The Untamed Filming Locations: Explore the Real-World Sets
Have you ever watched The Untamed and wondered if those breathtaking landscapes were real? You’re not alone—The Untamed filming locations have sparked curiosity among fans around the world, eager to step into the same world as Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
This hit Chinese fantasy drama isn’t just known for its gripping storyline and complex characters—it’s also visually stunning. From misty mountains to ancient palaces, The Untamed filming locations aren’t CGI backdrops—they’re real places across China you can actually visit. For fans, these locations aren’t just scenic—they’re part of the emotional journey that makes the show unforgettable.
Whether you’re a diehard fan planning a themed trip or a casual viewer interested in where the magic was made, exploring The Untamed filming locations gives the show a whole new layer of meaning. Along the way, we’ll also touch on set locations like Hengdian World Studios and natural wonders like Erhai Lake.
Let’s take a closer look at the real-world settings that brought this fantasy epic to life.
Chapter 1: Where Was The Untamed Filmed? Exploring the Real-World Xianxia Sets
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the ethereal world of The Untamed, you’re not alone. One of the show’s greatest strengths—beyond its magnetic leads and gripping storyline—is its immersive use of real-life locations. The Untamed filming locations weren’t just visual backdrops; they became characters in their own right, grounding the fantasy in cultural depth and emotional realism.
Let’s explore where The Untamed was filmed and why these locations mattered—not only to the plot, but to the global fandom that followed every frame.
The Untamed Filming Locations: A Blend of Fantasy and Reality
Unlike many fantasy dramas that rely heavily on CGI, The Untamed chose to film in authentic historical and scenic locations across China. This decision didn’t just elevate the visual experience—it also rooted the xianxia genre in real cultural heritage.
Key locations include:
Hengdian World Studios (Zhejiang) – Known as the “Hollywood of China”
Xiangshan Film and TV Town
Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake (Yunnan)
Wanfenglin Scenic Area (Guizhou)
Jiulong Waterfalls
Lijiang Ancient Town
🎬 Explore more in this YouTube clip – Click to watch
These locations weren’t chosen at random. Each one echoes traditional Chinese aesthetics, blending misty mountains, rivers, and ancient architecture to reflect the spiritual journey of the characters.
📖 Extended reading: cultural background of xianxia and its evolution through The Untamed – Read here
Filming at Hengdian World Studios: Building the Cloud Recesses
Perhaps the most iconic of The Untamed filming locations is Hengdian World Studios, where the ethereal Cloud Recesses and Nightless City were constructed. Hengdian is the largest film studio in Asia, and it allowed for an elaborate recreation of Gusu Lan Sect’s serene mountain retreat.
Cloud Recesses: Shot in an elevated area filled with white stone paths, bamboo forests, and mist machines, the atmosphere matched the Lan clan’s strict and spiritual energy.
Nightless City: This was built using darker architectural tones and dynamic lighting, reflecting the Wen Clan’s dominance and chaos.
👉 Want to see the full behind-the-scenes? Watch the video here
🎥 For a deeper dive into the show’s production secrets, check out our behind-the-scenes breakdown
Erhai Lake & Cangshan Mountain: Nature as a Narrative Device
In several emotionally charged scenes, The Untamed uses natural locations like Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain in Yunnan Province. These tranquil spots provided more than visual beauty—they reflected character development and inner conflict.
The lake was used in pivotal scenes between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, symbolizing peace, loss, and memory.
Cangshan’s slopes and misty views reinforced the timeless, mythological feel of the story.
These choices reflect a broader trend in modern xianxia: moving away from green screens and toward immersive, symbolic settings rooted in real Chinese geography.
📖 For more on the emotional and cinematic techniques in The Untamed, explore this article
How Location Enhances Storytelling in Xianxia
Unlike Western fantasy, xianxia is deeply tied to Daoist concepts and traditional Chinese landscapes. Academic sources such as Zhang & Liu (2020, Journal of Chinese Film Studies) note that the “immortality journey” is closely linked to natural symbolism—mountains for isolation and cultivation, rivers for spiritual cleansing.
Using real locations adds authenticity and cultural resonance that studio-built sets often can’t replicate. According to Statista, tourism tied to film and television dramas has seen a 22% rise in domestic China since 2018—The Untamed being a significant driver.
