During a business trip to Jilin City, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of a shop called "Bei Mo Ting," which is perfect for cosplay shoots. Initially, a friend simply recommended it for its tasty BBQ, but upon arrival, I realized the decor felt practically tailor-made for ACG photography.
The character I cosplayed this time is Diaochan from Honor of Kings. Regarding this outfit, I'd like to share a few details with everyone. To match the character's ethereal vibe, I selected gradient white-and-blue gauze sleeves and hair ornaments. For the wig, I chose silver-white short hair with rich layers, which, paired with elf ear props and a sapphire forehead jewel, made the overall makeup look cooler and crisper. The metallic accessories and waist ornaments reflect light beautifully under night illuminations, which was why we ultimately decided to shoot at night.
Speaking of the decor, the owner really understands the needs of cosplayers. The store features an independent small courtyard decorated with numerous bamboo screens and climbing vines. The biggest surprise for me was the huge glowing moon lamp in the courtyard, serving as one of the best light sources for nighttime photography. Using backlighting techniques, the photographer helped me capture many atmospheric photos. The red lanterns, wooden tables and chairs, and greenery on site nicely offset the character's aloof demeanor, making the final photos feel closer to natural daily life. Combined with warm night spotlights, the photos preserve the cozy, lively vibe of a traditional Chinese courtyard while displaying Diaochan's dreamy yet agile charm. Free from the stiffness of indoor studios, this outdoor real-scene setting pulls the character into reality, creating a delightfully realistic "goddess visiting a night market" contrast.
This shoot was a three-person team bonding session, and us cosplayers shared great synergy. Beyond posing on wooden tables and bamboo chairs in the courtyard, we also tried interacting at the entrance and dining areas. Special thanks to photographer Brother Ying, who is fantastic at capturing dynamic moments—such as the instant where I reach out to interact with a butterfly in the photo. Though it was just a simple gesture, his lens precisely captured the metallic accessory textures and fluffy white hair.
As for the BBQ restaurant experience itself, it was truly a fantastic value. During shooting breaks, we ordered some signature grilled meats. The meat was indeed tender and juicy as described, with pork belly grilled to sizzling, fragrant perfection. Paired with the house special dipping sauce, it instantly cured all fatigue from the shoot. This experience of "eating BBQ while taking gorgeous photos" during our casual cosplay routine is something no cosplay lover could resist.
Here are some practical tips for shooting here: First, since the courtyard is an outdoor environment with quite a few mosquitoes, bringing mosquito repellent is strongly recommended. Second, the artificial moon lamp is a special lighting prop, so shooting in the evening or at night yields the most dreamlike results. If visiting specifically for photos, it's best to arrange the timing with the owner in advance. If you want to capture a cozier atmosphere, you can even talk to the owner about borrowing a charcoal fire scene to blend BBQ with cosplay, creating truly unique photos. This Jilin City store exploration left me with wonderful memories. This place naturally blends warmth with dreaminess, making it an excellent choice whether you're explicitly cosplaying or gathering with friends to feast on grilled meat. I hope to come back next time to unlock even more fun photo spots!