Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor: Tradition Meets Modern Simplicity

Retro-inspired baijiu packaging redefines elegance and brand identity

Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor, designed by Liandong Zhang and Xueqian Zhang, seamlessly blends historical homage with contemporary aesthetics, setting a new standard in baijiu packaging.

Baijiu, a traditional Chinese spirit, has long been associated with ornate and classic packaging. The Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor project challenges this convention by embracing four central concepts: the nostalgic spirit of modernity, a sense of unfamiliar déjà vu, industrial customization, and enhanced value for foundational products. The design retains iconic elements such as the plum bottle and butterfly label, infusing them with a retro yet graceful quality that appeals to modern sensibilities. This approach not only strengthens consumer recognition of the Yanghe brand but also pays tribute to its rich heritage.

Distinctive features set this packaging apart from its peers. The blue-green hue of the bottle stands out on shelves typically dominated by clear or white bottles, instantly capturing consumer attention. The classic "butterfly label" has been optimized for simplicity, with clean lines and carefully curated color combinations. This fusion of traditional motifs and contemporary minimalism results in a packaging design that is both timeless and fashion-forward.

The realization of the Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor bottle is rooted in the philosophy of "avenue to simplicity, historical glory." Crafted from crystal glass, the bottle evokes the image of liquid moonlight, while its unique goat-horn structure references the classic "goat" pattern associated with Yanghe. This innovative form represents a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and futuristic design, redefining baijiu aesthetics with cultural confidence and exceptional quality.

Technical specifications further highlight the attention to detail: the bottle measures 76mm by 76mm by 257mm and weighs 520g, while the box measures 253mm by 253mm by 267.5mm and weighs 860g. The packaging’s tactile and visual qualities reinforce its premium positioning, elevating the perception of naked bottle liquor and reshaping the brand’s foundational image.

Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor’s design journey was not without challenges. Balancing the collision of traditional and fashionable styles required careful consideration, especially in retaining the historical honor of Yanghe and Yanghe Daqu. The result is a packaging solution that successfully merges classic elegance with modern simplicity, earning the prestigious Golden A' Packaging Design Award in 2025 and setting a benchmark for future innovations in the industry.

By reimagining baijiu packaging through a lens of cultural reverence and modern design, Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor invites consumers to rediscover the brand’s legacy while embracing a new era of style and sophistication.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Heijie He
Image Credits: Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd
Project Team Members: Liandong Zhang, Xueqian Zhang, Chenchen Li, Ruidong Hua
Project Name: Yanghe Naked Bottle Liquor
Project Client: Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd


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