Fandom, Tourism, and the “Untamed Effect”
The appeal of The Untamed filming locations has also sparked a tourism boom. Fans—both domestic and international—have traveled to these sites, sharing their experiences on platforms like Weibo, TikTok, and Xiaohongshu.
📖 Related: Bojun Yixiao Fandom and the Global Fan Economy
A few examples:
Fan pilgrimages to Hengdian Studios surged post-2019, with special “Untamed Tours” popping up in travel agencies.
Local businesses near Erhai Lake began selling fan-made merchandise and themed tours.
Filming sites became cultural hubs, sparking conversations on preservation, authenticity, and cultural export.
This trend speaks to a broader evolution: fandom isn’t passive—it’s experiential. Viewers want to live the story. And when a drama uses real-world sets, that experience becomes accessible.
🎬 Explore the tourism boom in this fan vlog
Final Take: Real Places, Real Impact
The Untamed didn’t just film in pretty places—it selected landscapes with narrative weight and cultural depth. The filming locations grounded the show in something real, which helped the fantasy feel believable, emotionally resonant, and globally relatable.
By visiting these places, fans aren’t just sightseeing—they’re connecting with the soul of the story. And that’s the true magic of The Untamed filming locations.
👉 Up next: We’ll break down the top five filming sites fans can still visit today, including travel tips and cultural context.
Chapter 2: Key Untamed Filming Locations You Can Visit (With Travel Tips)
One of the lasting legacies of The Untamed filming locations is that many of them are open to the public. Fans from across the globe have turned these scenic and historic spots into pilgrimage sites—not just to relive the show, but to experience firsthand the environments that made its world so vivid.
Let’s explore the key Untamed filming locations you can still visit today, complete with cultural context and travel tips.
Hengdian World Studios: The Heart of Fantasy on Earth
Location: Hengdian, Zhejiang Province
Used For: Cloud Recesses, Nightless City, Qinghe Nie Sect scenes
As one of the largest film studios in the world, Hengdian World Studios served as the backbone of The Untamed’s constructed sets. Known as “China’s Hollywood,” it’s where many major Chinese historical and fantasy dramas are filmed.
Why it matters:
Cloud Recesses (Gusu Lan Sect) was constructed using elegant white-and-blue aesthetics, giving an almost celestial feel.
Nightless City (Wen Sect) featured more angular, fortress-like design—a visual contrast that reflected ideological tension in the story.
📖 For more behind-the-scenes construction details, check out:
👉 The Untamed: Behind the Scenes – Unveiling the Secrets
🎬 Want to see how the sets were built and used during filming? Watch the behind-the-scenes video here
Travel Tip:
Hengdian offers themed tours with access to areas where The Untamed was filmed. Fan experiences include photo ops in replica costumes, souvenir shops, and even live reenactments.
Erhai Lake & Cangshan Mountain: Serenity on Screen
Location: Dali, Yunnan Province
Used For: Intimate scenes between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji
This location became symbolic of peace and emotional reflection throughout the drama. With Erhai’s calm waters and Cangshan’s fog-draped peaks, the setting provided a perfect natural metaphor for the evolving bond between the leads.
Key Scenes:
Post-reunion conversations and silent bonding moments.
Flashbacks that shaped Wei Wuxian’s internal struggle.
🎬 See the emotional weight of these scenes in this YouTube montage
Cultural Insight:
According to scholars in Asian Cinema journal (2021), the use of serene landscapes in xianxia aligns with Daoist philosophy—emphasizing balance, reflection, and harmony with nature.
Travel Tip:
Visit during spring or autumn for the clearest views. Local tours offer scenic boat rides and photography packages specifically marketed to Untamed fans.
Xiangshan Film and TV Town: Ancient Charm Recreated
Location: Xiangshan County, Zhejiang
Used For: Cultivation conference scenes, market sequences
With its detailed Ming and Qing dynasty-style architecture, Xiangshan Film Town created the perfect backdrop for large-scale public scenes. It’s one of the less talked about Untamed filming locations, but its contribution to the world-building is immense.
Why Visit:
The architectural style transports you into a classical Chinese city.
