[Gongsun Li Cosplay] Honor of Kings Gongsun Li - Lihenyan Skin Convention Photos

I captured a series of on-site convention photos for Gongsun Li's Lihenyan skin at the World Line Anime Convention. The costume and props took extensive time to prepare, as I wanted to faithfully recreate that aloof, slightly fragile essence depicted in the original character art. To align with the skin's traditional ink-wash aesthetic, I selected a lustrous satin fabric complemented by metallic accessories, yielding exquisite texture under illumination—particularly the weathered chest emblems and waist clasps crafted for heightened realism.

The convention day was rather hectic with massive crowds; to secure this waterside setting, we deliberately waited until twilight when the ambient light softened. The oil-paper umbrella featured behind me was custom-made with intricate bamboo ribbing; carrying considerable weight, holding it aloft with one hand while holding a pose genuinely tested arm endurance. The companion sword, though slender, underwent multiple adjustments to its proportions and counterweight so sweeping motions would convey weightless grace paired with lethal martial intent.

For the makeup, I deepened the crimson gradients around the eyes to amplify Gongsun Li's balance of ethereal agility and sorrow. Because the Lihenyan skin design leans heavily into traditional Chinese-style ink aesthetics, I drew posing inspiration from classical dance—such as the hand seals when gripping the hilt and the circular spread of the skirt while kneeling. The floating water lilies and dynamic blue lighting wisps were embellished in post-production, though on location we deliberately utilized real pool reflections to add compositional depth.

Controlling the gaze proved the most challenging aspect. Lihenyan embodies subtle detachment—it cannot be overly sweet nor vacant, requiring a gaze that peers into the distance while seeming to look right through you. I emptied my thoughts, imagining myself as that solitary dancer sheltering beneath an umbrella in the rain, clutching a blade with unspoken burdens weighing on her heart. I spent countless hours privately practicing twirling the umbrella and unsheathing the sword, wanting a static photo to radiate dynamic cinematic tension.

From tailoring to prop crafting and lighting design, every Chinese-style cosplay demands immense creative commitment. Finding an ideal angle often meant crouching by the water's edge for extended stretches or shifting positions repeatedly to capture the perfect rim backlight. Serving simultaneously as cosplayer, photographer, and retoucher was exhausting, but seeing the final images made every effort worthwhile. The calligraphy script featured across the photos was hand-lettered during post-production, fine-tuning layer blending modes to simulate luminous ink washes floating above ripples and azure light ribbons, perfectly capturing the poetic sorrow behind the name Lihenyan.