Herbaceous, honeyed, less animalic than Indian or Cambodian variants. Chinese oud (Chen Xiang) has a clean, almost medicinal quality — scholarly rather than raw.
Herbaceous-honeyed, clean, slightly medicinal. Less aggressive and less animalic than Indian oud, less fruity than Cambodian. A scholarly quality — clean, woody, with green-herbal top notes and a honeyed sweetness that is subtle rather than obvious. Like the interior of a Chinese scholar's study where oud has been burned for centuries.
Deeper woody warmth, less herbal, honeyed sweetness
After a few days
After a few days
Persistent refined woody base, quiet, meditative
Terroir & Maturity
Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.
The Full Story
Chinese oud (Chen Xiang, literally 'sinking incense') refers to agarwood primarily from Aquilaria sinensis, native to southern China (Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan). It holds a distinct position in Chinese culture — one of the highest-valued incense materials for over 2,000 years, with an entire aesthetic tradition (xiang dao, the Way of Incense) built around its appreciation.
Chinese oud tends to have a more clean, herbaceous, honeyed character compared to Indian oud (which is leathery-animalic) or Cambodian oud (fruity-sweet). The volatile profile shows different chromone derivative ratios and typically higher levels of agarospirol and guaienes, contributing a woody-herbaceous quality.
Hainan oud is considered the finest Chinese variety — historically, wild Hainan agarwood was more valuable per gram than gold. Aquilaria sinensis is now CITES Appendix II listed, and wild specimens are extremely rare. Plantation cultivation has expanded significantly in Hainan and Guangdong.
In perfumery, Chinese oud provides a more cerebral, less aggressive agarwood character suited to clean, meditative compositions.
The Chinese classificati on system for agarwood grades is among the — Chen Xiang (sinking incense) refers to wood that sinks in water due to high res in content, the ultimate quality indicat or. Jian Xiang (partially sinking) and Huang Shu Xiang (floating) denote lower res in content and quality.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Hydro-distillation or steam distillation of infected Aquilaria sinensis heartwood. Distillation typically runs 48-72 hours. Chinese oud oil production historically centered in Hainan; now expanding to Guangdong and Guangxi plantations. Inoculated plantation trees (5-10 years) produce lighter oil than wild old-growth. Solvent extraction and CO2 extraction are also used. CITES Appendix II — requires certification.
Complex mixture; key sesquiterpenes include agarospirol (C₁₅H₂₆O)
CAS Number
94350-09-1
Botanical Name
Aquilaria sinensis
IFRA Status
No IFRA restriction — but CITES Appendix II regulated (Aquilaria spp.)
Synonyms
Agarwood, Aloeswood, Gaharu
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Very High
Lasting Power
> 200 hours
Appearance
Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Refractive Index
1.505-1.520
In Perfumery
Chinese oud (Aquilari a sinens is) provides a clean, herbaceous-honeyed agarwood character distinct from Indian or Cambodian variants. Functions as a heart-to-base note in meditative, clean, and East Asian-inspired compositions. Higher agarospirol and guaiène content gives it woody-herbaceous depth. Less overtly animalic than Indian oud — more cerebral. Hainan province material commands premium prices. CITES Appendix II — plantati on-sourced.