Several key dialogues and group scenes were filmed here.
📖 Related: The Untamed’s Role in Xianxia Drama Evolution
Travel Tip:
Combine this with a Hengdian trip. Many local agencies offer joint film-town tours for fans of historical dramas.
Wanfenglin Scenic Area: Nature’s Grand Stage
Location: Xingyi, Guizhou Province
Used For: Battle sequences, open plains, and cultivation training scenes
“Wanfenglin” literally means “forest of ten thousand peaks”—and it delivers. These dramatic karst formations are unmatched, giving the series its sweeping, otherworldly backdrops.
Fandom Insight:
Many fans dubbed this area the “real-life Yiling” due to the dramatic events that unfold in the story when Wei Wuxian transitions into a darker phase of his character arc.
🎬 See Wanfenglin in action here – Click to watch
Travel Tip:
Best explored with a local guide familiar with filming sites. The terrain can be tricky, so wear comfortable shoes if you’re chasing iconic views.
Jiulong Waterfalls: Nature Meets Narrative
Location: Luoping County, Yunnan
Used For: Reflective solo scenes, spiritual sequences
The cascading Jiulong Waterfalls added not only beauty but atmosphere. Often used in scenes of emotional solitude or internal monologue, the natural sound and movement of water deepened the show’s emotional tone.
Symbolic Use:
Waterfalls are a recurring motif in Chinese literature, symbolizing the unstoppable flow of fate—a fitting metaphor for Wei Wuxian’s journey.
Academic Note:
A study from Harvard Asia Quarterly (2022) discusses how landscape in modern xianxia dramas “functions as an active narrative force, not just a passive backdrop.”
🎬 See how these natural elements were used in storytelling: Watch the scene breakdown
Fan Experience: More Than Sightseeing
For many, visiting The Untamed filming locations is about more than photography. It’s a way to reconnect with the characters, relive favorite scenes, and even participate in fandom meetups.
📖 Related Reading: Bojun Yixiao: The Chemistry That Redefined On-Screen Friendship
Common fan activities include:
Cosplay photoshoots at the Cloud Recesses replica.
QR-coded fan maps shared in WeChat groups.
Untamed-themed cafes popping up in tourist hubs.
Final Thoughts: Filming Locations That Live Beyond the Screen
What makes The Untamed filming locations so impactful is that they’re not just props—they’re places with history, energy, and cultural resonance. Each visit offers a deeper connection not only to the show, but to the legacy of Chinese fantasy storytelling itself.
Up next: We’ll explore how The Untamed sparked a tourism wave and changed how dramas shape real-world travel behavior.
Chapter 3: The Untamed Tourism Boom and the Power of Fan Culture
It wasn’t just the cast or story that made The Untamed a phenomenon—it was what happened after the final episode aired. Almost overnight, The Untamed filming locations became tourist hotspots. But this wasn’t just a passing trend—it signaled a shift in how global fandom, cultural identity, and tourism now intersect.
Let’s unpack how this xianxia drama turned real-world places into living fan experiences, and how fan culture evolved from passive viewership to immersive participation.
From Screen to Scene: How Filming Locations Became Pilgrimage Sites
After The Untamed aired in 2019, travel to its filming sites—especially Hengdian, Dali, and Guizhou—spiked. According to a Statista report (2021), Chinese film tourism rose by 22% between 2018 and 2020, with The Untamed ranked among the top 5 influence drivers.
These weren’t just casual visitors:
Fans were cosplaying on site, often recreating iconic poses from scenes.
Entire fan tour groups were organized, especially through platforms like Weibo, Xiaohongshu, and Douyin (TikTok China).
Local businesses launched Untamed-themed hotels, cafés, and souvenir shops, tapping into what’s now known as “fandom tourism.”
🎬 Curious how this evolved? Watch a fan-led tour vlog here
📖 Extended reading: How fandom shaped China’s global entertainment impact
What Is “Fandom Tourism,” and Why Does It Matter?
“Fandom tourism” refers to when fans travel to specific real-world locations featured in entertainment media—TV shows, movies, anime, or web dramas. But with The Untamed filming locations, this went deeper.
