[Hu Tao Cosplay] Genshin Impact Lantern Rite Special: Liyue's Winter Night and Everlasting Festivities

The Lantern Rite themed makeup and photoshoot were finally organized before New Year's Eve. The entire scene setup features a traditional Chinese style with rosewood tables and chairs, paper lanterns, red gift boxes decorated with black-inked spring couplets, and peach blossom branches as accents, paired with warm yellow primary lighting to capture the rich, festive atmosphere of Liyue Harbor.

The costume design centers around a primary color scheme of white and red. Topped with a white sailor hat featuring dark round sunglasses resting on the brim, this detail gives the overall look an extra touch of vitality. The wig was specially spliced with red and brown, with distinct red highlights on the right side and reaching almost to the waist; during the shoot, a fan was used to blow it backward, creating a dynamic effect of flying hair strands. A black and red diagonally striped wide tie is tied around the neck, with a red bow tie and golden badge accessories at the neckline. The top has a wide white sailor collar, creating a striking contrast with the red short skirt below, which is printed with subtle white traditional floral patterns.

The legs are paired with black pantyhose, wearing a pair of red and white color-blocked chunky-heeled ankle boots decorated with black lines, offering a crisp shoe outline. The poses chosen for the shoot focus on interaction between body and props—such as holding the small white ghost plushie wearing a little hat, striking a peace sign at the camera, or sitting on a wooden chair leaning back with one foot slightly lifted. These movements stay as close as possible to the character's playful and lively personality.

To enhance dynamic feel in the photos, during the sitting series, we not only used wind to lift the hair, but also overlayed sparkling orange-red light points in post-processing to simulate the atmosphere of New Year fireworks or floating sparks. These lighting effects make the entire image look more vivid without letting the set look overly dull. For props, Chinese Fu knots, red hanging ornaments on the door, and spring couplet scrolls with black ink on red paper placed to the side all fit the Spring Festival theme. The candied hawthorn stick was also a very fun prop—holding it while looking back gave the composition a natural focal point.

In terms of costume tailoring, the collar and cuffs feature a looser cut so movements aren't restricted. The cinched waistline beautifully outlines the character's body proportions. What actually took the most time during this cosplay photoshoot was adjusting the curve of the wig in mid-air to ensure it flowed naturally without looking stiff. The warm light from lanterns casting onto the face provided a great soft-focus effect, which paired with everyday eye makeup and orange-red lip color to make the complexion look even healthier.

Overall, this outfit fits the timing of Lantern Rite exceptionally well. Without needing overly complex dramatic acting, simply interacting with these New Year-themed elements successfully conveys the cozy end-of-year atmosphere to viewers. Lantern Rite is Liyue's unique festival and the closest thing to real-world Spring Festival in Genshin Impact's lore. Taking this opportunity, I completed this photoset record. I hope all Travelers, while eating reunion dinners and watching fireworks during the New Year, can also remember this bustling warmth from Liyue Harbor.