The Ultimate Guide to The Untamed Filming Locations in Hengdian (2026 Edition)

“Emperor’s Smile! I’ll share a jar with you!”

“I want to bring one person back to Cloud Recesses… bring him back, and hide him there.”

It has been six years, yet these lines still instantly pull us back into that passionate, soulful world of the Jianghu. But The Untamed isn’t just a memory on a screen—it has a physical home, and that home is Hengdian.

As a die-hard fan who has rewatched the show countless times, I have personally walked every step of the core locations—from the massive Palace of Emperor Qin to the elegant Riverside Scene.

I have compiled this ultimate 3-in-1 Guide: featuring Scene-to-Reality Comparisons, Emotional Nostalgia, and Practical Logistics. Let me take you on an immersive journey back to the world of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to complete this long-awaited pilgrimage.

1.Koi Tower (金麟台): The 99 Steps of Fate

🎬 The Scene: In The Untamed, Koi Tower is the imposing seat of the Lanling Jin Clan. Those long, endless steps are unforgettable.

This is where the story reached its most dramatic turning point. It is where Wei Wuxian’s identity was brutally exposed to the world. But more importantly, it is where—facing the doubt and attacks of the entire cultivation world—Lan Wangji finally stood firmly by his side, choosing to fight the world with him rather than against him.

📍 The Reality: In the real world, the majestic Koi Tower was filmed at the main hall of the Palace of Emperor Qin (秦王宫) zone. The specific building is called the “Four Seas Returning to One Hall” (四海归一殿).

Standing at the bottom and looking up, the scale is breathtaking. The massive staircase leads straight to the main palace, perfectly capturing the intimidating power and solemnity of the Lanling Jin Clan seen in the show.

📸 Pro Tips for the Perfect Shot

• 👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is serious advice! The 99 steps are high and steep. Climbing them takes stamina. Leave the high heels at the hotel so you can explore and pose comfortably.
• 📐 The “Long Legs” Trick (Low Angle): Stand partway up the stairs and have your photographer shoot from below, looking up at you. This perspective not only makes your legs look incredibly long but also captures the towering majesty of the palace hall behind you for an epic shot.
• 🛤️ Use Leading Lines for Composition: The steps create powerful visual lines. Try standing exactly on the center axis of the staircase, or walking along the very edge. Let the lines of the steps guide the viewer’s eye right to you, creating a photo with depth and visual impact.

2.Caiyi Town (彩衣镇): The Taste of Emperor’s Smile

🎬 The Scene: “Emperor’s Smile! I’ll share a jar with you!” Caiyi Town is the bustling water village at the foot of the Gusu Lan sect’s mountain. It represents freedom, liveliness, and some of the sweetest moments between the leads. This is where Wei Wuxian famously bought his favorite liquor and where they shared a boat ride surrounded by lanterns.

📍 The Reality: Important Distinction: Many guides mistakenly list this as the “Qing Ming Shang He Tu” zone. They are wrong.

The real Caiyi Town is filmed in the “Jiangnan Water Town” (江南水乡) area located inside Dream Valley (梦幻谷).

Unlike the other historical sets, Dream Valley is primarily a theme park. The “Jiangnan Water Town” section features authentic canals, stone bridges, and old buildings that, once lit up at night, perfectly recreate the magical atmosphere of Gusu.

📸 Pro Tips for the Perfect Shot

• 🌙 Go at Night (Crucial!): Dream Valley is a night park (usually opens after 4:00 PM). The true magic of Caiyi Town only appears after sunset when hundreds of lanterns reflect on the water.
• 🚣‍♀️ Take the Boat Ride: Yes, you can actually take a boat tour through the canals just like Wei Wuxian! It’s the ultimate way to relive the scene.
• 🎫 Ticket Alert: Dream Valley usually requires a separate ticket or a specific “Combo Ticket” (as mentioned in our guide). Don’t assume your standard day pass will get you in!

3.The Tragic Battlegrounds: Nightless City & Yi City

🎬 The Scene: If Caiyi Town represents joy, this location represents heartbreak. This zone served as the backdrop for two of the show’s darkest arcs:

• Nightless City (不夜天): The site of the bloodiest battle where Wei Wuxian stood on the rooftop, despairing against the world, and where the beloved Shijie (Jiang Yanli) sacrificed herself.
• Yi City (义城): The foggy, ghost-filled city involving Xiao Xingchen and Xue Yang.

📍 The Reality: Surprisingly, these dark scenes were filmed in the elegant Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival (清明上河图).

While usually a bustling Song Dynasty scroll come to life, specific courtyards and streets here were dressed with red lighting and artificial fog to create the oppressive atmosphere of the Wen Clan and the eerie Yi City.

📸 Pro Tips for the Perfect Shot

• 🌉 Find the Bridges: The stone bridges here are versatile. In daylight, they look like A Dream of Splendor. At dusk, with the right filter, they channel the melancholic vibe of Yi City.
• 🎭 Don’t miss the Show (Bonus): Since you are visiting Dream Valley for Caiyi Town, make sure to catch the “Torrential Rain and Mountain Flood” (暴雨山洪) show. While not part of the drama, it’s a spectacular visual feast that fits the wuxia vibe perfectly.