u/trainerkittyk

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Joy of Life s1 was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides attached…

SLIDE 2 = The whole studio is like a city or ancient town with the Royal Palace towards the back. Most of Joy of Life s1 was filmed here and used the whole studio as a set for Jingdu.

SLIDE 3 & 4 = the Baixi Theatre, the only octagonal-shaped building in this studio, was a restaurant in the cdrama. Its a really popular filming location, its seen in many other cdramas!

SLIDE 5 = one of the market streets in the cdrama was filmed at this studio.

SLIDE 6 – 8 = this tower was used as a meeting point for many of the characters and the tunnel passageway was used as part of the market area as well as a meeting point with the 2^(nd) Prince. The camera angles give viewers the impression that its a completely new filming location, but its not!

SLIDE 9 & 10 = nearby, is the home of Wang Qi Nian, a former overwatch member.

SLIDE 11 & 12 = if you follow the exit signs from the entrance to the studio, you will walk through an area that is used in many cdramas. In Joy of Life s1, this is part of Jingdu, a main thoroughfare. One of the buildings here is used as a kitchen. The photo that I’ve added, isn’t a perfect match to the screenshot of the cdrama as the stove counters can be moved and re-positioned and there were also a few other kitchen rooms here. I’ve added this photo to show fans what kitchens look like at filming locations / studios.

SLIDE = 13 & 14 = near the exit, is the prison / jail section. I found this area quite eerie and didn’t stay here for long!

SLIDE 15 – 20 = the exit to the studio is through Xian Gate which is used as the main entrance to Jingdu in the cdrama. It looks very similar to the entrance of the studio and is also used as an entrance / exit in many cdramas! With Slide 17 onwards, you can see its a huge grey-brick wall surrounding the three passageways. Joy of Life s1 was filmed here in 2018. When I visited in June 2026, it was a tan-brown wall. The studio often changes = renovates and redecorates = the walls, buildings, gardens, streets etc to create a new world for each cdrama...

That's it! I hope these posts have showcased an interesting behind-the-scenes tour to one of the filming locations for Joy of Life s1. Qin Han Duyun Studios is worth really visiting! I hope to revisit and take hanfu photos here and maybe I will be really lucky and get to see live cdrama filming too!

Post 1 can be viewed here = POST 1

Post 2 can be viewed here = POST 2

Post 3 can be viewed here = POST 3

Post 4 can be viewed here = POST 4

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Love Like The Galaxy was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit (before / yet) so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides…

SLIDE 2 – 6 = towards the back of the studio, on the left side (before you reach the altar or Qishan Indoctrination Centre of the Qishan Wen Clan from The Untamed), is an area with several covered walkways, a small bridge and garden.. Many scenes were filmed here as part of The Royal Palace grounds.

SLIDE 7 = this bridge and stream was used for a really annoying princess…

SLIDE 8 & 9 = General Ling Buyi fights some bad guys around this tower and stands on the tower to watch over the Cheng Manor area.

SLIDE 10 = one of the streets in the studio is a market area in the cdrama...

SLIDE 11 – 13 = on the far-right side of the studio is a building used in many cdramas – for example, its also the Inspection & Control Bureau in Joy of Life s1. In LLTG its the Censorate.

SLIDE 14 – 19 = towards the exit of the studio is a prison / jail used as the Ministry of Justice in the cdrama. Quite a few scenes were filmed here... I found my visit to this section quite eerie. No one was here, it was getting dark, the place appears quite neglected – not maintained – some corridors were flooded! I haven’t added photos as I wanted to focus on the filming locations of the cdrama.

That’s it! This is the last post about one of the filming locations for Love Like The Galaxy. I hope these posts help fans explore other cdrama filming locations besides Hengdian!

Link for Part 1 which shows a room – like an exhibition hall, dedicated to LLTG in this studio…

Link for Part 2 about the filming locations for the city of Luoyang including the main gate / tower and Tian’s Family Restaurant.

