Xiao Guan Tea: A Modern Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Revitalizing Chinese Tea Culture with a Stylish Twist

With its visually pleasing tone, stylish and exquisite design, Xiao Guan Tea breaks through traditional expressions and embraces a sense of fun. Inspired by the brave and skillful Qin soldiers in warfare and the galloping horses carrying the tribute tea of the masters, this design represents the collision of Qin culture and tea culture, weaving together history and modernity.

As a new player in the "modernist Chinese tea" industry, Xiao Guan Tea brings a modern aesthetic to Chinese tea. Located in Xi'an, the ancient capital of the 13th Dynasty, this brand draws inspiration from the rich history that has nurtured many city landmarks and cultural symbols. By hosting the Xiaoguancha tea meeting in Xi'an, the brand aims to create an intersection of tradition and modernity, integrating culture and fashion.

The unique properties of Xiao Guan Tea lie in its ability to combine the essence of Qin culture with a contemporary twist. The visual elements of the packaging feature reimagined terracotta warriors and horses from the Qin dynasty, infused with modern illustrator forms. This creative approach creates a storyline centered around small cans and the world, sparking a collision between the terracotta warriors and horses and the new tea culture.

The realization of this design is achieved through techniques such as screen printing, hot stamping, and stamping. The dimensions of the packaging measure 32cm x 8cm x 8cm, providing an elegant and compact presentation for the tea.

Drawing inspiration from the Qin terracotta warriors and horses, which best represent the history of Xi'an, Xiao Guan Tea aims to create a captivating visual experience. The compatibility of the imagery faced numerous challenges, as the fusion of Chinese new tea culture with the weight of Qin culture required careful consideration. However, through the creative core of fun and integration, the final result presents rich and interesting pictures and scenes that capture the imagination.

The Xiao Guan Tea project commenced in May 2018 in Xi'an and was completed in January 2019, also in Xi'an. The design team, led by Huang Yong, included members Yong Hang and Zhengyang Gu, who contributed their expertise to bring this innovative concept to life.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2019. The award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of Xiao Guan Tea, which successfully combines art, science, design, and technology. By incorporating best practices and contributing to quality of life improvements, this design truly makes the world a better place.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Yong Huang
Image Credits: Creator / Yong Hang Copywriting / Zhengyang Gu Illustrator / Xiaomi Huang
Project Team Members: Yong Hang, Zhengyang Gu
Project Name: Xiao Guan Tea
Project Client: Yong Huang


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