According to a study from the Harvard Asia Center (2023), The Untamed‘s impact on tourism wasn’t just visual—it was emotional and cultural:
“Visitors did not just want to see the sets. They wanted to feel the emotional weight of the scenes… walk the same paths, stand where their favorite characters stood.”
This mirrors a broader global trend. Similar to how fans flock to New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings, or South Korea for Goblin and Crash Landing on You, The Untamed put Chinese xianxia drama firmly on the global map—through place.
Comparative Lens: Traditional vs. Modern Xianxia Tourism
| Category | Traditional Xianxia (Pre-2015) | The Untamed-Era (Post-2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Filming Locations | Mostly soundstage & CGI | Mix of real landscapes + practical sets |
| Fan Engagement | Light cosplay, online forums | Full-location tours, immersive events |
| Tourism Impact | Minimal or indirect | Direct spike in regional tourism |
| International Reach | Domestic fans mainly | Global fandom (Southeast Asia, US, EU) |
📖 Deep dive: The Untamed’s impact on xianxia’s cultural evolution
🎬 See how global fans are traveling to China for The Untamed in this clip – Click to watch
Untamed Fandom in Action: Community, Commerce, Culture
Fandom around The Untamed evolved beyond traditional fan behavior. A few examples that define the shift:
Fan-Made Travel Guides: Entire digital PDFs circulated on Twitter and WeChat, mapping every major filming site, with emotional scene annotations.
Collaborative Travel: Fans organize group trips, sometimes even with themed itineraries (e.g., “Gusu Lan Day” or “Yiling Patriarch Journey”).
Cultural Engagement: Many international fans use these trips to study Chinese language, history, and tea ceremony—connecting fiction with real culture.
📖 Related: The chemistry that redefined fandoms
🎬 Get a glimpse of fan-organized cosplay meetups at the Cloud Recesses set – Watch here
Economic Ripple Effect: Local Businesses & Merchandising
Tourism isn’t just fan-driven—it’s also economically powerful. Local governments and small businesses near The Untamed filming locations have leaned in hard:
Hengdian now offers a “Lan Wangji Walk” with music and light effects.
Souvenir stalls sell Untamed-themed fans, hairpins, calligraphy scrolls.
Pop-up cafés in Dali serve “Lotus Pier Lattes” and “Jiang Clan” desserts.
Even official merchandise saw a boost, with Tencent’s Untamed merch sales crossing 800 million RMB in 2020, according to a report in Global Times.
🎬 Explore local Untamed-themed shops in this short doc – Click to watch
Final Reflection: Fans Aren’t Just Watching—They’re Shaping Culture
The rise of tourism linked to The Untamed filming locations proves something important: fans today are more than consumers—they’re cultural participants. They travel, learn, create, and sometimes even contribute to local economies.
📖 Read next: The legacy of Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo in shaping global fandom
This shift from viewer to active cultural agent reflects the power of fandom in the 2020s—and it all started with a beautifully shot xianxia drama that wasn’t afraid to take the fantasy world into the real one.
👉 Next up: We’ll break down each major filming site with directions, nearby attractions, and travel tips for your very own Untamed adventure.
Chapter 4: Fan Travel Guide – How to Visit The Untamed Filming Locations
Ready to turn your screen obsession into a real-life adventure? This chapter is your practical, fan-focused guide to visiting The Untamed filming locations. From how to get there, what to pack, where to stay—and even what scenes were filmed where—we’ve got everything covered to help you walk in the footsteps of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
Let’s turn your fangirl/fanboy energy into an unforgettable cultural journey.
📍 Stop 1: Hengdian World Studios, Zhejiang
Must-see sets: Cloud Recesses (Gusu Lan Sect), Nightless City (Wen Sect)
How to get there:
✈️ Nearest airport: Yiwu Airport (YIW), then taxi or bus to Hengdian (~1.5 hours)
🚄 High-speed train: From Shanghai or Hangzhou to Dongyang Station, then local transfer
Fan Tips:
Purchase the Untamed Tour Pass for guided set access and costume rentals.
Try the night tours—Cloud Recesses looks breathtaking under soft lighting.
There’s even a fan souvenir store selling limited-edition items only available on site.
