[Xingqiu cosplay] Genshin Impact West Lake Collaboration Check-In On-Location Record

Taking advantage of the Genshin Impact collaboration event at Hangzhou's West Lake, I specially brought my complete Xingqiu cosplay gear here for an on-location shoot. Although outdoor location shoots in the current weather can be a bit challenging, standing by the edge of West Lake made all the preparation feel completely worthwhile.

First, let's talk about the outfit. The fabric chosen for this Xingqiu outfit is relatively structured and crisp; the navy blue and white color combination looks visually clean, complemented by golden embroidery and frog button details at the collar, giving it a strong Chinese-style cosplay feel. The golden circular ornament embedded with a blue gem on the chest is crucial—it adds weight to the accessories while creating lovely light reflections. The wide white bell sleeves flutter elegantly as I move, though during the shoot, we had to be careful to avoid strong gusts blowing them around too wildly, as outdoor shoots come with many uncontrollable factors.

The wig is light blue, and the iconic cowlick tuft on top needed to be firmly set with styling products, as anime hairstyles like this easily lose shape in outdoor breezes. Shooting on-location by the lake actually requires extra effort to keep the hair and costume neat—any slight mess from the wind needs immediate adjustment.

For props, I specially brought two simulated candied haws skewers. Holding these bright red props broke up any potential visual coldness from the deep blue-and-white color palette, creating a vivid contrast while adding a touch of everyday life warmth to keep the poses natural. Holding the candied haws gave my hands natural placement that complimented my posture, helping solve spatial composition balance right from the start.

Speaking of the location, the single-arch stone bridge behind me was exceptionally photogenic. The arch's curve and its reflection on the water created a classic symmetrical composition, which, paired with the distant mountain silhouettes, evoked a serene Jiangnan water town atmosphere. Although there were many pedestrians in the distance and tourists on the bridge, using an appropriate focal length with a wide aperture softly blurred the background, turning them into subtle embellishments that didn't distract from the main subject. However, to capture shots without passersby stepping into frame, we frantically clicked the shutter during brief gaps between walking crowds—a patient yet fast-paced process that really tested the synergy between cosplayer and photographer in Cosplay photography.

As for lighting, the sky had thick cloud cover that day, providing typical overcast diffuse light. Combined with shooting near sunset or sunrise hours, the lighting was remarkably soft. This type of light is actually ideal for Chinese-style cosplay location shoots, as direct harsh sunlight can make wigs look stiff and cast harsh shadows on faces. Soft lighting beautifully preserved the texture of the garments while keeping facial features delicate.

Location shooting differs from studio shoots; choosing the right setting yields twice the result with half the effort. This West Lake collaboration check-in spot is truly iconic—integrating a game character into traditional Jiangnan gardens or lake landscapes elevates the atmosphere instantly. Walking along West Lake in this costume occasionally drew curious glances from passing tourists, but standing naturally and confidently with mutual understanding made the shoot go smoothly.

Looking through the freshly shot photos after dealing with outfit and wig maintenance outdoors, the colors and composition feel very natural. Enhanced by the collaboration event and classic scenery, the flat images gained a rich layer of cultural immersion. For fellow cosplayers wanting to shoot Chinese-style cosplay or anime location photos, finding iconic landmarks and combining them with refined props fitting the character concept will usually yield results beyond expectations.

The character of Xingqiu naturally carries a scholarly, calm aura, and pairing him with the poetic backdrop of West Lake fits his aesthetic perfectly. One of the joys of cosplay is creating a connection between a beloved character and beautiful real-world locations—a truly engaging experience.