Perfume DIY has quietly become one of those "wait, that was actually really nice" things to do in Shanghai. You sit at a little table, mess around with droppers and scent notes, and somehow end up with a custom perfume and a mild sense of inner peace. It's a whole vibe: calm, pretty, and just structured enough to feel like you're doing something.
Takes about an hour or two. You blend, name your creation, bottle it, and go. Great for dates, solo outings, or hanging out with a friend who also likes pretty smells and quiet spaces. No crowds, no chaos, just gentle lighting and low-stakes fun.
Also doubles as a thoughtful gift idea if you're running out of steam on the holiday shopping front. There are loads of perfume studios around the city—here are three solid picks to start with. Booking ahead is usually a must, especially this time of year. Most places charge anywhere from RMB 100 to a few hundred depending on how fancy your bottle gets.
Book your slot on WeChat:
Lixiang Perfume Lab: LiXiangJingan001, lixiangdiy000
Wen Xiang Jian Ni: Wenjian6868686868
Narratus: narratus
