Genshin Impact is an extraordinarily popular gacha game by HoYoverse (formerly miHoYo). Released in 2020, the game—available on desktop and mobile devices—launched into worldwide stardom quickly, as its open-world mechanics and plethora of unique characters with rich designs which appeal to many audiences. It should also be noted that a “gacha game” refers to the availability of gambling mechanics for players. In Genshin’s case, players can spend real money in order to increase their chances of receiving a “5-star” character or weapon when they use their in-game currency to fundamentally place a bet.
While Genshin has an ultra-detailed world, the main selling point is its characters, all unique in their own right, design and personality-wise. There is somebody for everybody, whether you would like to have young yet adept children on your team, such as Qiqi, a zombie; Klee, a rambunctious pyromaniac; or Diona, a sassy bartender, who is part-cat (sort of). Or, you could have adult characters with angsty backstories, such as Diluc, Childe, Kaeya, and more—all of whom have such detailed lore that it could be its own article.
The character that this article will focus on, however, is one who is not yet playable, but is memorable during his appearances in cutscenes and story quests: Dr. Baizhu of Bubu Pharmacy. Baizhu is a fleeting figure, hardly ever leaving the confines of his pharmacy, but he leaves his mark in many different ways. To most people, he is remembered by his warm relationship with Qiqi—the aforementioned zombie girl—to whom he acts as a sort of father figure to while also giving her a mundane yet respectable role at the pharmacy, where she collects herbs and acts as the secretary. (It's almost humorous—the young girl can hardly see over the counter!) There is something very sweet about their dynamic. In a story quest for a festival, the player can find Baizhu and Qiqi roaming around, and upon speaking to them, they are treated to observing an exchange between the two, where Baizhu reveals that the two of them are on a journey to help patients. Qiqi, in her youthfulness, would like to watch the fireworks, yet cannot find the time nor stealth to do so without scaring finches, her favourite bird. She looks to her father figure to help, and he stresses the importance of tending to those needing care but that he will take her wherever she would like after the task has been completed. It’s a very average conversation, yet the active listening and deep empathy involved are heart-achingly sweet if one pays close enough attention to notice them.
Baizhu is not only a kind and thoughtful person; he is also considerably feminine-presenting—more so than his other male counterparts. His hair is a stunning emerald green, tied into a half-bun while the other strands cascade in a waterfall braid. He strides along with a gracefulness in his step, his movements free and swaying with a lack of care for any gender norms that may be present. Fans affectionately describe him as a “theatre kid,” because his voice holds a sort of flamboyance and theatrical element reserved only for the most grandeur and unafraid. It should also be noted that he can be seen, upon close inspection, to be wearing red eyeshadow along the ends of his eyes. His gender presentation is appealing, different, noteworthy, and should be celebrated.
Baizhu is a provider—a dutiful helper of every Liyue citizen in need of help. Many story quests feature him being there for people, providing them with the correct medicine, and doing so in a kind, gentle manner. It has been noted by TikTok user @/heyolivianicol that his outfit, which is primarily purple, blue, and white, was probably chosen by the character designers due to the calming effects they would have on his patients, as reflected in real world medicinal practice. It should also be noted that Baizhu holds an unknown yet palpable illness which affects his wellbeing and mobility. Although he can be seen travelling to different locations and climbing stairs with ease, it has been mentioned through in-game information that he is incredibly weak—even more so than Qiqi. Despite being very ready to help anybody and everybody who needs it, the doctor chose this professional path in order to eventually find a cure for his own illness. It is believed to be chronic, since it has been recorded that he has been suffering from it even before becoming a doctor. It may be a while until fans receive more information about how this disability affects Baizhu, but until then, we can await patiently and enjoy the casual, albeit subtle representation of those with chronic illnesses.
Genshin Impact has many positives and many reasons for its wide, awe-inspiring popularity. Its impressive character design and innovative world building are among this long list, and Baizhu, their gender non-conforming, toxic-masculinity-defying, and disability-having character, is no exception.
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