a mirrored water drop installation reflects the landscape of sayram lake in china
Interactive Mirrored Installation by Zhide Frames Sayram Lake
Located within the Sayram Lake scenic area in Xinjiang, China, Heart of Sayram Lake is an art installation designed by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. The installation responds to the romantic imagery of Sayram Lake, known as the ‘last tear of the Atlantic,’ while incorporating the symbolism of lifelong commitment associated with Chinese jewelry brand DR (Darry Ring) and its concept of ‘One Life, One Only, One True Love.’
Positioned alongside the 1,314 km² alpine lake, the artwork creates a landmark within the landscape while inviting visitors to participate through evolving installations and personal contributions. The design takes the form of a water droplet. A circular ripple pattern extends outward from the base, suggesting the movement of a drop touching the surface of water. At the center, two interlocking rings reference paired diamond bands, linking the natural setting with the symbolic language of commitment.
Constructed primarily from mirrored metal, the installation reflects the surrounding landscape, including snow-covered peaks, grasslands, the lake surface, and visitors. The reflective material creates a changing relationship between sculpture and environment, allowing the artwork to continuously adapt to variations in light, weather, and seasonal conditions. Hollow red wire mesh elements complement the mirrored surface, providing a contrasting material expression within the highland landscape.
all images courtesy of DR Diamond Ring
Reflective Metal and Red Mesh Shape the Interactive Landmark
The installation is designed by Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd. as an interactive structure for couples, allowing visitors to place Sayram Lake stones and DR custom heart locks inside dedicated compartments. As these elements accumulate, engraved messages and patterns gradually become visible, transforming individual participation into part of the larger composition. Filled units can be arranged into a modular landscape, making each contribution part of the evolving artwork.
The color palette draws from the natural tones of Sayram Lake: clear blue water, snow-covered mountains, green meadows, and pale sky hues. The reflective metal captures the transparency and changing atmosphere of the alpine environment, while the red mesh introduces a warmer visual element that contrasts with the surrounding cool tones.
Over time, the installation changes with the site’s environmental conditions. Shifting sunlight, clouds, wind, frost, and snow alter the reflections and appearance of the mirrored surfaces, creating different visual experiences throughout the year. Rather than remaining a static object, Heart of Sayram Lake functions as a landscape-responsive artwork shaped by natural processes and the changing conditions of the lake environment.
Heart of Sayram Lake overlooks the alpine landscape of Xinjiang
red mesh introduces a warm accent within the cool landscape
two interlocking rings form the center of the installation
the artwork references Sayram Lake’s “last tear of the Atlantic
hollow red mesh contrasts with the polished metal surfaces
mirrored metal reflects the surrounding mountains and lake
the reflective surface changes with shifting light and weather
the sculpture is designed as an interactive landmark for visitors
visitors can add custom heart locks to the installation
Heart of Sayram Lake responds to both the landscape and its visitors
reflective metal captures the changing alpine environment
project info:
name: Heart of Sayram Lake
architects: Zhide Architectural Design Consulting (Beijing) Co., Ltd.
design team: Zhengdong Li, Rubing Bai, Xu Wen
location: Sayram Lake, Xinjiang, China
client: DR Diamond Ring
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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