Wu Chen is very popular among the Chinese in Southeast Asia. Chinese people here are accustomed to the strong flavors of Southeast Asian spices, so their taste buds and sense of smell tend to prefer strong flavors. That's why spice shops also sell Wu Chen, because it sells well and is cheap.

 

Yes, Wu Chen incense is a type of blended incense, made from a mixture of various spices, and it is not pure Agarwood incense.

 

Because the flavor of Wu Chen is rich with a strong Chinese herbal medicine taste and it is popular, it tends to overshadow the subtle and understated aroma of Agarwood. Merchants naturally would not use high-grade Agarwood, as long as it is Agarwood. It's like plastic chairs in the market, why are black ones cheaper? It's because they are made from recycled plastic, and the quality may vary even though they have the same essence.

 

The same goes for incense made with fragrance oils. Why are they so cheap and yet very fragrant? With today's technology, they can even create a cool sensation.

 

They also claim to use pure Agarwood. Yes, that's true, 100% Agarwood, but the quality may vary. Only after being recycled and added with fragrance oils, they will have the desired aroma.

 

So, as the saying goes, ''you get what you pay for.''

 

You may think you've found a bargain, but the merchants are not fools. 😆😆😆