• HOME
  • CATEGORIES
    • World of Wonder
    • We Love Pets
    • Smell It, Taste It
    • Easy Being Green
    • Life & Styles
    • I Feel Good
  • About Symrise
  • symrise.com

always inspiring more…

symrise
  • HOME
  • CATEGORIES
    • World of Wonder
    • We Love Pets
    • Smell It, Taste It
    • Easy Being Green
    • Life & Styles
    • I Feel Good
  • About Symrise
  • symrise.com
Home  /  Smell It, Taste It • World of Wonder  /  The Scents of Shangri-La
Smell It, Taste It World of Wonder

The Scents of Shangri-La

Mar 2, 2021

Imagine yourself strolling on the sidewalk on a bright spring day. A stranger passes by, leaving a fleeting record of scent for you to explore – an enchanting blend of floral perfumery: neroli, tuberose, ylang-ylang, and magnolia. So far, so fragrant, and hardly anything out of the ordinary. And then you realize, the fresh orange juice aroma is coming from somewhere else than a cup she is holding. Actually, it comes from the fragrance itself – wrapping the florals with a freshly-squeezed, zingy sweetness, amplifying the scent. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and escape for another world, somewhere you have yet to venture. In a split of a second, the smell brings you there and takes you on an adventure to Shangri-La.

A fictional place like paradise on Earth in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, Shangri-La now takes physical form in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. It embodies all your imagination for the mythical Himalayan utopia. In fact, the scent stems from a family of Camellia, discovered on our adventure on the eastern end of the Himalayan range. 

From the novel, Shangri-La presents itself as a fantastical happy land where people live hundreds of years beyond the expected lifespan, their appearance aging only slowly. Fantasy meets reality here: the high elevation and cold climate flora provides plenty of nutrients that enable them to thrive in severe climate conditions. As a result, local plants boost multiple skincare benefits.

While skincare benefits of high-altitude flora have been known for years, their unexpected fragrances, have been discovered only recently. We often associate beautiful scents with flowers from tropical climates. Yet, high altitude flora reveals the most surprising and fascinating aromas, including some of our favorite exotic scents from this discovery:

Purple Rain: Bright fuchsia bunches of small berries (falling like rain), with the most unbelievable smell of sweet vanilla nutty coffee from your favorite barista.

Yunnan Pine: A local evergreen with needles exuding the scent of celery and carrots fresh from the farmer’s market.

Poplar: Another local variety with buds that ooze a sticky resin of intense apricot jam—sweet and enticing.

Rhododendron: When crumpled, the drab, unassuming leaves let out a sweet fragrance reminiscent of grenadine syrup.

Another draw to this region—the musk deer lives here. Due to the shrinking of its habitat, this cute miniature deer is endangered. And keeping in line with our core values of sustainability, we have supported conservation efforts to keep it protected.  

Fragrance-wise, while banned from perfumery in its natural form, musk remains one of the most evocative and iconic ingredients. Today we make synthetic, biodegradable versions, made from renewable ingredients according to the principles of Green Chemistry. We had the opportunity to smell natural musk deer pellets at the Kunming Institute of Zoology in Yunnan’s capital city on our trip. It presents warm, ambery, leathery, and overpowering scent in a wildly raw manner. Today, our synthetic musks give a long-lasting, cleaner yet sensual finish to many fragrances and are still as iconic as ever. 

The discovery of high-altitude flora and musk deer means that the most unexpected sources and locations can inspire beautiful fragrances. We find the quest for the most unique, moving ingredients worthwhile. Like the place itself, scents from Shangri-La add a bit of adventures you can wear wherever you go.  

Are you interested in learning more about unique scents? Comment below to let us know what fragrance notes you find enticing. 


Previous Article
The Seamless
Next Article
A New Wave of Wellness – At Home Rituals

Related Posts

  • World of Wonder

    Mexico – A Fiesta for Creative Souls

  • Smell It, Taste It

    Nourishing Your Little Ones

  • Smell It, Taste It

    Sea moss – a buzzy new ingredient!

symriseag

Symrise
Mexico – a Fiesta for Creative Souls The Mexica Mexico – a Fiesta for Creative Souls

The Mexican fiesta paints a colorful picture in our heads once we pronounce the word. Dancing people, colorful cloths, tasty food … This source of inspiration might elevate your creativity in design, food, and beauty in just seconds.

