As international audiences increasingly explore Asian dramas beyond K-pop idol series, Scent of Love (活色生香) stands as a 2015 gem that masterfully blends Chinese cultural heritage with gripping storytelling. This 44-episode historical romance-thriller, directed by He Shupei, offers a vibrant gateway into Republican-era China through its tale of perfume dynasties, hidden identities, and transformative love. Let’s explore why this drama starring Li Yifening, Tang Yan, and William Chan should top your watchlist.
- A Plot Steeped in Sensory Seduction
Set in 1920s Xiangdu (a fictional “City of Fragrance”), the story revolves around two rival perfume families:
- Ning Zhiyuan (Li Yifeng): Heir to the Ning perfume empire, whose olfactory genius masks childhood trauma
- Lexiang (Tang Yan): A mysterious “Fragrance Witch” with supernatural scent abilities
- Wen Shiyi (William Chan): Reformed bandit turned perfume apprentice, hiding revolutionary ties
The drama’s central conflict emerges when Lexiang infiltrates the Ning family to avenge her father’s death, only to discover her childhood connection to Zhiyuan. Meanwhile, Japanese perfume magnates scheme to steal China’s aromatic heritage, weaving nationalistic themes into personal vendettas .
What elevates this beyond typical romance tropes is its synaesthetic storytelling – scenes where emotions manifest as visualized scent trails, and pivotal plot twists hinge on characters’ ability to distinguish between bergamot and osmanthus notes. This creates a uniquely immersive viewing experience .
- Cultural Archaeology Through Perfume
-Scent of Love* serves as a crash course in China’s 3,000-year perfume history:
- Ancient Techniques: Episodes feature reconstructions of Song Dynasty incense ceremonies and Ming-era distillation methods
- Symbolic Botanicals: Plum blossoms represent resilience; lotus denotes spiritual purity – flora choices deepen character arcs
- Cultural Preservation: A subplot about protecting traditional formulas from foreign exploitation mirrors real debates about IP rights in Chinese herbal medicine
The drama’s historical consultant, Professor Lin Xiaofang from Beijing Fragrance Institute, ensured accuracy in depicting Republican-era perfume workshops. Viewers gain insights into:
- Jiangnan craftsmanship: Intricate jade perfume burners
- Trade routes: How Himalayan resins reached Shanghai’s elite
- Gender roles: Women perfumers breaking into male-dominated guilds
This cultural specificity earned the drama a nomination for Best Historical Research at the 2016 Huading Awards .
- Standout Performances Redefining Idol Drama
Li Yifeng’s Career-Defining Role
As the tormented heir Ning Zhiyuan, Li sheds his “pretty boy” image through:
- Physical transformation: Masterful blindfolded scent identification scenes
- Emotional range: His breakdown upon discovering Lexiang’s betrayal (Episode 28) showcases Shakespearean intensity
- Chemistry balance: Convincingly portrays romantic tension with both Lexiang and rival perfumer Yujiao (Bai Jingting)
Tang Yan’s Dual Identity Mastery
The actress navigates:
- Lexiang’s vengeance-driven ruthlessness: Cold gazes, calculated gestures
- Hidden vulnerability: Trembling hands when handling childhood mementos
- Action sequences: Fluid martial arts during scent-theft missions
William Chan’s Breakout Performance
As Wen Shiyi, Chan delivers:
- Comic relief: His failed attempts to woo Yujiao with clumsy perfume blends
- Political nuance: Subtle hints of communist sympathies in coded dialogues
- Bromance dynamics: Heartwarming mentorship scenes with Zhiyuan
The trio’s synergy elevates the drama beyond typical idol fare, earning praise from Variety China as “a masterclass in ensemble acting” .
- Visual and Aural Feast
Cinematography
Director He Shupei employs:
- Color symbolism: Golden hues for Ning family’s traditionalism vs. silver-blue tones for Lexiang’s modernity
- Futuristic transitions: Scent molecules morphing into flashback sequences
- Battle sequences: Slow-motion perfume-bottle duels reminiscent of Crouching Tiger
Costume Design
Costume designer Zhong Jiani blends:
- 1920s Shanghai flair: Beaded qipaos with art deco patterns
- Ethnic touches: Miao silver headdresses during perfume rituals
- Futuristic elements: Lexiang’s translucent scent-collecting gloves
Soundtrack Innovation
Composer Dong Dongdong integrates:
- Traditional instruments: Guqin melodies representing ancestral bonds
- Electronic beats: Modern remixes of Jiangnan folk songs
- ASMR elements: Amplified dripping dew sounds during key scent-making scenes
This multisensory approach makes Scent of Love a pioneer in “experiential period dramas” .
- Universal Themes With Chinese Characteristics
- Identity vs. Duty
Zhiyuan’s struggle to reconcile filial piety with his love for Lexiang mirrors Confucian dilemmas, while Shiyi’s double life as revolutionary/perfumer reflects Sun Yat-sen era idealism. - Environmental Allegory
The Ning family’s deforestation for perfume ingredients warns against unchecked industrialization – a theme resonating with global climate concerns. - Feminist Undertones
Lexiang subverts traditional roles by:
- Leading fragrance research
- Rejecting marriage proposals to focus on her craft
- Physically besting male rivals in scent battles
- Why International Viewers Should Watch
- Cultural Tourism: Virtual tours of Republican-era Shanghai and Hunan countryside
- Unique Genre Blend: Equal parts romance, thriller, and historical documentary
- Short Episode Impact: 45-minute episodes with cinematic pacing, avoiding filler content
- Global Relevance: Themes of cultural preservation vs. globalization
Where to Watch
Available with English subtitles on:
- iQIYI International (1080p HD)
- Viki (with cultural annotation feature)
- Amazon Prime (selected regions)