Liangzhu Culture: A Toy Set Bringing History to Life

Reviving the Late Neolithic Age Through Play

By Qiu Liwei

In an effort to preserve and promote the traditional Liangzhu culture, designer Qiu Liwei has created a unique toy set that brings the late Neolithic Age to life. Inspired by the need to protect and inherit this ancient culture, the Liangzhu Culture toy set simulates the life scenes of the Liangzhu State, offering a fun and educational way to understand the cultural deposits and traditional techniques of the era.

The Liangzhu Culture toy set stands out for its interactive and immersive approach to history. By combining a specific cultural theme with the game of make-believe, children are able to experience history in a more intuitive way. Through play, they not only learn about the past, but also enjoy the process.

The game is designed to follow the archaeological process, with each game representing a mysterious mining operation. Players can engage in make-believe scenarios using the excavated objects, simulating the life and operations of the ancient Liangzhu State. This hands-on approach allows children to actively participate in history, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture of the late Neolithic Age.

The Liangzhu Culture toy set is made from high-quality plastics and sands, ensuring durability and authenticity. The Character Building Block Set, with dimensions of 71mmx38mmx87mm, offers a detailed representation of the characters and costumes of the Liangzhu era. The set is packaged in a compact box measuring 340mmx240mmx150mm, making it easy to store and transport.

Developed over a period of 11 months from March 2020 to February 2021, the Liangzhu Culture toy set is the result of extensive research and collaboration. The team, which includes designers Shi Xiaoming, Gu Yani, Jian Lei, Du Chen, and Shao Jian, analyzed the current state of museum souvenirs and the expectations of the Liangzhu Museum. The goal was to create a highly recognizable and unique product that would appeal to tourists and history enthusiasts.

The Liangzhu Culture toy set has received recognition for its innovative approach. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Toys, Games, and Hobby Products category in 2021. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.

With the Liangzhu Culture toy set, Qiu Liwei and the design team have successfully brought history to life in a captivating and educational way. By engaging children in interactive play, they are fostering a deeper connection to the past and ensuring the preservation and inheritance of the rich Liangzhu culture.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Qiu Liwei
Image Credits: Image #1: Shao Jian, 2021 Image #2: Jiang Lei, 2021 Image #3: Jiang Lei, 2021 Image #4: Jiang Lei, 2021 Image #5: Jiang Lei, 2021
Project Team Members: Designer: Qiu Liwei Designer: Shi Xiaoming Designer: Gu Yani Designer: Jian Lei Designer: Du Chen Designer: Shao Jian
Project Name: Simulated Life
Project Client: Qiu Liwei


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