Link for Part 3 for the filming locations of Ling Manor, Emperor Wen’s Palace including Yongle Palace, etc.

Link for Part 4 for the filming locations of Prince Ruyang’s Manor, Cheng Manor & Marquis Quling’s Manor, and Princess Consort of Ruyang’s residence…

NOTE: the aerial views are screenshots from a short video clip that can be seen on the Baike Baidu webpage about Qin Han Duyun Studio (it actually has several different names but I'm calling it this!). I’ve used screenshots from Love Like The Galaxy cdrama and my photos taken during my visit in June 2026.

If anyone plans to visit this studio, please remember that you may not be seeing the same things that I did. For example, the buildings may be painted a different colour, the furniture and exhibitions inside buildings may change, gardens could different props or flowers etc as the studio renovates or rebuilds sets for each cdrama.

Qin Han Duyun Studios is a great place to visit – I highly recommend to add it to your China itinerary! Other cdramas that were also filmed at this studio include Joy of Life s1, The Untamed, Kill Me Love Me, Brocade Odyssey, Rise of the Phoenixes, Ever Night, Qin Dynasty Epic, The Eternal Love, Battle Through the Heavens, and OMFG The Fated General – which I still hope we can watch some day, in this lifetime... sigh.

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Joy of Life s1 was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides attached…

SLIDE 2 – 5 = one of the mansions at this studio was used as Prime Minister’s Manor or Lin Manor. When you visit the studio, the entrance to the mansions appear quite grand and you can easily distinguish one mansion from the next. However, once you’re inside, the buildings and garden areas are all connected across several mansions – there’s no fence in between each mansion. I thought this was really interesting and important so the cast and crew can have easy access to all the locations for filming purposes.

SLIDE 6 & 7 = this building was used as Princess Lin Waner’s Residence – many scenes were filmed upstairs, like her bedroom. I couldn’t access it – the staircase was blocked but you can visit the ground level and see a museum-like display with information boards (in Chinese) and some artefacts in glass cabinets. There’s also an area with hanfu photoshoot sets or props.

SLIDE 8 & 9 = this mansion was used as Ye Residence – Head of the Garrison. Ye Ling’er, best friend of Lin Wan’er’s home. Unfortunately, I couldn’t enter the mansion as it was closed / locked and staff were setting up a huge inflatable balloon display in front!

SLIDE 10 – 12 = the high wall surrounding the Xuanshi Hall, a building like Palace of Emperor Qin at Hengdian World Studios, was used in many scenes. There’s a section, a passageway, where many characters meet in secret to plot and scheme here! This passageway is also very similar to the Auxuliary Passage, located at Palace of Emperor Qin, which is seen in many cdramas...

SLIDE 13 = near the side entrances to Xuanshi Hall, are many red covered walkways which were used in night scenes...

SLIDE 14 – 18 = on the right-hand side of Xuanshi Hall, is a long outdoor walkway. Many different scenes were filmed here, from assassination attempts, heated discussions, or just to get from a to b. Also, if you’re wondering, Joy of Life S1 was filmed at this studio in 2018 – where many of the walls were grey-bricked. When I visited in June 2026, it was all painted a tan brown colour, most likely, for a different cdrama.

SLIDE 19 & 20 = towards the back of the studio, on the far right-hand side, are several long covered walkways that take you from one building to another. In the Joy of Life s1, we see many characters wander through these corridors to visit members of the royal family...

Next week, I will upload the final post, Post 5, to show where other areas of the studio was used as a set or location for the Joy of Life s1.

Post 1 can be viewed here = POST 1

Post 2 can be viewed here = POST 2

Post 3 can be viewed here = POST 3

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Love Like The Galaxy was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? Not just Hengdian!

Here’s an explanation of what you’re seeing in this post…

SLIDE 2 – 7 = Hengshan Prince’s Mansion at the studio was used as Prince Ruyang’s Manor in the cdrama. The garden area is worth visiting, it’s actually quite small but looks big in the cdrama. The aerial views, camera angles, lighting, and use of props really do make a film set appear different on screen!

