China’s largest olfactory experience space, the Xuelei Fragrance Museum, opened for trial operation on July 10 in the Baiyun District of Guangzhou. The 7,000-square-meter facility blends historical archives with an AI-driven system that synthesizes custom perfumes tailored to each visitor’s sensory preferences.
From Ancient Egypt to the Song Dynasty
Located on Longgui Street near the Longgui metro station, the museum spans six floors. The heart of the facility is the “World Fragrance” exhibition hall on the second and third floors. Spanning more than 3,000 square meters, this section houses over 300 unique scents.
The exhibits trace the evolution of scent from the incense of ancient Egypt to the imperial traditions of the Song Dynasty.
The Synesthesia of Scent
On the fourth floor, the experience shifts from history to biology. Titled “Synesthesia of Scent,” this level explores how smell interacts with other human senses.
The museum employs more than 50 interactive fragrance devices. By linking scent with sound, touch, taste, and color, the installation attempts to bridge the gap between emotional memory and technology.
Cyber Fragrance and AI Customization
The visit is tracked digitally. Upon entry, guests receive a card used to interact with exhibits throughout the building. Every time a visitor taps their card near a display they find appealing, the system registers a preference.
This data feeds into an AI-powered “cyber fragrance design” process. At the end of the tour, the system analyzes the collected selections to formulate a bespoke perfume and a personalized scent-experience report.
The technical engine of this process resides in the basement, which houses the Xuelei Perfume Academy, the Atelier de Parfum, and the Fragrance Workshop.
Three Decades of Olfactory Research
The museum is an extension of Xuelei, the oldest and largest perfume and fragrance firm in China. Over the past 30 years, Xuelei’s research and development spans disinfection products, home fragrances, and personal care.
The facility, located at No. 1 Ketai 2nd Road in the Baiyun District, is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with last entry at 6:30 p.m. During this trial operation period, tickets can be booked via the Dianping or Meituan apps.
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