Qinhuai Volunteers: COVID-19 Commemorative Ticket Design

Project Type

Independent Commissioned Project

Year
Location

Nanjing, China

2022

Dimensions:

Packaging Size: 5.75 inches * 8.9 inches Ticket Size: 2.3 inches * 8 inches

My Role

Art Direction, Visual Design, Pattern Design, Packaging Structure

Software and techniques used

• Adobe Illustrator – illustration, iconography, vector refinement
• Adobe Photoshop – color adjustments, texture enhancement

Project Description

This project was commissioned by the Qinhuai District of Nanjing to design a commemorative ticket set for 40,000 volunteers who contributed to COVID-19 prevention efforts. The tickets grant free entry to five local cultural attractions as a gesture of thanks. Each ticket draws on its attraction's history, architecture, and color, while a shared layout and pattern system ties the set together.

Ticket Design

The final set holds all five tickets in one outer cover, connected as a single piece. Custom die-cut joints let volunteers tear off each ticket easily while the set still feels complete as a keepsake. Each ticket carries its own color and illustration, and a shared layout ties the series together. The set was printed in 42,000 copies.

The Final Ticket Set

  • Packaging Size: 5.75 × 8.9 in

  • Ticket Size: 2.3 × 8 in

  • Packaging Material: 300gsm copperplate paper

  • Ticket material: 156gsm copperplate paper

  • Cutting method: Custom die-cut

  • Quantity: 42,000 copies

Design Problem

The challenge was to create a ticket set that felt collectible and easy to use, with each ticket reflecting its attraction while belonging to one coherent series. The client also required connected pieces, die-cut shapes, and a compact outer package suitable for large-scale production.

Design Process

I began by researching the five attractions, collecting photography, color samples, and cultural references to understand each site's architecture and history.

Confucius Temple Dachengdian

Imperial Examination Museum of China

Memorial of Wangdaoxiean

Former Residence of Li Xiangjun

Yu Yuan Garden

Each ticket features an illustration of its attraction's distinctive architecture or story, with a color palette drawn from the site while staying in harmony with the full series

Visual Language Development

The inspiration comes from the temple’s iconic architectural silhouette, which represents the cultural heart of the scenic site.

Confucius Temple Dachengdian

The design is inspired by the museum’s landmark tower, a symbol closely tied to the history of China’s imperial examination system.

Imperial Examination Museum of China

Memorial of Wangdaoxiean

The inspiration is derived from a classical poem closely associated with the scenic spot.

The inspiration is drawn from the famous novel “Peach Blossom Fan”, which is related to the scenic spot.

Former Residence of Li Xiangjun

The inspiration comes from the garden’s signature architectural elements, blending its iconic rooflines and serene scenery into the ticket design.

Yu Yuan Garden

The ticket set packaging draws from the vibrant colors and simplified forms of modern design, integrating hues from all five tickets to create a bright, unified visual system.

Ticket Set Packaging