Silk Road Fund: A Symbol of Cultural Exchange and Financial Support

Blending the Essence of the Land and Maritime Silk Road

The Silk Road, a historic trade route connecting the East and West, has been a symbol of cultural exchange and economic cooperation for centuries. In an effort to pay homage to this rich heritage, Dongdao Creative Branding Group designed the Silk Road Fund logo and visual identity (VI) as part of the larger "The Belt and Road Initiative" proposed by the People's Republic of China.

The logo's outline is round, with a square shape inside, reflecting the traditional Chinese belief of "Earth as square, heaven as round." This design choice embodies the Fund's commitment to inclusiveness and mutual benefit.

By absorbing the characteristics from both the land and maritime Silk Road, the designers at Dongdao Creative Branding Group created a logo that resonates with the essence of both desert and ocean. The undulating lines connecting the symbols form the shape of an ancient coin, symbolizing the financial features of the Fund.

The unique properties of silk, such as its glossy, soft, and ductile texture, served as inspiration for the auxiliary graphics in the logo. The arrangement, movement, twisting, and overlapping lines in the design reflect the properties of silk fibers, representing the common pursuits of all nations involved in the Silk Road initiative.

The Silk Road Fund, following a philosophy of openness and inclusiveness, provides funding and financing support for trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity. It aims to foster collaboration and strengthen relationships between nations along the Silk Road.

The project, which started in January 2015 and concluded in August 2015, was carried out by the talented team at Dongdao Creative Branding Group in Beijing. Their meticulous research and dedication to capturing the essence of the Silk Road resulted in a design that embodies cultural exchange and financial support.

The Silk Road Fund's exceptional design was recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2017. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Silk Road Fund logo and VI were commended for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world.