Teeming with cultural richness and creative diversity, destinations like Mexico City, Tulum, Guadalajara, and Oaxaca will surely awaken your senses and spark your imagination.

Click the link in our story or highlight to discover more about the impressive, inspirational design, food, and beauty offerings in Mexico!

#symrise #symriseblog #symriseag #alwaysinspiringmoreblog #symriseblog #blog #mexico
Up next in our Unique Fragrance Ingredient series Up next in our Unique Fragrance Ingredient series we present: Cannabis!

Most people know about cannabis for its recreational usage. Yet, cannabis offers so much more. Its distinguishing animalistic, herby scent can delight the senses. 

While most perfume makers try to recreate the scent of the plant, perfumer Mark Crames included the ingredient in his Cannabis Flower fragrance. This true cannabis fragrance balances the scent with notes of flower and spice.

#symrise #alwaysinspiringmore #cannabis #uniqueingredients #fragrance #scent
In honor of International Women's Day, we are cele In honor of International Women's Day, we are celebrating some of our own women (and men) all month long to share what #embraceequity  means to them. 

This highlights the progress that has been made towards gender equality and recognize the important work still ahead. At Symrise, we firmly believe our diversity represents one of our greatest advantages. 

#internationalwomensday #women #equity #diversity #equality #equityatwork #embraceequity
Next up in our series of unique fragrance ingredie Next up in our series of unique fragrance ingredients is Cactus!

A popular succulent plant, native to America with a long history of utilities including food, medicine, ritualistic ceremonies and even fragrances!

Emitting a grassy, floral, green scent extracted from blooming petals of prickly pear, cactus helps liven unisex perfumes. 

#symrise #alwaysinspiringmore #cactus #uniqueingredients #fragrance #scent
"Embrace Equity" – we support the motto of Inte "Embrace Equity" –  we support the motto of International Women's Day 2023. 

Today, we join the world to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality and recognize the important work still ahead. 
At Symrise, we firmly believe our diversity represents one of our greatest advantages. 

Between March 8 and March 31, we will feature some of our own women (and men) as they share what equity means to them. 

#internationalwomensday #women #equity #diversity #equality #equityatwork
Today, we have published our annual financial stat Today, we have published our annual financial statements and corporate report.

We thank all our employees who have helped to achieve strong growth and good profitability in 2022.

Our CEO, Dr. Heinz-Jürgen Bertram, commented the annual financial statements: "2022 was a very successful year for Symrise once again. We continued to grow profitably despite inflation and volatility in our core markets. We continued to develop our portfolio excellently through targeted acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our Outlook for 2023 is correspondingly optimistic. We believe that we will continue to grow and create sustainable value in the current year."

bit.ly/FY2022results
Today, we are presenting the Chinese Rice Flower T Today, we are presenting the Chinese Rice Flower Tree to you. The tropical plant covers itself in blooms nearly all year round. Its tiny yellow ball flowers emanate a pleasant and sweet scent resembling orange and jasmine. Its beauty enriches fragrances with its delicate facets. Stay tuned as we explore more unique fragrance ingredients this month.

#symrise #alwaysinspiringmore #chinesericeflower #chineseperfumetree #fragrance #scent
At Symrise, biodegradability forms one of the key At Symrise, biodegradability forms one of the key aspects that we assess for all of our fragrance ingredients. 

We test biodegradability using OECD or equivalent guidelines.  To help you to identify our biodegradable fragrance ingredients easily, please discover our Sustainability Flyer in our story!

#symrise #biodegradability #sustainability #fragranceingredients #fragrance
Say hello to Ragnar, the one-year-old happy, smart Say hello to Ragnar, the one-year-old happy, smart, playful pup. Ragnar loves playing in the garden. He brings his human, Pedro Soares, so much joy, comfort, kindness, passion and inspiration!

#pet series #pets #symrisepets #Alwaysinspiringmore #petsarefamily
Today on Zero Discrimination Day, we highlight our Today on Zero Discrimination Day, we highlight our daily commitment toward treating every individual with dignity. 

