A Bridge of Fragrance Through Time: Memories of Dongguan Agarwood

August 25-27, 2025, Expo 2025 Osaka

In the quiet forests of Dongguan, a timeless dialogue between humanity and nature unfolds through the art of agarwood. For over a thousand years, this “wood of incense” has been central to spiritual practice, cultural exchange, and healing traditions across Asia. Chinese agarwood is now reawakened by Guangdong Xiangcheng Group through cutting-edge ecological cultivation, digital preservation, and contemporary design—transforming ancient incense art into a dynamic force for cultural and environmental renewal.

The project embodies a holistic vision of sustainability: IoT-supported “wild-simulated” planting protects forest ecosystems while yielding precious aromatic resin; VR and AI safeguard intangible craft knowledge; and minimalist product design makes ritual fragrance accessible to today’s global audience. Each creation reflects a deep respect for nature

and tradition, reimagined through ethical technology and aesthetic innovation.

Central to this revival are the communities who sustain it. Local women lead as master artisans and cultural interpreters, while collaborations with young designers and technologists inject new creativity into ancient practices. Together, they are ensuring that agarwood remains not a relic, but a relevant, evolving medium of cultural expression and ecological connection.

Join us to experience this immersive journey where the past breathes into the future—a testament to how tradition, when nurtured with vision and care, can anchor us in a rapidly changing world.