Lance Carson
Taipei is a city where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. While the city boasts large, bright, and colorful malls and high-street stores, it also has a plethora of century-old family-run shops that carry on the traditions of their ancestors with passion and enthusiasm. One such traditional craft is incense-making, which has been a part of Taiwan's culture for centuries. Incense, also known as joss sticks, holds spiritual significance in Taiwan, connecting individuals to their gods and providing spiritual sustenance and comfort. In this article, we will explore the best places to buy incense in Taipei, from historic shops to bustling markets, offering a unique insight into Taiwan's rich cultural heritage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place | Taipei |
| Incense shops | Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store, Taiwan Incense House, HANTAN INCENSE CO., Lao Ming Yu, shops near Longshan Temple MRT Station, shops near Dihua Street |
| Types of incense | Agarwood, Sandalwood, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tibetan-style, stick, cone |
| Other products | Receptacles for burning incense, candle and incense holders, altar decorations |
| Incense-making | Traditional handmade joss sticks factories are still maintained in some places in Taiwan |
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What You'll Learn
Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store
The store's products are mainly traditional Chinese handicrafts made by hand, which are time and labour-consuming and limited in quantity. The incense is made with formulas handed down within the family, with the founder's photo printed on the package. Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store is located in Taipei, Taiwan, and is one of the oldest incense shops in the city.
The store is situated in an ancient red-brick house, selling a variety of sacramental supplies such as joss paper stamped with gold and silver foil and colourful paper lotuses. The products are made from scented powder ground from all-natural herbs and kneaded with phoebe powder. The gentle aroma, with a touch of warmth, evokes comfort and relaxation.
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$9.99
Lao Ming Yu
The Wanhua District is also home to several other century-old shops, including a manufacturer of decorative lanterns, a custom tailor of Western-style suits, and a maker of calligraphy brushes. Taipei also has a vibrant underground shopping area at Longshan Temple MRT Station, which offers a variety of incense shops featuring local Taiwanese brands.
For those interested in witnessing traditional incense-making, the Lugang Township in Changhua County maintains several handmade joss stick factories. This area is known for its small alleys and larger streets, where visitors can interact with locals and learn about the incense-making process.
Overall, Lao Ming Yu represents the rich legacy of family-run enterprises in Taipei, honouring traditions while embracing modern techniques to produce high-quality incense products.
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Longshan Temple MRT Station underground shopping area
Taipei is a city where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously. The Longshan Temple MRT Station underground shopping area is a testament to this, offering a unique blend of traditional and innovative experiences. Located in the Wanhua District, directly below Mengjia Park, the underground shopping bazaar is easily accessible from the MRT station. With two levels, the Longshan Temple MRT Station underground shopping area provides a diverse range of options for visitors seeking to immerse themselves in local culture and purchase incense.
The B1 level, known for its fortune-telling stalls, also offers a variety of lucky charms and daily necessities. Here, you can explore shops selling medicinal herbs, traditional Taiwanese tea, and unique health tea drinks. The aroma of traditional Han medicine permeates the air, inviting you to discover the century-old incense shops that have deep roots in the community. These shops, such as Lao Ming Yu, offer a wide range of incense varieties, including scented powders ground from all-natural herbs and kneaded with phoebe powder. The underground shopping area at Longshan Temple MRT Station is particularly notable for its selection of Taiwanese local brands, some of which are difficult to find elsewhere.
On the B2 level, a cultural-creative base awaits. This space provides an exchange platform for art lovers, showcasing live performances and exhibits. Visitors can indulge in fine coffee and premium Taiwan tea while admiring artworks that narrate the story of Bangka. The creations of local artists and designers are on full display, including painted porcelain ware, pottery, jewellery, and decorative adornments. The blend of tradition and innovation extends beyond the tangible, with fashion designer Wu Liangi's creations gracing the B2 level after winning a gold medal at a prestigious Paris fashion design competition.
The Longshan Temple MRT Station underground shopping area is not just about shopping; it's an immersive cultural experience. The nearby Bangka Longshan Temple, with its namesake MRT stop, is Taipei's top temple and a must-visit destination. The temple has banned incense burning to protect the city's air quality, but the surrounding area offers a plethora of incense options for those who wish to engage in traditional rituals or simply enjoy the aromatic reminders of Taiwan.
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Dihua Street
In addition to stick and cone incense, these shops also sell receptacles for burning incense, such as incense holders. If you're looking for a more unique souvenir, you might want to try yi tiao geng products, which are made from a root native to Taiwan and have a herbal, minty smell.
For those interested in the history of the incense they're buying, Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store, founded in 1910, is a great option. The store, now run by its third generation, still produces incense by hand, combining traditional craft with modern machinery.
Finally, if you're looking for a particular type of incense, the underground shopping area at Longshan Temple MRT Station has a ton of incense shops, including some that sell agarwood, a high-quality type of incense.
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HANTAN INCENSE CO
Since the year 2000, HANTAN INCENSE CO. has expanded its operations and now cooperates with local incense manufacturers in Taiwan. They supply a diverse range of incense products to international markets, including China, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The company's website, www.hantan.com.tw, provides detailed information about their products and partnerships.
In addition to their incense sticks, coils, and cones, HANTAN INCENSE CO. also manufactures incense burners and stoves. These products are essential for safely burning incense and creating a pleasant aromatic experience. The company's burners and stoves are designed to efficiently burn incense while minimising smoke output, as evident in their Micro-Smoke product line.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several places to buy incense in Taipei. You can find it in malls and high-street stores, but for a more traditional experience, you can visit the underground shopping area at Longshan Temple MRT Station, where there are many shops selling Taiwanese local brands. There is also a street of shops selling religious paraphernalia near Longshan Temple, including statues, candle and incense holders, and altar decorations.
One notable incense shop in Taipei is Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store, which was founded in 1910 during the Qing Dynasty. The shop is now in the hands of its third-generation proprietor, with the fourth generation being prepared to take over. Another notable shop is Lao Ming Yu, located on Guiyang Street in the Wanhua District. This shop has been in business since 1897 and is still a must-visit for many natives of Taipei during the Lunar New Year and other festivities.
Yes, there are several other places in Taiwan where you can buy incense. One option is to visit Lugang Township in Changhua County, which is known for its traditional handmade joss sticks factories. You can also find incense in malls and high-street stores in other Taiwanese cities, such as Taichung and Kaohsiung.
In Taipei, you can find a variety of incense types, including stick and cone incense. Traditional Chinese incense is a popular option, and you can also find Tibetan-style incense, such as the brands Bosen and Shimeiyu. Incense made from agarwood and sandalwood is also available, with brands like HANTAN Incense Co. offering these fragrances.
Yes, there are online options for buying incense in Taipei. Some websites provide information about specific incense stores, such as Chen Zhen Fang Incense Store, and you may be able to purchase directly from these stores or through online marketplaces. Additionally, larger e-commerce platforms like Amazon offer sampler packs of Taiwanese incense.
