Today marks the official release of my Yanfei cosplay photos from BilibiliWorld 2024. As a practicing lawyer in real life, putting on this midriff-baring red-and-white outfit and holding the character's signature scales creates a striking contrast with my usual courtroom and case-file routine, but that contrast is precisely where the joy of anime fandom lies.
Having my gear arrive in Shanghai ahead of me was quite funny. Opening the courier boxes to verify every detail of the skirt hem, sleeve cuffs, and hat brought a surge of reality—I was truly heading to BW. Being in the legal profession makes me obsess over details; from hair sculpting to fixing accessories on boots, everything was rehearsed multiple times before departure. Wearing a full wig and complete attire alters mobility and comfort immensely compared to daily wear, so prep work was essential to maintaining vibrant energy and poised posture throughout an entire day on set.
This Anime convention outfit incorporates rich traditional elements. The red-and-gold color scheme with flared sleeve cuffs offers excellent visual extension. Beyond the physical prop scales, detailed waist accessories like the hanging wooden box add rich layering. To capture a nimble, effortless posture, I paid close attention to center-of-gravity shifts during photos, giving the shots a relaxed, unburdened presence.
I specially prepared Civil Code playing cards as free fan giveaways for BW. Since I am a legal practitioner and Yanfei in Genshin Impact is a legal advisor, this professional overlap made preparing such merchandise feel uniquely meaningful. Compared to standard convention freebies, my giveaways carry a personal touch. I look forward to handing them out and engaging with fellow players about the game and beyond.
Arriving in Shanghai this morning, the bustling crowds and overwhelming heat immediately drew me into the convention spirit. The allure of BilibiliWorld 2024 lies in shared passion—cosplayers wandering everywhere create a vibrant, creative atmosphere. My last visit to Shanghai was in 2019 as a student with a completely different mindset. Five years later, the city has evolved, yet along the path from Hongqiao to the National Exhibition and Convention Center, familiar memories resurfaced. Stepping into the main hall amidst queueing crowds and eye-catching booths, that long-lost sense of belonging to ACG culture returned instantly, as if time had simply paused in Shanghai for a few years.
Roaming the venue, I've already met many friends asking for photo sessions. Their enthusiastic feedback on this Traditional Chinese style cosplay styling gave me immense confidence. Anime conventions serve as wonderful social hubs—whether cosplaying, taking photos, or buying merch, everyone is remarkably friendly. This purity of ACG culture brings people together around beloved characters, offering a temporary escape from daily complexities.
This year's event remains electrifying, filled with carefully planned booth activities and bullet-comment culture. For me, attending conventions is not just about photo output, but a valuable opportunity for mental recharging. As someone dealing with serious legal texts daily, immersing myself in a completely different roleplay experience is a wonderful stress relief.
My Shanghai itinerary is tight, balancing BW with catching up with old friends and enjoying local cuisine, but the convention remains the main highlight. The real-world lawyer and the in-game legal advisor overlap beautifully during these few days. Armed with carefully prepared giveaways and a meticulously crafted outfit, I am ready to fully enjoy BilibiliWorld 2024. Joining such a dynamic convention is a true joy in itself.