Love Hanshui: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Water Packaging

Yanhui Zhang's Award-Winning Design Celebrates Wuhan's Wetland Heritage

Wuhan's recognition as an "International Wetland City" has sparked a creative endeavor in the form of the Love Hanshui water packaging series. Yanhui Zhang, the visionary behind this project, drew inspiration from the city's rich wetland ecosystem and its rare native fauna. The design intricately weaves the imagery of four animals, each symbolizing a season, with the scenic beauty of Wuhan's wetlands and landmarks, using the traditional medium of Chinese ink painting.

What sets Love Hanshui apart is its commemorative nature and the innovative approach to design. The series not only celebrates Wuhan's environmental accolades but also stands as a testament to the city's cultural legacy and commitment to ecological preservation. The packaging features a unique blend of abstract and concrete artistry, showcasing the finless porpoise, blue headed duck, black stork, and elk amid the local landscapes, all rendered in the timeless style of Chinese ink painting.

The production of Love Hanshui utilizes a specialized heat shrink label process with spot color printing, ensuring the vivid portrayal of the wetland scenery and its inhabitants. The technical specifications, including the bottle's dimensions, were meticulously considered to enhance the visual appeal and ensure practicality. The design team, led by Zhang and including Xia Ling, Zhou Xiaoli, Zhang YuXuan, and Xu Yanliang, worked collaboratively to bring this concept to fruition.

Love Hanshui's design is not just visually arresting but also interactive. The integration of AI technology allows consumers to scan a QR code on the label and experience a dynamic, three-dimensional view of the artwork. This innovative feature not only engages customers but also elevates the storytelling aspect of the packaging, inviting a deeper appreciation of Wuhan's wetland heritage.

The project, which commenced in February 2023 and concluded in April 2023 in Wuhan, was underpinned by extensive research. The design team delved into the local ecology to identify elements that resonate with the community while also exploring the profound cultural significance of Chinese art. Overcoming the challenge of seamlessly blending animal figures with landscape imagery in traditional ink painting required a deep study of ancient works and meticulous iterations.

Love Hanshui's design excellence has been recognized with a Silver A' Packaging Design Award in 2024, a testament to its outstanding creativity, technical prowess, and innovative spirit. This accolade underscores the design's capacity to evoke positive emotions and captivate audiences through its embodiment of Wuhan's environmental and cultural identity.