Wang Yuan

This year's lantern festival at Yuexiu Park (越秀公园) in Guangzhou featured a highly anticipated collaboration with the anime A Mortal's Journey (凡人修仙传) . An eight-meter-high lantern depicted the protagonist Han Li (韩立) during his core formation, a pivotal moment for fans. However, upon revelation, the display shocked attendees with its unconventional portrayal, leading to debates over whether it resembled a botox-enhanced version or was simply a design failure. The event, meant to bridge traditional culture and modern fandom, instead became a case study in how not to execute such crossovers. Puffy Portrayal In the original anime and novel, Han Li transforms from an ordinary farm boy into a cold, authoritative immortal. His features are typically sharp, with a gaze that conveys determination. The Yuexiu lantern presented a stark contrast: a swollen face, glowing apple cheeks, and a soft expression. This made him look as if he had undergone excessive cosmetic procedures, losing the rugged essence fans admired. The design's rounded contours and gentle demeanor introduced an unintended maternal quality. Observers quickly noted a resemblance to the celebrity Wang Yuan (王源), leading to jokes about "forced cosplay" or a secret career change. This accidental likeness added humor but emphasized the disconnect…