[Sun Shangxiang cosplay] Winds by the Jiangdong Shore, Brushing the Lotus Pond and Scattering the Stars

Diving straight into the subject, let's talk about this Jiangdong Sun Shangxiang look. In terms of costume, I chose a modified Traditional Chinese style Qipao; the dark green fabric paired with black half-sleeves genuinely tests one's figure. The advantage of this outfit is that it allows very nimble, uncluttered movement, and the black staff prop in hand had just the right weight, immediately evoking the presence of a Jianghu weapon. The shoot location was deliberately chosen beside a sprawling Lotus pond, where vast spreads of green leaves cradled pink lotuses, pairing surprisingly well with the tones of this outfit. For makeup, to look both coolly alluring and heroic, I tried green colored contacts several times; paired with long black hair and those two large bows, the character's presence came together in an instant. The sun was blisteringly harsh on the shoot day, and the photographer was constantly guiding my poses by the railings to scout the best angles.

We repeatedly adjusted our angles to find postures that conveyed the martial weight of a Jianghu weapon without obscuring facial details. To inject a sense of dynamic motion, I tested several different poses—like perching on the railing or extending a hand toward the camera to give the shots more interactive tension. Honestly, striking such large physical poses outdoors was exhausting, especially with the wig getting slightly ruffled by the wind and needing constant tidying.

The makeup also took considerable thought: a clear, clean base with the main focus placed on defining the eyes. To emphasize a cool, fierce, yet charming vibe, the eyeliner was elongated and the eyelashes were applied with fine precision, making the gaze look intensely spirited when paired with green contacts. In daily life, I rarely have the chance to try such a cool, badass look, but slipping into this outfit, holding the staff, and standing before the lens instantly stoked my inner fire.

Since I was portraying Sun Shangxiang, that uninhibited, bold, and untamed personality had to be communicated through body language as well. For example, reaching a hand toward the lens was meant to create an interactive touch that broke the fourth wall. As folk of the Jianghu who pay no heed to trivial constraints, the clash between these cool hues and the warm-toned lotus blossoms and leaves also served as an interpretation of the character's temperament. The reflections of sunlight dancing on the ripples of the lotus pond, combined with the rustic grain of the wooden railing, added a palpable sense of storytelling to the frame.

Finally, huge thanks go to the accompanying photographer, as this shoot required not only rapid capture of dynamic motion but also adapting to outdoor light shifts. In the final photos, whether in foreground perspective or close-up expressions, the aura true to the character was captured thoroughly. Many bloopers and laughs occurred during the shoot—especially when the staff prop was too long and bonked my head—but the overall experience was fantastic. Although prep was tedious, such as washing the wig and ironing the garments, the moment I saw the final photos made every bit of effort worthwhile. The Jianghu road is vast and long, and this Traditional Chinese style Qipao look was a truly special endeavor; I hope this soaring, spirited energy reaches everyone who sees it.