Genshin Yaoyao Yuegui and Chinese Cloth Tiger

Before we dive in, I believe many Travelers have noticed Genshin's official Yuegui plush merchandise, but even those who love Yaoyao might know little about "Yuegui." Let's dive into this article to explore how "Yuegui" connects with China's Intangible Cultural Heritage "Bu Laohu (Cloth Tiger)"!

1. Genshin Impact Yaoyao's Yuegui Lore

Madame Ping's old acquaintances will sometimes drop by to visit her, and during such times, Yaoyao will accompany her master and her master's guests in roaming the city.

Having come from afar, these guests will often not only visit the stores and food stands, but also attend storytelling sessions or Liyue opera performances at Heyu Tea House.

Of course, being the large city that it is, Liyue Harbor has no lack of people who enjoy spending some downtime at the teahouse, including many outlanders who appreciate the cultures of other nations.

Once, three outlanders, first-time visitors to Liyue Harbor, sat at the table beside that of Yaoyao and company. Having heard an opera about the adepti of Liyue, they began to discuss that very topic over tea and snacks.

Unable to get a word in lengthwise in the conversation between her master and her guest, Yaoyao succumbed to boredom, listening in on the nearby chat while eating some treats.

The lady from Inazuma seemed to think that Liyue's adepti were not much different from the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, having charge over matters divine and literary alike.

The visitor from Fontaine was of an obdurate view that the adepti were in the employ of the state apparatus. Had he met Ganyu, the Qixing's secretary before? Or did that nation simply have a similar arrangement?

The adventurer from Mondstadt was for his part very taken with the legends of the adepti, for he had only heard the bards sing songs of the gods, but had never himself met one or any of their familiars.

Unable to resist, he asked the tea master if they had ever spoken to an adeptus, only to be disappointed by the reply:

"It is but a story, for we mortals do not daily dwell in Jueyun Karst, and few are the opportunities to meet the adepti."

Yaoyao, finding this statement to be incorrect, could not help but rebut thusly: "That's not true. The adepti are among us. I mean, Uncle Moon Carver just said that the story was very interesting."

For some reason she could not fathom, Madame Ping's guest stopped speaking altogether, and Madame Ping laughed, saying a few words to the tea master to change the topic.

Yaoyao, however, did not understand: Why did people find the adepti very distant from their daily lives? The adepti were amongst them - they just didn't readily reveal themselves, that's all.

2. Genshin Yuegui's Real-World Inspiration

Yuegui's design is rooted in Bu Laohu (Cloth Tiger). The Cloth Tiger, a traditional craft widely circulated among Chinese folk since ancient times, serves as a children's toy, home decoration, gift, and collectible. With its diverse forms and extensive cultural reach, it embodies the rustic essence of folk artistry. On June 7, 2008, Bu Laohu was officially added to the second batch of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage List by the State Council of China. In November 2019, it was included in the list of Protection Units for Representative Projects of China's National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The earliest form of Bu Laohu (Cloth Tiger) remains undocumented, but its existence is deeply intertwined with China's folk customs. Even in today's industrialized society, hand-sewn Cloth Tigers remain cherished, as they embody not only the dexterity and ingenuity of Chinese women but also the elder generation's hopes and blessings for the young. Through every stitch and thread, love is woven into their creation. With no standardized design, skilled craftswomen create diverse forms of Cloth Tigers based on available materials and their own aesthetic sensibilities.

This Year of the Rabbit, many Bu Laohu (Cloth Tiger) Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritors have shifted to crafting cloth rabbits (Bu Tuzi), infusing blessings into these handmade creations and showcasing the charm of traditional crafts.

In contrast, the Yuegui Plush faithfully retains the essence and posture of the "Cloth Tiger" while recreating Yuegui's in-game design. Whether displayed as decoration or gifted to convey heartfelt wishes, this is a must-have collectible.

That concludes our deep dive into Yaoyao's companion "Yuegui." We hope this article enriched your understanding of its cultural roots. The cultural gems hidden within Genshin Impact will continue to be uncovered-stay tuned for future explorations and don't miss out on upcoming official merchandise!