How to Use Chinese Incense: A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Each Type

Chinese incense comes in many forms, and each one has a unique way of being burned. Understanding how to use each type properly helps you enjoy its fragrance and beauty while ensuring safe and complete burning.

In this guide, we explain how to use five traditional forms of Chinese incense: stick incense, coil incense, tower incense, backflow cones, and powder incense with pattern stamps.

1. Stick Incense

How to use:

1. Insert the incense stick into a holder or a bowl of fine ash or sand.

2. Light the tip until you see a steady flame.

3. Gently blow out the flame or use your hand to fan it out softly.

4. The ember will glow, releasing thin aromatic smoke.

To extinguish:

• Let it burn completely or Gently press the ember into ash or sand.

Safety Tips:

• Keep away from flammable items.

• Burn in a well-ventilated area.

• Do not leave unattended.

• Stick incense can burn for 30-45 mins.

2. Coil Incense

How to use:

1. Place the coil on a dedicated coil incense holder that lifts the coil off the base.

2. Light the outer end of the spiral.

3. Once a flame appears, softly blow or fan it out.

4. The ember will follow the spiral inward as it burns.

To extinguish:

• Use a small metal lid or gently press the ember into ash.

Why use a holder:
Without a raised holder, contact with ash or insulation pads may block airflow and cause the coil to go out early.

Safety Tips:

• Burn on a heatproof surface.

• Place away from drafts.

• Coil incense can burn for 1–4 hours.

3. Cone Incense

How to use:

1. Place the cone upright on a ceramic or metal incense plate.

2. Light the pointed tip until a flame appears.

3. Wait a few seconds, then blow or fan the flame out.

4. Watch as gentle smoke rises from the tip.

To extinguish:

• Transfer to an ash bed or cover the top with a spoon or pinch of sand.

Safety Tips:

• Do not place directly on wood.

• Always burn on a fireproof surface.

• Burn time: around 15–30 minutes.

4. Backflow Incense Cones

How to use:

1. Choose a backflow incense burner with a dedicated smoke path.

2. Align the hole in the bottom of the cone with the hole on the burner.

3. Light the cone’s tip until a flame appears.

4. Wait a few seconds, then gently blow or fan the flame out.

5. The smoke will begin to flow downward from the base, creating a waterfall effect.

To extinguish:

• Move the cone to an ash bed or use sand to cover the ember.

Maintenance tips:

• Backflow incense leaves a sticky residue as the smoke condenses.

• Clean the burner regularly to remove stains or oil buildup.

• Use a soft cloth or alcohol wipe for cleaning.

Enjoy the view:
This is one of the most visually pleasing incense types. Watch the smoke cascade slowly for a peaceful moment.

5. Powder Incense with Pattern Stamp

This traditional incense style is used with a brass incense stamp and fine incense ash.

How to use:

1. Pour a layer of incense ash into a burner bowl.

2. Use a pressing tool to gently flatten the ash.

3. Take a sweeping brush to clear excess ash from the burner edges.

4. Place the brass incense stamp flat on the ash surface.

5. Fill the pattern with incense powder using a spoon.

6. Carefully remove the stamp to leave a clean incense pattern.

7. Light one edge of the pattern using a long match or thin stick.

8. The pattern will slowly burn inward.

To extinguish:

• Interrupt the burn by pressing a pinch of ash on the glowing area.

Safety Tips:

• Keep away from fans or air movement.

• Use in a quiet, still space.

• Burn time depends on design size.

General Usage and Safety Reminders

• Always use a heat-resistant incense holder.

• Never leave burning incense unattended.

• Place incense away from curtains or paper.

• Use in well-ventilated spaces, especially when burning multiple pieces.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets. (Our incense is made from 100% natural herbs and plants, and is generally safe for most children and pets in ventilated spaces. If any discomfort occurs, stop burning immediately and air out the room.)
  

Final Thoughts

Learning to burn Chinese incense properly brings new depth to your daily life. Each type offers something special — from the quiet beauty of a stick to the flowing mist of a backflow cone.

Take your time to discover what works best for your space and rhythm. The right tools and small rituals can turn a simple moment into something meaningful.