🎬 Want a preview of the tour? Watch this full vlog walkthrough
📖 Related: The Untamed: Behind the Scenes Moments That Made History
📍 Stop 2: Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake, Dali (Yunnan Province)
Must-see scenes: Wei Wuxian & Lan Wangji reunion moments, introspective flashbacks
How to get there:
✈️ Fly to Dali Airport (DLU)
🚖 Take a taxi to Erhai (30–40 min) or rent a bike for a scenic ride around the lake
Fan Tips:
Head to Caicun Wharf for iconic shots across the lake
Visit Zhonghe Temple Trail on Cangshan for misty mountain vibes
Try flower cakes—a Dali specialty sold along the Erhai lakeside
🎬 Relive the emotional lakeside scenes here – Click to watch
📖 Read more: Why The Untamed Still Tops Global Watchlists
📍 Stop 3: Wanfenglin Scenic Area, Guizhou
Must-see scenes: Battle training, spiritual cultivation, dramatic field confrontations
How to get there:
✈️ Nearest airport: Xingyi Airport (ACX)
🚗 Private car or minibus into the scenic area (about 40–50 mins from town)
Fan Tips:
Arrive early—sunrise over the karst peaks is unforgettable
Great place for cosplay photoshoots: wide-open spaces, low foot traffic
Stop at the Wanfenglin Viewing Deck for the same angle used in overhead shots
🎬 Behind the scenes of Wanfenglin’s battle scenes – Watch here
📖 Related read: The Bojun Yixiao Phenomenon: How Fans Reshaped Entertainment
📍 Stop 4: Xiangshan Film and TV Town, Zhejiang
Must-see scenes: Sect gatherings, marketplaces, Lan & Wei’s public dialogues
How to get there:
🚄 From Hangzhou or Ningbo, take high-speed rail to Xiangshan
🚌 Shuttle buses go directly to the film base from the station
Fan Tips:
Visit during weekdays for fewer crowds
Many sets double for other dramas—spot the differences!
Don’t miss the themed tea house, styled like a cultivation inn
🎬 Explore Xiangshan in this location featurette – Click to watch
📍 Stop 5: Jiulong Waterfalls, Luoping County, Yunnan
Must-see scenes: Solitary reflection, introspective scenes with water symbolism
How to get there:
✈️ Fly to Kunming Changshui Airport (KMG)
🚗 3.5–4 hour drive or join a local nature tour
Fan Tips:
Visit after rainy season (March–May) when waterfalls are full
Rent a local guide—they often know exact fan-favorite filming spots
Bring a rain jacket! Even if it’s not raining, the mist is real.
🎬 Watch the iconic waterfall meditation scene – Click to watch
📖 Extra: Xianxia Emotional Fusion – The Untamed’s Global Impact
📌 What to Pack for Your Untamed Pilgrimage
Essentials:
Power bank (long days, lots of filming spots)
Pocket translator or Chinese language app
Sun protection: hats, SPF, shades
Cash for rural stalls—many still don’t accept international cards
Foldable umbrella (weather changes fast near lakes & mountains)
Optional Fan Gear:
Light cosplay or robes (many areas allow casual cosplay)
Polaroid camera for an old-school vibe
Untamed-themed journal for location stamps or notes
🌏 Fan Tours & Community: You’re Not Alone
Looking to go with others? Here’s how fans are coordinating trips:
Weibo groups: Search “陈情令取景地打卡” or “Untamed 打卡团”
Xiaohongshu guides: Just type in “The Untamed 旅行”
Twitter threads: Many international fans post itineraries & Google Maps links
Douban groups: Great for full-blown fandom analysis + trip planning
📖 Want to understand how fans shape culture on this scale? Read more
🎬 See real fan travel clips in this BTS vlog – Click to watch
Final Thoughts: Walking the Path of the Cultivators
Traveling to The Untamed filming locations isn’t just about ticking boxes on a travel list—it’s about reconnecting with the story that left a lasting mark on your heart. These sites are cultural, emotional, and aesthetic spaces that bring fans closer to the spirit of xianxia.
So whether you’re meditating by a waterfall, laughing in a tea house, or posing on the Cloud Recesses steps, know this: you’re not just visiting a filming location—you’re stepping into a legacy.
Fan-Favorite Collectibles & Gifts