SLIDE 8 & 9 = the entrance to this manor in the studio was used for a few different sets in the cdrama such as the 5^(th) Princess Manor. I couldn’t enter the manor as the doors was closed and there was staff setting up a huge inflatable balloon display in front… this manor was also used in Joy of Life s1 and The Untamed.

SLIDE 10 & 11 = this building was used as part of Cheng’s Manor. Upstairs, the 2^(nd) floor, was where a few scenes were filmed. I couldn’t access it – staircase was blocked, but I recognise it as its the same building used in Joy of Life s1 for Princess Lin Waner’s residence. If you visit this building, you can enter the ground floor level and see a museum-like display with information boards (in Chinese) and artefacts in glass cabinets. There’s also a few hanfu photoshoot prop sets!

SLIDE 12 – 14 = one of the mansions at this studio was used as the Cheng Manor. Unfortunately, again, I couldn’t visit the mansion (see the inside) as the main doors were blocked with filming equipment and staff – yes, something was being filmed here! Was it a commercial, a vertical drama, or a cdrama??? I don’t know… sorry. I didn’t bother asking as there was a woman standing on the steps gesturing everyone to "keep walking"!!!

In episode 5, the Cheng family move houses in the middle of the night. They leave the Cheng Manor and head to Marquis Quling’s Manor – its literally around the corner! I thought this was super cool and funny!!! We literally watch the family take 88 steps from their old house to their new house! I’ve added a 2.5min clip to show you, so you can see for yourself, in the comments.

SLIDE 15 – 19 = Wei Qing’s Mansion was used as Marquis Quling’s Manor in the cdrama. When I visited in June 2026, the main building of this mansion was a hanfu rental studio... In the cdrama, the camera angles and aerial view shots used, make the mansion appear wider or bigger than it is in reality.

SLIDE 20 = One of the buildings in the far left corner of Wei Qing’s Mansion was used as Princess Consort of Ruyang’s residence (that old annoying woman with a granddaughter, Princess Yuchang, who desperately wanted to marry General Ling Buyi).

Next week, I will upload Post 5 – the final post, to show other areas of the studio that was used as part of the Emperor’s Palace, Luoyang city like the market area, and the Ministry of Justice / Jail.

Here’s the link for Part 1 which shows a room – like an exhibition hall, dedicated to LLTG in this studio…

Link for Part 2 about the filming locations for the city of Luoyang including the main gate / tower and Tian’s Family Restaurant.

Link for Part 3 for the filming locations of Ling Manor, Emperor Wen’s Palace including Yongle Palace, etc.

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Joy of Life s1 was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Post 1 can be viewed here = POST 1

Post 2 can be viewed here = POST 2

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing with the slides attached to this post…

SLIDE 2 – 7 = Hengshan’s Mansion is used for many scenes in the cdrama. It’s hard to tell if the inside of these buildings were used as a set in the cdrama as there’s no furniture or décor, memorabilia etc… Many of the rooms are empty like these around the studio...

SLIDE 8 – 12 = Tianlu Pavilion has a really nice garden and pond area which was used as part of the Fan Manor.

SLIDE 13 – 18 = Wei Qing’s Mansion is Fan Manor in the cdrama. When you visit this studio, you will find that several mansions are connected to each other – there’s no fence to indicate where one mansion starts or ends… As you wander through the courtyards and garden areas, you will actually enter another residence.

SLIDE 19 & 20 = in another section of the studio, is an area with many outdoor covered walkways that was used as part of the Royal Palace grounds.

NOTE the aerial views are screenshots from a short video clip that can be seen on the Baike Baidu webpage about Qin Han Duyun Studio (it actually has several different names but I'm calling it this!).

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Love Like The Galaxy was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? Not just Hengdian!

Link for Part 1 which shows a room – like an exhibition hall, dedicated to LLTG in this studio...

Link for Part 2 about the filming locations for the city of Luoyang including the main gate / tower and Tian’s Family Restaurant.

