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Oriental Aesthetics Encapsulated in Fragrance—To Summer
Have you ever experienced a scent that transports you to a specific moment on the streets of a city? As you wander through the culturally rich streets of Beijing, every corner reveals the unique fragrance of the city’s cultural heritage. Here, towering modern skyscrapers stand in striking contrast with traditional buildings, blending eras and spaces into a seamless narrative. These streets bear witness to Beijing’s transformation from a northern frontier outpost into the capital of a nation. Over time, the cityscape has evolved, yet beneath its vibrant surface lies the profound philosophy of Chinese culture. With deliberate steps, Beijing preserves its traditions, injecting them with new life, and fosters innovation through diversity, demonstrating a vibrant spirit of cultural continuity.
A stroll west of the Temple of Confucius in Beijing leads you to the Guozijian, a historic structure dating back to the Yuan dynasty. Once the highest academic institution in the nation and a place where emperors delivered lectures, this architectural gem exudes an air of elegance. Within its expansive courtyard, beautifully preserved relics evoke the scent of ink and calligraphy, resonating across centuries. Surrounded by lush greenery, red walls, and green-tiled roofs, visitors naturally find themselves at 23 Guozijian Street. This mid-Qing dynasty siheyuan (courtyard house) seamlessly integrates the Oriental aesthetic sensibility of To Summer into a minimalist modern space, using fragrance to awaken deep memories and narrate the stories of Eastern culture.
Exploring Oriental Aesthetics Through the Lens of Modernism
Founded in 2018 by Shen Li and her young team, To Summer is a fragrance brand that embraces the mystique of Eastern culture. They extract botanical scents to explore the depth of Oriental aesthetics, aiming to capture the olfactory memories deeply embedded in local communities. Before launching the brand, Shen Li worked as a fashion media editor, where she nurtured a passion for the art of refined living. During her time in the media industry, she delved into global fragrance brands and produced in-depth features, introducing lifestyle aesthetics that were still emerging within China. As her research deepened, Shen Li identified a growing trend toward the revival of Eastern culture. This realization inspired her to merge Orientalism with modernism, forging a new path in the fashion industry—leading to the creation of To Summer.
“Oriental fragrances can only be truly mastered by our own people,” Shen Li explains. For her, fragrance is a form of cultural expression, akin to how literature and art embody emotions of beauty. Through its product designs, To Summer aims to evoke imagery that resonates with the profound essence of Oriental heritage. Yet the brand’s interpretation extends beyond fragrance, striving to reshape spatial atmospheres and restore a meaningful connection between people and their cultural roots. This vision is realized through collaborations with F.O.G. Architecture, which preserved the core structure of the siheyuan (courtyard house) while carefully curating spatial layouts and selecting materials that convey the harmony of natural beauty. Minimalist design language gives shape to a sophisticated interpretation of Oriental aesthetics. The tranquil ambiance echoes the poetic spirit of the brand’s name, blending seamlessly with contemporary modern elements. This understated yet mysterious elegance brings beauty into everyday life, offering a lifestyle that feels both timeless and in tune with the present.
Sensing the Structure and Essence of the Siheyuan
The Guozijian flagship store is the second century-old residence restored by To Summer, reflecting the brand’s deep roots in Beijing. Through fragrance, the brand seeks to preserve the enduring spirit of the traditional siheyuan (courtyard house). Interpreted through the lens of deconstructivism, the architectural design by F.O.G. Architecture offers striking contrasts—aged roof tiles juxtapose with sleek floor-to-ceiling glass, breaking free from conventional notions of historical architecture. This interplay subtly narrows the distance between visitors and the heritage site, quietly inviting passersby to explore within. Upon entering, the original wooden framework and pillars are prominently showcased, embodying a dialogue between past and present. These structural elements form the skeletal framework of the space, highlighting the beauty of the building’s original design. In certain areas, walls have been replaced with glass, creating a sense of openness and transparency. Natural sunlight filters through, casting soft shadows across the off-white walls, as light and structure harmoniously interact to reflect the rhythm of passing time, inviting visitors to experience its flow firsthand.
Following its restoration, the siheyuan has been reconfigured with a deconstructed layout, transforming the once rigid structure into an open-plan space. Anchored by the concept of a Chinese courtyard, the space is designed with fluid pathways that accommodate diverse commercial needs. Visitors are free to wander through the interior, encountering displays of incense set into wall niches, while the use of natural materials, carefully calibrated lighting, and thoughtfully arranged plants shape a serene indoor landscape. This sensory experience immerses visitors in the warmth of Beijing’s hutongs, encouraging them to savor the essence of Chinese culture’s slow, deliberate pace.
