The Notes Shanghai 2026 Spring edition will take place from April 2 to 5 at the West Bund International Convention and Exhibition Center in Xuhui district, featuring more than 200 fragrance brands from around the world.

As one of Asia's largest fragrance industry events, the exhibition spans over 6,000 square meters, providing a dedicated platform for industry professionals, buyers, perfumers, and enthusiasts to connect, discover, and experience scent.

This edition will feature 10 themed exhibitions, with two highlights in particular.

Aphorisms of a Perfume: Dominique Ropion Solo Exhibition will present the work of Dominique Ropion, a leading perfumer at International Flavors and Fragrances, known for creations such as Givenchy's Ysatis and Amarige. The exhibition will showcase his signature creations and creative approach, with the perfumer appearing in the flesh to share insights into his work.

The Odyssey of Perfume History Season 2: Perfume Families returns in collaboration with Osmotheque, one of the world's leading fragrance archives. The exhibition traces the evolution of major perfume families and presents classic formulas spanning more than a century, offering visitors a chance to discover the history of scent.

Prior to the exhibition, visitors can also explore some participating brands through their retail spaces across Shanghai.

Selected fragrance stores to visit in Shanghai

Blackpaw

Founded in 2018 and based in Shanghai, Blackpaw draws inspiration from Chinese culture and everyday life. Its collections reference the "eight elegant pastimes" of traditional culture — guqin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, flowers, and tea. The brand's Nanchang Road space embodies this philosophy, featuring scent-testing tools designed around traditional objects such as inkstones.

Address: No 144 Nanchang Road, Huangpu district

Laporte

Operated by a group of fragrance enthusiasts, Laporte's Shanghai store features more than 40 niche perfume brands. Each scent comes with detailed notes, creating an experience similar to a small-scale fragrance archive. The space also hosts occasional exhibitions and sharing sessions.

Address: No 13 Huating Road, Xuhui district

Popscent Boutique

Located at Gate M West Bund Dream Center, Popscent Boutique focuses on discovering independent fragrance brands from around the world. The store presents a wide range of perfumes in a space designed to encourage open exploration, aiming to make niche fragrance more accessible.

Address: No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

Uttori

Founded in Shanghai in 2017, Uttori explores the relationship between scent and the five senses, with a focus on Chinese-inspired compositions. Its early osmanthus and wintersweet series captured the character of traditional Chinese fragrance, followed by collections such as tea mountain, moss rock, and green pine. The brand's first Shanghai store at Panlong Tiandi incorporates Jiangnan architectural elements, creating a space centered on a multi-sensory experience.

Address: Room SZ116, No 1 Alley 91, Dingyu Road, Qingpu district

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and Notes Shanghai