Winter in Beijing is a time when very little grows and the only scents around are those produced from city living. It is important therefore to provide an alternative that can soften the senses and stimulate the body. Here is a range of smelly products that can do just that.

Demeter

Located in Sanlitun Village, this company tackles aromatherapy head-on with a wide selection of perfumes, rather than cosmetics.

Demeter stocks the regular range of smells, such as rose and lily, but it also attempts to recapture the essence of memories.

Among the many positive options are "bubble gum", "clean windows", "Play-doh" and "laundromat". And for those who wondered what the smell of death was like, make sure to check out "funeral home".

The company uses an "electronic nose" to analyze and replicate the aroma of food, alcohol and even feelings.

Each 30 ml bottle is priced at about 300 yuan.

Demeter

Address: SLG29, The Village, Sanlitun, Chaoyang district.

Web: www.demeterfragrance.com

Tree Lang

It might have its roots in Canada but many of Tree Lang's branches are in Beijing.

One of the brand's most popular aromatherapy products is their cypress essential oil (10 ml bottle is 177 yuan).

Extracted from high-quality cypress trees, the liquid is designed for use on oily and chapped skin - it can be applied on the body and face as a softening agent.

Company staff said the extract's light and woody fragrance is capable of lowering the impact of daily stress and frustration.

They also said it can dampen depression and is even purported to benefit the reproductive system.

Tree Lang

Address: 76 Dongsi South Street, Dongcheng district.

Web: www.treelang.com

Camenae

The name is far more confusing than the philosophy behind this company's range of products - Camenae makes oils to soften the mind.

A key product for Camenae - considered by some netizens as the Chinese alternative to L'Occitane - is an oil that is believed to counter the accumulation of daily pressure and help improve sleep (30ml bottle is 218 yuan).

Containing lavender, chamomile and orange extracts, the complex recipe has been specifically created to invigorate the spirit. This combined fragrance smells sweet and fresh but not overpowering, which allows troubled souls to drift off to sleep.

Camenae

Address: Joy City, 131 Xidan Beidajie, Xicheng district.

Web: www.camenae.com.cn

Living New Zealand

The Beijing store imports its products from - you guessed it - New Zealand.

With so many contenders for the "best aromatherapy store" in Beijing, Living New Zealand has remodeled its approach - quite literally. It sells solid aromatherapy oils. The company's main product, Patchouli, is a special blend of oil and wax that is designed to last. When melted, the aromas should induce a feeling of relaxation and calm the nervous system, but if that isn't enough, shop assistants claim it can also imbue a sense of responsibility.

And it is cheap too. A small block (roughly 2 grams) of oil costs 5 yuan and can be used at least 5 times, with larger chunks priced at 8 yuan.

Living New Zealand

Address: 104-5, Northern section of the Fourth Ring Road.

Web: www.livingnewzealand.com.cn