Kynam Anecdotes

Among the interesting stories surrounding Kynam agarwood, the most well-known is its connection to the origin of Hong Kong’s name. According to folklore, the waters around Hong Kong Island were once a vital hub for spice trade in ancient times, especially for high-quality Kynam agarwood, which was shipped from here to the mainland and overseas. At that time, there were dedicated spice warehouses on the island, where fishermen and merchants often loaded, unloaded, and dried agarwood. Over time, this harbor came to be called “Xiang Jiang” (Fragrant River), and the island itself was named “Hong Kong” (Fragrant Harbor) for its association with spices. The fragrance of Kynam subtly left the earliest mark on this city.

Another delightful anecdote lies in the leisurely pursuits of ancient literati. It is said that a scholar in the Song Dynasty received a small piece of Kynam as a gift. Reluctant to burn it as incense, he crafted it into a fragrance pendant to carry with him. One day, while playing chess with a friend, he grew restless after sitting for a long time. By chance, he caught the cool, sweet aroma of Kynam emanating from his clothing, and his irritability vanished instantly—he even turned a losing game into a victory. Afterward, he often said, “Kynam is not merely fragrance; it is truly a mind-soothing chess companion.” This story added a touch of “elegant inspiration aiding thought” to Kynam’s reputation among literati, infusing its mystique with a hint of everyday warmth.