Esquire China A letter left in the tropics 2026

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In an editorial image titled 'A letter left in the tropics' for Esquire China, model Yan Li floats calmly on his back in a body of water framed by enormous Victoria amazonica water lily pads. Submerged in dark tailored clothing with only his face, chest, and arms partially surfaced, he rests with closed eyes and holds a single unopened lotus bud in his right hand. The overhead perspective captures dappled daylight filtering through surrounding foliage onto the rippling water surface, creating a tranquil, dreamlike atmosphere styled by Wei Mao with grooming by Xiang Zi and photography by Jialing Hu.