How the Mystical Serpent Transformed Historic Shanghai Architecture?
The Weije Yang Mystical Serpent was inspired by the mythical legends surrounding the Mystery Serpent that is a symbol of transformation
The Mystical Serpent building was designed by the famous architect Weije Yang. This project stands as a captivating landmark that merges modern design with ancient mythology. The building has earned the Platinum A’Design Award in the Fine Arts & Art Installation category for redefining architectural artistry.
Image Credits: A’Design Award
Firstly, the Weije Yang Mystical Serpent was inspired by the mythical legends surrounding the Mystery Serpent that is a symbol of transformation, wisdom, and eternal life. And Yang’s design reflects the fluidity and strength of this legendary creature through its dynamic curves and reflective surfaces.
Mystical Serpent Project Details
2025 was the Year of the Snake that inspired Weije Yang to design this striking lighting art installation. Therefore, the project blends myth, architecture, and sustainability in a visually captivating experience.
Mystical Serpent Light Art Installation was installed on the facade of a century-old building in Shanghai. The project reimagines the historical structure with a winding 3D inflatable serpent that intertwines across its walls and windows. In addition, the serpent figure was also crafted from lightweight, recyclable materials, connecting the building’s past and present existence.
Specifications of the Project
The Mystical Serpent China project stands out for its impressive technical precision and innovative use of sustainable materials.
Firstly, the main inflatable serpent body ranges from 7 meters to 14 meters in length with a diameter of 1 meter. The installation features two large-scale murals: a 100-square-meter south wall and a 250-square-meter west wall. And this detail enhances the building’s visual depth and pseudo-3D illusion.
One of the key difficulties was integrating 3D inflatable structures with pseudo-3D murals across The Inlet’s century-old facade without compromising the building’s integrity. The design teams developed a custom frame system to safely support the serpent’s dynamic shape while maintaining visual harmony between the mural and the inflatable form.
The Mystery Serpent was exhibited in January 2025 in Shanghai, China. The project is more than a lighting art installation. In fact, it is a symbol of transformation, cultural harmony, and architectural rebirth.
