Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts · CLIENT: Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts
Yin Yi Hu is a brand identity and packaging design created for a contemporary gin. The design translates the folk art of Yichuan paper cutting into a geometric visual system applied to the logo, the label and the packaging. The motifs are built on a parametric grid and align into a complete symbol when the bottle is held upright. The bottle holds 500 ml and is made of high clarity flint glass. Labels are printed by offset with matte lamination and selective varnish. The intent is to connect the cultural heritage of the Yellow River with modern design.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Yinyi Hu is a contemporary brand rooted in the cultural heritage of the Yellow River. It transforms the traditional art of Yichuan paper cutting into a refined geometric visual system expressed through its logo, packaging, and brand environment. Unlike conventional gin brands, it integrates regional storytelling with modern aesthetics. Its strength lies in turning intangible cultural heritage into a distinctive, premium identity that unites craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary design.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Bottle capacity 500 ml. Bottle dimensions 75 mm x 75 mm x 230 mm. Glass thickness 3.5 mm, high clarity flint glass. Aluminum screw cap 30 mm diameter with tamper evident seal. Label 210 mm x 90 mm, 120 gsm coated art paper with matte lamination and selective UV. Secondary carton 160 mm x 80 mm x 260 mm, 350 gsm FSC certified board. Transport carton 400 mm x 330 mm x 280 mm, double wall corrugated board.
- Tags
- Yellow River Culture, Contemporary Gin, Cultural Branding, Packaging Design, Yichuan Paper Cutting, Geometric Visual System, Premium Spirits, Heritage Innovation
- Production Technology
- The visual system was developed through parametric grid construction and modular geometric reduction derived from Yichuan paper cutting motifs. Vector based refinement ensured scalability across formats. Packaging utilizes CMYK plus spot color offset printing with high density inks, combined with matte lamination and selective UV varnish to enhance contrast. Structural packaging prototypes were tested using digital mockups and 3D render validation prior to mass production.
- Design Challenge
- The primary challenge was translating profound Yellow River cultural symbolism into a contemporary gin brand without falling into superficial decoration. Historically and socially, the risk lay in misinterpreting intangible heritage or reducing it to visual ornament. Externally, constraints included alcohol packaging regulations, production tolerances, material limits, and cost control. Balancing cultural authenticity, premium positioning, structural feasibility, and scalable manufacturing required continuous refinement and cross disciplinary coordination.
- Project Duration
- The project commenced in March 2025 in Xi'an, China, and was completed in January 2026 in Xi'an. All phases, including cultural research on Yellow River heritage, concept development, visual system construction, packaging engineering, prototyping, and production supervision, were carried out locally. The final outcome was prepared for professional presentation and industry exhibition in 2026.
- Operation Flow
- The Design is designed for an intuitive and engaging experience. The bottle opens with a smooth twist cap and a controlled pour neck to ensure precise serving. The visual system guides interaction, as the geometric motifs align when the bottle is held upright, creating a complete cultural symbol. The structured gift box unfolds in layers, revealing the bottle gradually, enhancing anticipation. This layered interaction elevates ritual, strengthens brand memory, and creates a refined tasting experience.
- Research
- Cultural and design driven applied research. Research Objectives: To translate Yellow River heritage into a contemporary gin identity. Methodology: Visual analysis and iterative prototyping. Data Collection and Research Tools Used: Field studies, archival review, sketches and digital modeling. Participants or Experiments: Designers and local cultural references. Results: A coherent visual and structural system. Insights and Impacts: Heritage can drive premium branding. Effect: Strengthened cultural value in business and design practice.
- Inspiration
- The project was inspired by the cultural heritage of the Yellow River, particularly the folk art of Yichuan paper cutting. I aimed to transform traditional cultural symbols into a contemporary beverage brand that integrates taste and visual experience. My motive was to create a cultural carrier that connects tourism with local identity, allowing consumers to experience regional culture through modern design and packaging.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: Designers Ma Lan and Jinyuan Zhang (Product Designer / Visual Designer), Zhanlu Sweet and Moisturizing Tea Main Packaging, 2026.
Image #2: Designers Wang Yinghua and Huang Wanhui (Illustrator / Graphic Designer), Botanical and Han Inspired Illustration Series, 2026.
Image #3: Designers Xu Lianfa, Xinyan Shen and Tang Guangyi (Packaging Engineer / Visual Designer), Light Luxury Gift Box Structure and Visual System, 2026.
Image #4: Designers Ma Lan, Wang Yinghua, Wenjie Zhong, Aiwen Shen and Huang Wanhui (Product Designer / Illustrator / Graphic Designer), Ingredient Visualization and Cultural Motif Development, 2026.
Image #5: Designers Ma Lan, Tang Guangyi, Xu Lianfa (Product Designer / Visual Designer / Packaging Engineer / Design Coordination), Integrated Packaging and Structural Realization, 2026. - Patents
- Copyrights belong to Lan Ma
Trademark (2026) Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts.
Patent Pending. Patent Holder: Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. 2026. China.
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