Practical Study on the Creation of Visual Identity Symbols for Zhengzhou based on Traditional Culture in the New Era

Authors

  • Yinghui Du
  • Nor Syazwani Binti Mat Salleh
  • Nur Safinas Binti Albakry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/cgsyct89

Keywords:

Traditional Culture, Zhengzhou, Urban Image, Visual Identity, Semiotics, Design

Abstract

With the rapid development of urbanization and globalization, cities are increasingly engaged in competitive branding to distinguish themselves in the global market. Urban image design, particularly the creation of visual identity symbols, plays a vital role in shaping a city’s unique characteristics. Zhengzhou, a historically significant city located in the central plains of China, has yet to develop a cohesive visual identity system that represents both its rich cultural heritage and its modern aspirations. This study explores the creation of visual identity symbols for Zhengzhou, with a focus on incorporating traditional cultural elements from the Central Plains. By applying semiotics theory and visual communication design principles, this research proposes a visual identity system that not only reflects the city's historical significance but also aligns with contemporary aesthetic and functional needs. The study concludes with three design proposals for visual symbols, offering a practical reference for future urban branding efforts in Zhengzhou.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Jia K, Huang X, Qiao W, et al. Unpacking divergent Rural-urban land use dynamics in county urbanization: A comparative socio-spatial analytics Approach[J]. Cities, 2024, 154: 105343.

[2] Nguyen Minh Ngoc, Nguyen Hoang Tien. Branding Strategy for Gamuda Land Real Estate Developer in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. Celadon City Project[J]. PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION, 2021.

[3] Liu Q, Shmelova-Nesterenko O. ROLE OF DESIGN OBJECTS IN CREATING THE VISUAL IDENTITY OF A CITY BASED ON THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CHINA[J]. Art and Design, 2023(4): 45–54.

[4] Chan A, Suryadipura D, Kostini N. City Image: City Branding and City Identity Strategies[J]. 2021, 10(1).

[5] Wang Y, Feng D (William). History, modernity, and city branding in China: A multimodal critical discourse analysis of Xi’an’s promotional videos on social media[J]. Social Semiotics, 2023, 33(2): 402–425.

[6] Aiello G. Communicating the “world-class” city: A visual-material Approach[J]. Social Semiotics, 2021, 31(1): 136–154.

[7] De Jong M, Lu H. City branding, regional identity and public space: What historical and cultural symbols in urban architecture Reveal[J]. Global Public Policy and Governance, 2022, 2(2): 203–231.

[8] Aiello G. Communicating the “world-class” city: A visual-material Approach[J]. Social Semiotics, 2021, 31(1): 136–154.

[9] Udris-Borodavko N, Oliinyk V, Bozhko T, et al. Aesthetics and semiotics in 21st century visual communications: Pedagogical and sociocultural aspects[J/OL]. Research Journal in Advanced Humanities, 2023, 4(4).

[10] Fan Z-M, Zhu B-W, Xiong L, et al. Urban design strategies fostering creative workers’ sense of identity in creative and cultural districts in East Asia: An integrated knowledge-driven Approach[J]. Cities, 2023, 137: 104269.

[11] Sun Y. Exploring technological application for artistic practices in filigree jewellery design Development[J]. 2023: 31248210 Bytes. Loughborough University, 2023: 31248210 Bytes.

[12] Zhou Z, Zheng X. A Cultural Route Perspective on Rural Revitalization of Traditional Villages: A Case Study from Chishui, China[J]. Sustainability, 2022, 14(4): 2468.

[13] Mensah R O, Korankye V. The Role of Fashion in Crime Symbolism in Ghana, West Africa[J]. Deviant Behavior, 2025, 46(3): 347–364.

[14] Li G, Ratthai P. Combining Contemporary Design Principles with the Craftsmanship of Ancient Chinese Architecture[M/OL]. JAIN L C, BALAS V E, WU Q, et al., eds.//Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and Applications. IOS Press, 2024.

[15] Mansour H M, Alves F B, Da Costa A R. A Comprehensive Methodological Approach for the Assessment of Urban Identity[J]. Sustainability, 2023, 15(18): 13350.

[16] Yingzhe Z. Reform of Graduation Project Teaching in Fashion and Apparel Design Major Under Emerging Industry Trends[J]. Science Journal of Education, 2025, 13(2): 49–61.

[17] Mohammadi Aydoghmish F, Rafieian M. Developing a comprehensive conceptual framework for city branding based on urban planning theory: Meta-synthesis of the literature (1990–2020)[J]. Cities, 2022, 128: 103731.

[18] Franconeri S L, Padilla L M, Shah P, et al. The Science of Visual Data Communication: What Works[J]. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 2021, 22(3): 110–161.

[19] Yin J, Feng J, Jia M. Research on rural tourism environment perception based on grounded theory A case study of Beishan Village, Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China[J]. Heliyon, 2024, 10(11): e32373.

[20] Ouyang H, Wang X. Signs and Symbols: A Visual Culture Study of Civilization Markers in the Yangtze River Basin[J/OL]. Journal of Ecohumanism, 2025, 4(1).

[21] Husni M F D. Authenticity in islamic sacred spaces: Case studies of distinctive regional mosques[J/OL]. Journal of Socio-Cultural Sustainability and Resilience, 2024, 1(2).

[22] Zheng Q. Production of Space in Symbols: The Phenomenon of “Boat-Architecture” as a Unique Cultural Manifestation in China between 10th and 19th Century[D/OL]. TU Wien, 2023: 584 pages.

[23] Cooper C M. Design timescapes: Futuring through visual Thinking[J]. Visual Communication, 2024, 23(1): 172–188

Downloads

Published

30 May 2025

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Du, Y., Nor Syazwani Binti Mat Salleh, & Nur Safinas Binti Albakry. (2025). Practical Study on the Creation of Visual Identity Symbols for Zhengzhou based on Traditional Culture in the New Era. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 19(3), 57-61. https://doi.org/10.54097/cgsyct89