We promote inclusion, compassion and social equity for all.

#inclusion #zerodiscriminationday #equality #zerodiscrimination #socialequity #symrise
This goes to all new parents, who want to feed the This goes to all new parents, who want to feed their little darlings well: Are your seeking nutritious, trustworthy, and transparent infant food options? You have come to the right place!

Click the link in our story or blog highlight to discover more about Nourishing your little ones!

#symrise #symriseag #alwaysinspiringmore #alwaysinspiringmoreblog #blog #nourish #feeding #baby #children #infant
When your best friend walks on four paws, life fee When your best friend walks on four paws, life feels good! Mylene Benoit's son has developed a special bond with his best friend, their Labrador Ralph. The two of them love playing with toys and racing in the woods.

#pets #familypets #petsarefamily #dogs #puppies #symrise #symrisepets #alwaysinspiringmore
Hello violet! February birth flower - the violet Hello violet! 

February birth flower - the violet - symbolizes innocence and everlasting love. 

Violets grow in many shades of blue. Its radiant appearance makes us marvel at its beauty. Also, people have used it for centuries as a traditional cleansing herb and respiratory remedy. 

Violets lend their delicate flavor to teas, candies and cocktails. Beyond that, it also imparts a green note to fragrances in combination with cucumber peel and cut grass scents. 

#symrise #symriseag #alwaysinspiringmore #february #flower #violet
Get your manicure to the next level with booming N Get your manicure to the next level with booming Nail & Hand care!

Have you looked at your nails recently? From the tips of our fingers to the joints in our wrists, our hands and nails are often the first to show signs of wear and tear! 

Give them a special treatment and find out how nail & hand care products are leading the charge. 

Click the link in our story or blog highlight to discover more about the world of nails and hand care!

#symrise #symriseag #alwaysinspiringmore #alwaysinspiringmoreblog #blog #nailandhandcare #nails #hands #healthynailsandskin
In honor of International Love Your Pet Day, pleas In honor of International Love Your Pet Day, please enjoy these adorable pictures of the Serpas’ furbaby called Bartô. This seven-year-old lazy and sweet kitty completely holds the hearts of his family.

#pets #familypets #petsarefamily #dogs #puppies #symrise #symrisepets #alwaysinspiringmore
On Random Acts of Kindness Day let's change our at On Random Acts of Kindness Day let's change our attitude from random to a new norm of everyday. Kindness goes a long way from opening a door for someone, helping where needed and also a simple smile. Kindness can go viral. Let's spread it around. 😊 

#symrise #symriseag #alwaysinspiringmore #randomactsofkindness #kindness
Two devastating earthquakes have hit South-East Tu Two devastating earthquakes have hit South-East Turkey and North-West Syria on February 6.

They caused significant losses in both regions with many fatalities and destroyed buildings…

Symrise supports locally with donations to organizations that reach the victims directly.

We feel deeply saddened by the sufferings the earthquakes have caused.

Our condolences go to all citizens affected. Our hearts, prayers and support go to the people living there.

#symrise #turkey #syria #support
Symrise supports reforestation. We have been worki Symrise supports reforestation. We have been working with communities for several years with our initiative in Madagascar to positively impact the region’s forests.

We show you a few amazing parts of this initiative to support reforestation.

We reduce deforestation by introducing briquettes made from rice husk to offer farmers an alternative source of energy allowing 50% of energy saving. Crop diversification also helps combat deforestation. By developing ginger production, farmers can diversify their revenue without exploiting the forest.

With fewer threats, nature wins where Madagascar’s farmers win.

Click the link in our story to discover more!

#symrise #symrisag #vanilla #sustainable #sustainability #madagascar #reducingdeforestation
Follow us on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Mexico – A Fiesta for Creative Souls Mar 14, 2023
  • Nourishing Your Little Ones Feb 27, 2023
  • Get your manicure to the next level with Booming Nail & Hand Care Feb 21, 2023
  • Viva magenta! An exceptional color for an exceptional time… Feb 8, 2023
  • Sea moss – a buzzy new ingredient! Feb 6, 2023

About

  • About Symrise

Symrise News

Contact

  • Contact Symrise

Legal

  • Imprint
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookie policy
© Copyright by Symrise