露水青苔) – Fresh, Herbal, Aromatic

This unique unisex fragrance captures the earthy and refreshing scent of a forest after rain. Its herbal base makes it a great option for daily wear in any weather. The fragrance features notes of green lime, lemon, honey blossom, and tuberose, creating a well-rounded and inviting aroma.

PANDA POO-POO Q Version (熊猫噗噗Q香) – Fruity, Milky, Earthy

How much more “traditional China” can you get beyond panda droppings? Although the name might be off-putting, the fragrance is nothing short of delightful. Fun and lighthearted, this scent was inspired by the diet of a growing panda cub.

With expertly blended notes of green apple, moss, dried fruits, fresh milk, and honey, this innocent and youthful fragrance stands out in an otherwise austere scent landscape.

Each shop offers a prime selection of beautiful products that make amazing souvenirs for family and friends back home. With intricate and royal floral designs, any Beast shop would make a good backdrop for your social media.