[Video/Nantong Daily]

Children from schools such as Nantong Experimental Primary School and Tonghe Primary School visited the Vietnam (Nantong) Agarwood Culture Experience Center on Jan 31 to immerse themselves in the world of agarwood culture.

Guan Jianbing, president of the Vietnam Nantong Fellowship Association, shared insights about agarwood with young visitors. Agarwood is one of the "Four Famous Incenses", which also include sandalwood, ambergris, and musk, and it has a special role in traditional Chinese culture.

Guan explained that agarwood is considered the most esteemed of these incenses, highlighting its formation as a natural marvel. Remarkably, only 10 percent of natural white wood agarwood trees can produce this precious substance.

When these trees sustain injuries in their natural habitats, they release an aromatic resin that attracts specific microbial communities, leading to fungal infections. Over several years to a century, the resin, microorganisms, and secondary metabolites engage in continuous reactions within the tree, eventually filling its vessel structures with fragrant resin to form valuable agarwood.

After the introduction, students had the opportunity to try their hand at traditional incense-making. The staff provided detailed instructions on using tools such as incense sticks, ash presses, and incense brushes. They demonstrated how to fill molds with agarwood powder using an incense spoon and then smooth it out with an incense spatula. The students then crafted their own incense patterns, experiencing the elegant charm of the incense ceremony amid the gently curling smoke.