[Xie Yuchen cosplay] Young Xiao Hua from The Grave Robbers' Chronicles, Clad in a Red Robe

I finally got the chance to capture this red robe look of young Xie Yuchen on camera. Many friends previously asked me about the concept behind this Traditional Chinese style cosplay; in fact, it's a recreation of Xiao Hua from The Grave Robbers' Chronicles—the one known for his iconic pink shirt and red robes. As a cosplayer, accurately grasping the soul of the character from the wig down to the outfit is essential. For the young version of Xie Yuchen, that subtle youthful pride combined with the noble elegance of a prominent family's heir was what I most wanted to express this time.

Let's talk about the details of this outfit first. The red mandarin-collar coat I'm wearing is crafted from a fabric with a silky satin luster. The bright red looks exceptionally flattering on camera and naturally carries a classical grace. The collar design is particularly unique—intricate hollowed-out metal frog buttons paired with cloud-shoulder embroidery featuring gold thread on a white base along the collar edge, which is remarkably delicate. The embroidery across the shoulders and chest features handmade butterflies and flowers, where interwoven silk threads of different colors create a subtle gradient effect under the light. The yellow tassel detail below is also full of charm; though just a small pendant, it adds a vibrant, dynamic touch to the entire garment.

Next, I have to give a special mention to this Traditional Chinese style wig. As anyone familiar with cosplay knows, styling wigs for male characters is the ultimate test of skill. To accurately portray young Xie Yuchen's voluminous, layered, and slightly textured boyish hairstyle, I put a great deal of effort into this wig. The bangs across the forehead were styled with a deliberate C-curve to frame the face, and the sides were cut into wispy layers. The overall look avoids a stiff, rigid ancient style, instead leaning into a dashing and effortless feel. I spent a long time adjusting it to make sure the hairline and sideburns blended seamlessly without looking bulky or helmet-like. For makeup, I kept it light and breathable, focusing on subtle adjustments with eyeshadow and eyeliner to slightly elongate the eyes for a sharp and energetic look. I avoided overly heavy colors on the eyes mainly to highlight the clean, bright gaze of a youth.

For the shoot, I chose a casual indoor environment and took the photos with my phone. While the angles might not be as dramatic as those in a professional studio, I feel this approach captures a more natural and relaxed mood. I adjusted the angles slightly, and in photo 3, the lighting fell into place perfectly—the wig's shadow didn't obscure my face, keeping the contours and expressions crisp and clear. Before preparing for this child form cosplay, I actually revisited the descriptions of Xie Yuchen in the original novel. Although young Xiao Hua was born into a prominent clan, he lacked any arrogant aloofness, carrying instead the clarity of youth; yet, I also wanted to preserve the subtle sharpness hinting at his future as the head of the Xie family. Therefore, in the first photo, my expression is somewhat restrained and tranquil; in the second and third photos, I offered a gentle smile to channel the spirited boy of the Mystic Nine.

Many cosplayers prefer heavily retouched and overly elaborate edits, but with this Xie Yuchen cosplay in child form, I wanted to preserve some natural, grounded elements. I believe in great cosplay, capturing the spirit is far more challenging than merely replicating the physical appearance. A photograph only captures a split second, but demeanor and aura are the true keys to making a character instantly recognizable. I deliberately avoided striking an overly solemn or domineering pose, because the young Xie Yuchen represents a stage in life not yet entirely enveloped by the burdensome fate of the Jianghu. While this outfit features traditional design elements, wearing it serves as both an exploration for myself and a heartfelt tribute to the vast world of The Grave Robbers' Chronicles. In my mind, the color of young Xie Yuchen should be a warm red rather than a somber black.

While organizing these photos, I thought about shooting a set of his adult version in the future if the opportunity arises, perhaps pairing it with a folding fan as a prop. For now, this set of costume test selfies has completely lived up to my expectations. Wearing this red robe with tassels, carefully finishing the makeup, and donning the wig felt like genuinely touching the very beginning of a story. I hope fellow fans of The Grave Robbers' Chronicles will smile upon seeing this look and appreciate the thoughtful touches woven into this cosplay styling. This post is primarily to share my first impressions of this new character look.