Xingqiu

Overview

Xingqiu is a playable Hydro character in Genshin Impact, hailing from the region of Liyue. As the second son of the influential Feiyun Commerce Guild and a practitioner of the declining Guhua Clan's martial arts, he presents himself to the world as a polite, studious, and well-mannered young man. Beneath his refined exterior lies a spirited and mischievous individual deeply inspired by chivalrous martial arts tales, using his intellect and swordsmanship to perform acts of justice in secret.

Appearance

Xingqiu features navy blue short hair with asymmetrical bangs and amber-yellow eyes. He wears a single blue earring with a gold tassel on his right ear and a garter with a blue tassel on his right leg. His attire consists of a white frilled shirt beneath a long silk coat that transitions from black at the collar to shades of navy blue, lined with yellow patterned fabric. He wears navy shorts, high white boots, a circular brooch on his chest, and his Hydro Vision pinned on his left side with an amber tassel. He also possesses a special Fontainian-styled tailored outfit adorned with bamboo motifs.

Personality

While widely praised for his polite manners and studiousness, Xingqiu possesses a playful and subtly cunning side. Driven by a romantic passion for martial heroism, he frequently sneaks off to read chivalrous web novels or help others on a whim. Despite his worldly wisdom, he retains youthful quirks, such as an intense aversion to carrots. Notably, his handwritten script is notoriously illegible, often requiring specialized interpreters to decipher.

Abilities

Wielding a sword, Xingqiu utilizes Hydro-infused martial arts to mitigate damage and provide continuous elemental support. His Elemental Skill, Guhua Sword: Fatal Rainscreen, strikes enemies and summons Rain Swords that reduce incoming damage, boost interruption resistance, apply Wet status to nearby foes, and heal the active character upon shattering or expiring. His Elemental Explosion, Guhua Sword: Raincutter, creates persistent sword rain attacks triggered by normal attacks. Additionally, his crafting talent grants a chance to refund materials when synthesizing talent books.

Background

Born as the second son of Liyue's prominent Feiyun Commerce Guild, Xingqiu was sent to the dwindling Guhua Clan by his father to learn discipline. Instead, his brilliance helped formulate core secrets that laid the groundwork for the clan's revival. Under the pen name Zhenyu, he authored the novel 'A Legend of Sword.' Although initially unnoticed in Liyue, the book was carried to Inazuma, where it unexpectedly became a massive literary sensation.

Relationships

Xingqiu shares a close friendship with the exorcist Chongyun, frequently playing pranks on him while maintaining a deep bond of mutual reliance. He is also friendly with the chef Xiangling and Hu Tao, often engaging in poetry-reciting sessions with the latter. He holds great respect for the artist Albedo, who illustrated his novel, and the two formed a warm acquaintance upon meeting in Inazuma.

Trivia

Xingqiu's name is believed to derive from a classical poem by the Song Dynasty poet Xu Ji, and his voice lines and talent names heavily reference classic Chinese literature. During his visit to Inazuma, his illegible handwriting became a major hurdle during book signings, driving him to rely on custom stamps and later consider adopting a Fontainian typewriter.