Here’s an explanation of what you’re seeing in this post…

SLIDE 2 – 5 = the entrance to Ling Manor is the entrance to Changle Palace in the studio.

SLIDE 6 – 8 = one of the buildings and courtyards of Changle Palace is used as Yongle Palace, where Emperor Wen is often seen resting here or meeting visitors / guests…

SLIDE 9 & 10 = in front of Changle Palace is a long outdoor walkway that’s used to film as a passageway to visit other areas of the Royal Palace and Ling Buyi’s mother’s residence = Apricot Blossom Courtyard.

SLIDE 11 & 12 = the entrance / exit to the Royal Palace is Sima Gate in the studio. Scenes filmed here, weren’t heavily digitally edited like some of the other filming locations used in the cdrama...

SLIDE 13 – 17 = visitors to the Royal Palace need to go through Sima Gate then cross a huge courtyard... Many scenes were filmed here and it was edited to look a lot bigger, wider and longer than it is in reality!

SLIDE 18 & 19 = other areas of Xuanshi Hall in the studio, like these covered walkways, are used as “meeting points” in the cdrama.

SLIDE 20 = the famous Auxiliary Passage from the Palace of Emperor Qin in Hengdian World Studios was used as part of the Royal Palace grounds in this cdrama. There’s a similar passage walkway in Qin Han Duyun Studios that was also used in the cdrama but for different scenes and storylines…

I will post more about the filming locations for LLTG soon…

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Joy of Life s1 was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

NOTE: this is continuing on from Post 1, which can be viewed here = POST 1

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing with the slides attached to this post…

SLIDE 2 – 5 = many scenes were filmed at the Sima Gate which is the entrance to Weiyang Palace in the studio. With Slide 5, I watched a 5min outdoor performance where a woman dressed in hanfu was flying above the cherry blossom trees…. There are quite a few indoor and outdoor performances throughout the studio and the schedule, the types of performances, games and activities, do change depending on the events or festivals happening each month.

SLIDE 6 – 8 = if you walk through the Sima Gate, you will enter a huge concrete courtyard in front of Xuanshi Hall. In the cdrama, you will see the walls are grey bricked but when I visited, these walls are now a tan brown colour – now thats a lot of paint used to cover the buildings in this studio!!!!

SLIDE 9 – 15 = the exterior of Xuanshi Hall is used as a set for Emperor Wen’s Palace. I cannot confirm if the inside is also used in the cdrama as it’s hard to tell without the furniture and décor… I suspect the inside of Enperor Wen’s Palace was filmed at Hengdian World Studios.

SLIDE 16 – 18 = Changle’s Palace was used as the set for Elder Princess Li Yunri’s home.

SLIDE 19 = the exterior of this building was used as the home for the Crown Prince.

SLIDE 20 = nearby, many actions scenes were filmed above these staircases, walkways and rooftops!

ALSO the aerial views are screenshots from a short video clip that can be seen on the Baike Baidu webpage about Qin Han Duyun Studio (it actually has several different names but I'm calling it this!). Ive also added photos of some buildings from this webpage to show how it was grey-bricked before, like in the cdrama – Slide 5 & 13…

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Love Like The Galaxy was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? Not just Hengdian!

NOTE: this is continuing on from Post 1, which can be viewed here = Post 1

Let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides attached to this post… I’ve used red and blue circles or rectangles to help identify the key buildings that can be seen in the cdrama.

SLIDE 2 TO 5 = The entrance, or main gate, to the city of Luoyang, is actually the exit of the studio! As soon as you walk outside, you will see a carpark on the left, a huge grassy field in front of you, the highway and mountains in the distance.... whereas, in the cdrama, its been changed to appear as if Luoyang is in the middle of nowhere!

SLIDE 6 TO 8 = Several scenes are shot on the main gate balcony. The characters are looking into Luoyang and you can see the “whole city” from up here...

