Lilin Village Character Design
YEAR

2021

ROLE

Character Design

OVERVIEW

This project reimagines Lilin Village in Guankou, Fujian, transforming it into a culturally vibrant community while supporting rural–industrial symbiosis. Inspired by the traditional Minnan Sword Lion, the design reconnects the village with its heritage. A teal-based color palette, accented with red, reflects the natural landscape and promotes local agriculture.

Project Theme:
Design Renewal of Lilin Village, Guankou, Fujian

Background:
Lilin Administrative Village is located in the center of Guankou Town, Jimei District. Historically, Lilin was an important transportation hub for both land and water routes. Situated at the center of the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou “Golden Triangle,” it benefited from convenient land transportation and became a bustling stop for merchants and travelers. However, the large-scale outflow of young people has led to the gradual decline of Lilin Village. This project aims to revitalize the village through design intervention and promote its sustainable development.

Village Development Goals:
To become a leisure retreat — the “back garden” of Jimei District
To form a symbiotic base where rural areas and small industrial parks develop together
To create a culturally rich and well-equipped community space for residents

Target Users:
Young people from the city
Middle-aged and elderly residents who remain in the village

Design Entry Point: The Sword Lion:
The Sword Lion (Jianshi) is a traditional Minnan symbol used to ward off evil. It is also known as “Lion Biting the Sword” or “Bagua Sword Lion,” and is one of the most representative cultural emblems of southern Fujian.
Its typical form features a lion’s head holding the Seven-Star Sword in its mouth, often combined with Bagua imagery. According to local residents, many old houses in Lilin Village once displayed Sword Lion decorations above their doorways to protect against evil spirits and harsh winds. However, very few of these symbols remain in the village today.

Color Strategy:
Inspired by Lilin Village’s natural green surroundings and the need to promote local agricultural products, we chose teal as the primary color, paired with lighter variations as supporting tones. Red was added as an accent color to create contrast and visual energy.

Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
Lilin Village Character Design
YEAR

2021

ROLE

Character Design

OVERVIEW

This project reimagines Lilin Village in Guankou, Fujian, transforming it into a culturally vibrant community while supporting rural–industrial symbiosis. Inspired by the traditional Minnan Sword Lion, the design reconnects the village with its heritage. A teal-based color palette, accented with red, reflects the natural landscape and promotes local agriculture.

Project Theme:
Design Renewal of Lilin Village, Guankou, Fujian

Background:
Lilin Administrative Village is located in the center of Guankou Town, Jimei District. Historically, Lilin was an important transportation hub for both land and water routes. Situated at the center of the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou “Golden Triangle,” it benefited from convenient land transportation and became a bustling stop for merchants and travelers. However, the large-scale outflow of young people has led to the gradual decline of Lilin Village. This project aims to revitalize the village through design intervention and promote its sustainable development.

Village Development Goals:
To become a leisure retreat — the “back garden” of Jimei District
To form a symbiotic base where rural areas and small industrial parks develop together
To create a culturally rich and well-equipped community space for residents

Target Users:
Young people from the city
Middle-aged and elderly residents who remain in the village

Design Entry Point: The Sword Lion:
The Sword Lion (Jianshi) is a traditional Minnan symbol used to ward off evil. It is also known as “Lion Biting the Sword” or “Bagua Sword Lion,” and is one of the most representative cultural emblems of southern Fujian.
Its typical form features a lion’s head holding the Seven-Star Sword in its mouth, often combined with Bagua imagery. According to local residents, many old houses in Lilin Village once displayed Sword Lion decorations above their doorways to protect against evil spirits and harsh winds. However, very few of these symbols remain in the village today.

Color Strategy:
Inspired by Lilin Village’s natural green surroundings and the need to promote local agricultural products, we chose teal as the primary color, paired with lighter variations as supporting tones. Red was added as an accent color to create contrast and visual energy.

Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
Lilin Village Character Design
YEAR

2021

ROLE

Character Design

OVERVIEW

This project reimagines Lilin Village in Guankou, Fujian, transforming it into a culturally vibrant community while supporting rural–industrial symbiosis. Inspired by the traditional Minnan Sword Lion, the design reconnects the village with its heritage. A teal-based color palette, accented with red, reflects the natural landscape and promotes local agriculture.

Project Theme:
Design Renewal of Lilin Village, Guankou, Fujian

Background:
Lilin Administrative Village is located in the center of Guankou Town, Jimei District. Historically, Lilin was an important transportation hub for both land and water routes. Situated at the center of the Xiamen–Zhangzhou–Quanzhou “Golden Triangle,” it benefited from convenient land transportation and became a bustling stop for merchants and travelers. However, the large-scale outflow of young people has led to the gradual decline of Lilin Village. This project aims to revitalize the village through design intervention and promote its sustainable development.

Village Development Goals:
To become a leisure retreat — the “back garden” of Jimei District
To form a symbiotic base where rural areas and small industrial parks develop together
To create a culturally rich and well-equipped community space for residents

Target Users:
Young people from the city
Middle-aged and elderly residents who remain in the village

Design Entry Point: The Sword Lion:
The Sword Lion (Jianshi) is a traditional Minnan symbol used to ward off evil. It is also known as “Lion Biting the Sword” or “Bagua Sword Lion,” and is one of the most representative cultural emblems of southern Fujian.
Its typical form features a lion’s head holding the Seven-Star Sword in its mouth, often combined with Bagua imagery. According to local residents, many old houses in Lilin Village once displayed Sword Lion decorations above their doorways to protect against evil spirits and harsh winds. However, very few of these symbols remain in the village today.

Color Strategy:
Inspired by Lilin Village’s natural green surroundings and the need to promote local agricultural products, we chose teal as the primary color, paired with lighter variations as supporting tones. Red was added as an accent color to create contrast and visual energy.

Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!