Chinese Sports: A Captivating Illustration of Oriental Culture

Depicting the Wisdom and Charm of Traditional Chinese Sports

The inspiration for the illustration comes from traditional Chinese sports, which have been passed down for thousands of years. Illustrator Yanliu Cui aims to showcase the distinct Oriental cultural characteristics and the rich history of these sports, while reflecting the wisdom, imagination, and creative spirit of the ancestors. This collection of illustrations not only captures the essence of each sport but also highlights the philosophical and cultural connotations embedded within them.

A set of illustrations by Yanliu Cui brings to life traditional Chinese sports such as "acrobatics," "Cuju," "equestrian," "Five poultry opera," and "throwing." Each illustration portrays the sports in different historical contexts, combining a sense of historical weight with a vibrant energy that showcases the charm of Oriental culture.

The process of creating these illustrations involved sketching with pencil and then digitally refining them using Photoshop. The final result is a visually captivating depiction of traditional Chinese sports that captures the attention of viewers.

The specifications for printing the illustrations are as follows: Height 800mm x Width 800mm, with a data size of Height 1800mm x Width 800mm, 300dpi, RGB. These specifications ensure that the illustrations maintain their quality and detail when reproduced.

Yanliu Cui released these illustrations on the internet to attract the public and share the beauty and cultural significance of traditional Chinese sports. By showcasing these illustrations, Cui aims to foster a deeper understanding of the philosophical connotations, cultural richness, and humanistic spirit embedded within Chinese traditional sports.

The project was initiated at Northeast University in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, in December 2022 and completed in February 2023. Throughout the project, extensive research was conducted to gather historical information about the different time periods in which these sports flourished. This research, combined with the integration of modern aesthetics and traditional elements, allowed for the creation of illustrations that embody both the historical context and the vitality of the sports.

Yanliu Cui's illustrations have received recognition for their outstanding creativity and ingenuity. The design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Graphics, Illustration, and Visual Communication Design category in 2023. This prestigious award honors designs that demonstrate exceptional technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.

Through the captivating illustrations of traditional Chinese sports, Yanliu Cui not only showcases the beauty and cultural richness of Oriental culture but also pays homage to the wisdom and creativity of ancient Chinese ancestors.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yanliu Cui
Image Credits: Cui Yanliu, Zhang Jiayu, Ju Jijing, 2022.
Project Team Members: Yanliu Cui
Project Name: Chinese Sports
Project Client: Yanliu Cui


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