SLIDE 9 TO 12 = If you walk from the entrance of Luoyang and along this main road, you will see many scenes are filmed along here. Many of the buildings are the same – look at the towers, doors, windows and balconies to figure out where which scenes are filmed.

SLIDE 13 TO 17 = Tian’s Family Restaurant is the Baixi Theatre in the studio. It’s the only octagonal-shaped building and has been used as a set in many other cdramas too! I really like this building. If you look through Trip.com reviews, you will see this building has changed over the years = its been repainted and redecorated many times!

SLIDE 18 TO 20 = I took many photos standing on the balconies of Baixi Theatre looking out – blue circle in Slide 18. From here, I could see which buildings was used such as the home for Marquis Chengyang’s Manor. LLTG was filmed from July to December 2021. The red bridge walkway that you see in Slide 20 would have been added later or is detachable / removeable….

ALSO with the aerial views on Slide 4, 7, 11, 12 & 18, these are screenshots from a short video clip that can be seen on the Baike Baidu webpage about Qin Han Duyun Studio (it actually has several different names but I'm calling it this!). There are a few video clips on this webpage and images of what the studio looked like before Love Like The Galaxy was filmed here too…

I will post more about the filming locations for LLTG soon…

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where The Untamed was also filmed. Inside the studio is a “little museum” dedicated to The Untamed!

Now, this little museum appears to be quite new, completed within the last year... If you read the Trip.com reviews and watch the few You-Tube videos about this studio, you will see a completely different version of this little museum over the past couple of years.

According to Trip.com reviews, the little museum is also only open on certain days – someone mentioned it’s closed on Mondays? When I found the little museum, it was closed! I asked another staff member for assistance and he informed me that I needed to wait 20min for the staff to finish their lunch break, come back to open the doors for me… Phew!

SLIDE 2 = The entrance to the museum isn’t clearly marked or advertised. You will only know where it is by the cardboard character cut-outs at the entrance... Where and which characters are placed here will change...

SLIDE 3 & 4 = As soon as you walk inside, you will see this rooftop and wall artwork which is the same image on the front cover of the Official Artbook.

SLIDE 5 – 13 = There are two huge glass cabinets with BJD dolls depicting scenes from the cdrama. I thought these were really beautiful. The attention to detail with the table settings, the bookshelves, the scroll paintings, etc are amazing! Unfortunately, they are not for sale.

SLIDE 14 = If you walk clock-wise, turn left, you will see this wall display next.

SLIDE 15 = There is another large glass cabinet with various merchandise to look at!

SLIDE 16 – 20 = When you turn right, on both side of the walls, you will see large framed photo prints of The Untamed cast and promo posters. The walkways are quite narrow and prints are high up so it was difficult to take clear photos especially with the glass and ceiling light reflection...

There is more to this “little museum” dedicated to The Untamed! I will upload the rest in Post 3 soon…

Here is the link for Part 1 which shows where all The Untamed stuff that I saw around the studio...

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Joy of Life s1 was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides attached…

SLIDE 2: Outside of the main entrance to the studio are several huge displays showcasing some of the cdramas, movies and reality TV shows that have been filmed here. Joy of Life s1 is featured!

SLIDE 3: There is a hall with cdrama memorabilia, information and merchandise! On one of the walls, Joy of Life is mentioned and outside of this building is a display for the cdrama too.

SLIDE 4 – 11: There is also an information board and building dedicated just to Joy of Life s1. Inside are framed photos on the walls and a bookshelf (very dusty, ugh what a shame!), some promo posters and character cut-outs…

SLIDE 12 – 20: As I took so many photos (nearly 800 photos around the studio), I decided to “match up” my photos with the filming locations of Joy of Life s1. I’ve added screenshots from the cdrama to show which scenes were filmed where around the studio. Do you remember these scenes???

NOTE: with the aerial view, these are screenshots from a short video clip on the Baike Baidu webpage. I found it handy and helpful to explain where what was filmed or how the studio - which is like an ancient city, was used as the base for Jingdu in the cdrama - see SLIDE 13.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will upload a total of x5 posts that showcase what was filmed where for Joy of Life s1 at this studio... including the sites for Jingdu, Emperor’s Palace, the Lan Manor, Prime Minister Lin Manor, Ye’s Residence, Inspection & Control Bureau and a few other places!

