Xinyan

Overview

Xinyan is a four-star Pyro character from Liyue in the open-world RPG Genshin Impact, who wields a claymore in battle. As Liyue's sole rock 'n' roll musician, she channels her fierce passion into music that challenges societal prejudices and strict conventions. Associated with the musical group Red Strings, she performs intense, explosive street concerts that often clash with local authorities, lighting up the night with her rebellious sound.

Appearance

Xinyan has dark tanned skin, striking amber eyes with eye makeup, and dark hair with a distinct red streak, tied into two pigtails with spiked bands and crossed bangs. Her punk-inspired outfit includes shoulder spikes, a dark tank top, white shorts, a flared red-and-white vest, a netted sock, a leg ring, open-toed shoes, and painted nails. She carries a distinctive square, axe-shaped lute instrument.

Personality

Despite her fierce onstage persona, Xinyan is surprisingly rational, calm, and empathetic. Rather than acting out in anger when facing prejudice or judgment, she uses her music as an artistic outlet for rebellion and seeks genuine mutual understanding. Self-conscious about her naturally intimidating expression, she secretly practices smiling to avoid scaring children, though her attempts often backfire. She is also thoughtful, high in emotional intelligence, and highly capable with household crafts like cooking and sewing.

Abilities

In combat, Xinyan's charged attack delivers continuous spinning slashes with her claymore. Her Elemental Skill deals Pyro damage and creates a shield whose strength increases based on the number of enemies hit; at maximum level, the shield continuously emits Pyro damage to nearby foes while boosting physical damage for the active character. Her Elemental Explosion unleashes soundwaves that deal physical damage before setting the surrounding area ablaze. Additionally, her abilities can reduce charged attack stamina costs, increase attack speed, and decrease enemy physical resistance.

Background

Growing up under strict expectations and facing constant judgment over her unconventional appearance, Xinyan discovered rock 'n' roll as a medium to express herself and resist societal biases. She crafted her own musical instrument and began staging wild performances across Liyue Port, routinely getting pursued by the Millelith for fire safety infractions. When traveling to Inazuma for a musical festival that was unexpectedly canceled, she aided in investigating the Taishou and exploring a mysterious domain. During a retreat to the Golden Apple Archipelago, she revisited her childhood memories and affirmed her pride in her lifestyle.

Relationships

She shares a close friendship with Xiangling and Beidou, frequently visiting Beidou's ship and enjoying her gatherings. She and the opera singer Yun Jin hold mutual respect for each other's craft, collaborating on dynamic performances. Through her travels, she formed strong bonds with Kaedehara Kazuha, Fischl, and Mona. During her time in Inazuma, she befriended Shiki Taishou and fought alongside Childe (Tartaglia), earning Shiki Taishou's trust.

Trivia

She possesses a unique skill of weaving subtle messages into her instrumental performances, using the audience's reactions to discern their true character. Her favorite meals are the heavy, flavorful dishes provided to workers at the Liyue Port maritime bureau, while she dislikes bland or overly light food.