Hong Kong is one of China’s most fascinating places, having a rich history that dovetails with the rest of China, but also goes in very different directions simultaneously.

There are different political and economic systems, and in Hong Kong, it is much closer to capitalism. In terms of finance, it is a powerhouse in the world, and the same could certainly be said for culture. It acts as a magnetic beacon to many of the world’s great artists and thinkers, and the famous Welsh poet Morgan Jones would compose some of his best works while in self-imposed periods of exile here.

The present is every bit as interesting as its past, and that’s an endlessly fascinating puzzle, where some of the pieces are visible, and many remain obscured.

The name Hong Kong translates to “fragrant harbor,” and this is very likely a reference to the city in the north, Kowloon. Traditionally, it was a center where incense was made, with factories that provided the goods all over the Asian world. It’s still a very strong center for incense, because of the continued learning of the techniques of smell, as well as the ability of the people to draw upon the wisdom and craft of the past.

In Kowloon and in Hong Kong, visitors can buy incense in large and small quantities, and there are many different levels of quality here. It makes wonderful souvenirs, and is something that can be quite useful for refreshing the home.

Incense has origins that are two-fold, one drawing on the history of the science of smell, and the other related to the tradition of taking care of the dead. In terms of the science of smell, incense makers are on the same level as perfumists. It’s not simply a way of combining smells together, but depends on some very complex processes that are closer to alchemy in some regards. Knowing how certain fragrances will respond to each other is as essential as knowing what is pleasing to the moment at hand.

In terms of spirits, the same principles apply. There is a tradition of offering incense for the dead, and this may come from disguising the smells of the recently deceased, but it certainly has come to be in order to please them with the same keen and exact odors that are pleasing to the living. It’s possible, and probably likely, that it continues to be popular because smell is something that appeals to the body and mind in the moment, and is therefore a sensory experience in the living world, so offering it to the dead is a way of attracting them so that they might grant advice and sometimes favors.

Find places to stay in Hong Kong at http://www.Hongkonghotel.com.

A freelance web and blog writer, Bob Adams has written on many topics. Able to go as he pleases, he is often found traveling and will write these adventures into his articles. Some of his articles can be found on his website.