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where Love Like The Galaxy was also filmed. I haven’t seen anyone share information or photos of their visit to this studio on Reddit (before / yet) so here I am = sharing! Maybe it will inspire you to visit this studio too??? There are quite a few studios around China where cdramas are filmed, not just Hengdian!!!

Now, let me explain what you’re seeing on the slides…

SLIDE 2: Outside of the main entrance to the studio are several huge displays showcasing some of the cdramas, movies and reality TV shows that have been filmed here. Love Like The Galaxy is featured!

SLIDE 3 – 12: There is an information board in front of a building with a little room dedicated to Love Like The Galaxy. Inside this room are promo posters and images about the cdrama, some information and hanfu photoshoot props/sets. If you're wearing hanfu, this studio is a great place to visit and take lots of photos without the crowds or queues!

SLIDE 13 – 15: These are seen around other buildings in the studio and some cast / crew photos taken at this studio...

SLIDE 16 – 20: As I took so many photos (nearly 800 photos at this studio), I decided to “match up” my photos with the filming locations of Love Like The Galaxy. Here are some screenshots from the cdrama to show where and which scenes were filmed around these red bridge walkway areas of the studio. Do you remember these scenes???

NOTE: with the aerial view on SLIDE 16, this is a screenshot from a short video clip that can be seen on the Baike Baidu webpage about Qin Han Duyun Studio (it actually has several different names but I'm calling it this!). There are a few video clips on this webpage and images of what the studio looked like before Love Like The Galaxy was filmed here too... If you watch the video clips, you should be able to recognise one particular structure at the back, far left - its very unique!

Over the next couple of weeks, I will upload a total of x5 posts that showcase what was filmed where for Love Like The Galaxy at this studio…. including the sites for Luoyang (the city where most of the cdrama is based), Yongle Palace and other areas around Emperor Wen’s “Palace”, Prince Ruyang’s Manor, 5th Princess Manor, Cheng Manor and Marquis Quling’s Manor, Ling Manor, Ministry of Justice, The Jail / Prison and a few other places!

Thanks u/No-Recipe-7653 for letting me post in your sub! I've currently made this post as SPOILER due to some of the images - for those who have not seen the cdrama yet. Feel free to change the flair!

A few months ago, I visited Qin Han Duyun Studios – where The Untamed was also filmed. I was really surprised (and happy) to see how much of The Untamed is still shown here! Even though The Untamed was released in 2019 – 7 years ago, its still very much alive, present, celebrated and loved to this day. Yay!!!

Now, let me explain what I’m showing you.. consider this an exclusive “Behind-The-Scenes Tour of Qin Han Duyun Studios for The Untamed”!

SLIDE 2 & 3: Outside of the studio, are several huge displays showcasing many of the cdramas, movies and reality TV shows filmed here. The Untamed is mentioned several times! I found it really interesting how only The Untamed metal panel has faded...

SLIDE 4 – 8: As soon as you enter the studio (pass the ticket scanning area), on the left, is a hanfu rental store with several The Untamed posters on the walls (inside and outside), as well as character cut-outs…

SLIDE 9 – 12: There’s a hall with cdrama memorabilia, information and some merchandise! WWX and LWJ costumes are in the big glass cabinets = amazing!!! With the ceiling lights, glass reflection and small walkways, it was difficult to take good, clear photos and there’s staff monitoring the merchandise area so I didn’t take any photos of the products.. sorry.

SLIDE 13: this is what one of the restaurants look like inside. I think the owner must be a huge fan! Even the menu refers to the main actors haha NOTE: I didn’t take all of these photos. Some are from Trip.com app reviews and as you can see, there’s a display that has changed quite a bit over the years… When I visited, the restaurant staff were “watching me” so I didn’t feel comfortable taking lots of photos here. There’s actually more memorabilia in this restaurant like posters, magazines, postcards, photocards, plushies, magnets, etc. Sort of a shrine to WWX and LWJ / XZ and YWB. I browsed for a bit then continued exploring the studio...

