Where Is the Untamed Series Set
The Untamed television series is set primarily in the fictional cultivation world of the Great Yan Dynasty, with key locations inspired by real regions in China. The story follows Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as they travel through cities, mountains, and sects that blend historical Chinese landscapes with fantasy elements. The series adapts the novel Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, which uses a richly detailed map of fictional provinces and territories to anchor its supernatural politics and battles.
Production design for the series draws on classical Chinese architecture, misty mountain ranges, and ancient city aesthetics to create a sense of place that feels both grounded and otherworldly. Filming locations and studio sets were chosen to evoke the atmosphere of historical Chinese regions while supporting large-scale supernatural action sequences. The visual language of the show emphasizes verticality, mist, and contrasting light to reinforce the tension between mortal cities and hidden cultivation realms.
Key Fictional Locations in the Untamed Universe
The Gusu Lan Sect and Cloud Recesses
The Gusu Lan Sect, led by Lan Wangji, is centered in the fictional city of Gusu, a major hub of cultivation politics in the Untamed setting. The Cloud Recesses, the sect's mountain retreat, is depicted as a secluded, rule-bound sanctuary built into cliffs and surrounded by dense forests. These locations serve as a contrast to the more chaotic and free-spirited environments associated with Wei Wuxian's journey.
Yunmeng Jiang Sect and Lotus Pier
The Yunmeng Jiang Sect, Wei Wuxian's original home, is based around the fictional Lotus Pier, a waterfront settlement that blends commercial bustle with inner-circle cultivation politics. The sect operates across wetlands, rivers, and nearby mountains, reflecting a more pragmatic and outward-facing approach to cultivation compared to the rigid traditions of Gusu. These settings help define Wei Wuxian's character arc and his eventual break from orthodox norms.
Real-World Inspirations and Production Context
The visual style of Untamed incorporates real-world Chinese landscapes and architectural traditions, even though the story takes place in a fictional realm. Directors and production designers referenced historical dynasties, regional costumes, and classical literature to build a coherent world that resonates with both domestic and international audiences. The series has been praised for its attention to detail in recreating ancient atmospheres while integrating modern streaming-friendly pacing and visual effects.
Untamed became one of the most-watched Chinese fantasy dramas on major platforms, drawing millions of viewers and sparking global interest in xianxia-style storytelling. Its success has influenced subsequent adaptations of danmei and cultivation novels, with production teams studying its world-building techniques and location design. The show's setting continues to be discussed in fan communities and media analyses as a benchmark for immersive fictional geography in Chinese television.