Zhongli, also referred to as Morax or the Geo Archon, is one of the very most iconic and revered characters in Genshin Impact. He first appeared during the Liyue Archon Quest, where he worked as a strange consultant at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Though initially Winston being an ordinary gentleman with an interest in rituals and history, it is later revealed he is obviously the former Archon of Liyue, who once ruled within the region for a large number of years. Choosing to step down from godhood and experience the entire world as a mortal, Zhongli quit his Gnosis voluntarily, signaling the end of an era and the start of Liyue's self-governance. His decision reflects a strong philosophical belief in contracts and trust—values he's upheld for millennia

In combat, Zhongli is revered for his incredibly powerful Geo shield, created through his elemental skill, Dominus Lapidis. This shield not just absorbs damage centered on his max HP but additionally reduces enemy resistances, making him one of the greatest support characters in the game. Additionally, his elemental burst, Planet Befall, summons an enormous meteor that deals AoE Geo damage and petrifies enemies, rendering them immobile for a short time. This makes Zhongli a versatile character who is able to serve as both a help and sub-DPS. His strength lies not in raw elemental reactions, like many other characters, in his sheer survivability and battlefield control, making him indispensable in high-difficulty content such as Spiral Abyss

Zhongli's character design and personality reflect elegance, wisdom, and serenity. Clad in refined black and gold robes with motifs resembling ancient Chinese culture, he carries an air of timeless dignity. His voice is calm and authoritative, yet gentle—a reflection of someone who has seen civilizations rise and fall. He often shares philosophical musings about life, contracts, and history, showing his deep link with the traditions and culture of Liyue. Despite his powerful past, Zhongli approaches the world with humility and curiosity, often expressing surprise or curiosity about the everyday lives of mortals, which he now wishes to know more intimately

Zhongli also plays a substantial narrative role in shaping the lore of Genshin Impact. As the oldest living Archon, he holds knowledge of the ancient Archon War, the fall of Khaenri'ah, and the hidden workings of Celestia. His perspective helps players understand the more conflicts brewing in Teyvat, and his interactions with other characters—especially Childe, Ningguang, and Xiao—reveal the complex web of politics, loyalty, and memories in Liyue. His willingness to relinquish his power for the sake of human progress stands on the other hand to the controlling nature of other divine entities in the game, and this sets the stage for deeper questions about freedom, governance, and faith within the Genshin universe

Zhongli can be deeply loved by the city not merely for his power, but for his personality and emotional depth. Fans admire his dignified demeanor, his loyalty to tradition, and the sporadic comedic moments when he forgets something as basic as Mora, the currency he himself created. This irony, combined with his voice lines and stories, makes him a compelling and multi-dimensional character. Whether players are attracted to his tanky support capabilities or his rich lore, Zhongli stands as one of Genshin Impact's most remarkable and enduring figures—an immortal god who chose to live among mortals, and in doing so, became more human than previously