SLIDE 14 – 17: I’ve added photos from the Trip.com app reviews to show you some of the things that I didn’t see but other visitors saw over the years... It also seems the studio often changes (relocates and redesigns) the displays according to events, festivals, for any cdrama being filming on site or for set renovation purposes. This means, every time you visit the studio, it will be different!

SLIDE 18: I compiled this because I LOVE the song “Wu Ji”无羁/ Unrestrained. It melts my heart every time I hear it and I listen to it every day!

SLIDE 19: I’ve been looking for a full cast photo / image / poster and cannot find one online. I found these promo images on MDL. Does anyone has a full cast photo??? Please share! I just want to add it to my album, for personal use.

NOTE: some photos may appear a bit blurry as I’ve cropped and zoomed in as much as possible to focus on The Untamed stuff.

Now, as I took so many photos (nearly 800 photos around the studio because many popular cdramas were also filmed here), I decided to “match up” my photos with the filming locations of The Untamed cdrama. Over the next couple of weeks, I will upload a total of x6 posts that showcase the following:

POST 2 & 3 = The Untamed Museum. OMFG! Yes, there’s a “little museum” dedicated to the cdrama! And some merchandise…

POST 4 = filming locations for Buyetian / Nightless City / Nevernight of the Qishan Wen Clan, Jinlintai of the Lanling Jin Clan and Residence of the Yueyang Chang Clan.

POST 5 = filming locations for the Cloud Recesses, Library Pavilion & Forbidden Room of the Gusu Clan.

POST 6 = filming locations for the Qishan Indoctrination Centre of the Qishan Wen Clan, Tanzhou City with the Inn & Marketplace and Yongxian Tower (the storyteller restaurant).

If you have visited Qin Han Duyun Studios and took photos of The Untamed stuff here, please do share!

CHINESE NAME: 法定寺, 昆明法定寺.

OTHER NAMES: Fading Temple, Kunming Fading Temple.

ADDRESS: inside Guandu ancient town, which is now part of Luofeng Village, approx 8km south-east of Kunming City, Yunnan province, China.

HISTORY: Some records say that Fading Temple was built around 756 AD during the Nanzhao Kingdom period and others note it was built during the Song Dynasty. Fading Temple served as an important early centre for the rise of Esoteric (Vajrayana) Buddhism in the region and was once renowned for training Buddhist monks and earned the poetic name “Luo Peak in Layers of Green” 螺峰叠翠. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt or renovated many times, with its current main structure dating back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, 1895. In 2003, Fading Temple was officially listed as a Key Cultural Relics protection Site of Yunnan province.

ARCHITECTURE: Fading Temple features a traditional three-hall with two-courtyard layout covering approx. 2,500 sqm. It faces east with its back to Luo Peak 螺峰山 and has a blend of Song and Qing Dynasty architectural styles. As you wander around the complex, you will also see side halls or chambers, wing rooms, a pavilion, a Bell Tower and Drum Tower that both have double-eaved hexagonal pointed roofs, richly decorated with painted beams and carved rafters. There are openwork lattice patterns on some of the buildings and decorations like twin phoenixes and Qilin statues within the complex.

The main hall – Mahavira Hall, consists of five bays wide, three bays deep and single-eaved hip-and-gable roof. It was built with a column-and-tie wooden framework, steeply pitched eaves and features a 45 degrees angle wing-shaped bracket set with exquisite openwork carvings of “Double Phoenix Facing the Sun” at the front exterior. There is an intricately carved wooden qilin sculpture atop the eave columns and phoenix-shaped beam ends at the four corners. The gable walls showcase the brick-built ruyi pattern bracket sets in classic Qing Dynasty style...

CHINESE NAME: 妙湛寺, 昆明官渡区妙湛寺/少林寺.

OTHER NAMES: Miaozhan Temple, and Kunming Shaolin Temple.

ADDRESS: inside Guandu ancient town, which is now part of Luofeng Village, approx 8km south-east of Kunming City, Yunnan province, China.

HISTORY: Miaozhan Temple was first constructed in the 27th year (1290) of Zhiyuan Period of the Yuan Dynasty and was completed in 1295 but was damaged by floods. It was reconstructed and shifted to the present site in 1325. There used to be two 13-storey dense-eave and solid pagodas of which the west one has been brought down by earthquake.

In 2008, Guandu District of Kunming and Shaolin Temple based in Songshan Mountain in Henan Province signed an agreement to allow Abbot Shi Yongxin 释永信 to manage Miaozhan Temple (along with the other temples in Guandu ancient town) for the next 20 years – til late 2029. There is a plaque inscribed with "Shao Lin Si" (Shaolin Temple) at Miaozhan Temple.

ARCHITECTURE: Miaozhan Temple is considered as the No. 1 of the six temples In Guandu ancient town. This temple comprises of several halls including the Heavenly Kings Hall, Arhat Hall, Maharvia Hall, Vairocana Hall, Hall of Light and Miaode Pavilion. All the statues and halls in this temple were carved and painted by skilled wood-carving artisans of Jianchuan County in northwest Yunnan, using premium timber. The temple is renowned for its traditional Chinese ancient wooden architecture, beautifully blending artistic elements from both the Ming and Qing dynasties.

CHINESE NAME: 官渡古镇

OTHER NAMES: Guandu Ancient Town

ADDRESS: now part of Luofeng Village, approx 8km south-east of Kunming City, Yunnan province, China.

HISTORY: Guandu Ancient Town is considered one of the birthplaces of Kunming, with a history spanning over 1,300 years. It was used to be a fishing village, then became a key trading and transportation hub during the Tang Dynasty. Guandu also played a central role in the politics, economy, and culture of the Yunnan region – also known as the 'First Town of Central Dian’ (the first ancient town to flourish in central Yunnan) during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Guandu is the first place where Tibetan Buddhism was introduced into the area of Kunming. The stone pagoda of Miaozhan Temple (bottom photo of slide 9) holds a Tibetan tantra stupa which reflects on the lama tower style. Dazhengjue Temple, Temple of the Azure Clouds in Beijing and Ciyun Temple Vajra-base pagoda in Hohhot, which was built later, are also examples of the typical Chinese, multi-layered pagoda of tight tiles.

Over time, the lake shoreline retreated and the natural landscape of Guandu changed… many buildings were abandoned and areas neglected... In April 2001, the local government started reconstructing and renovating the ancient town. Within two years, many historical landmarks and cultural monuments were relocated and restored within Guandu including the famous Vajra-Base Throne Tower, Miaozhan Temple and West Tower, the Confucius Temple, Guanwu Temple, Cishu Hall, Fading Temple, Local-Guard Temple, Guanyin Temple etc.

ARCHITECTURE: Guandu Ancient Town is considered as an open, living museum and showcases architecture from several Yunnan ethnic groups, notably Han, Yi and Bai. Most of the “original architecture” can be seen on the second floor or top parts of buildings and within the temples. Nowadays, Guandu is known for its mix of old, traditional design with new modern styles = its where “the past and present live together”.

During the Qing Dynasty, Guandu became known for its architectural complex showcasing the culture of "six temples, seven pavilions, and eight shrine temples". These spectacular architectures were in the integration of natural scenery, constituted a beautiful picture and formed the so-called Guandu eight sights, namely "the Ancient Ferry Fishing Lights", "Range upon Range of Luofeng Peak", “Yuntai Moon Shines”, "Shepherd in the Apricot Nursery", "The Smoke Wreathed upward Reach the Clouds", "South of Yunnan Lawn", "Buddha’s Guardian Warriors Night Words" and "Writing the Vault of Heaven".

TUZU SHRINE = see slide 10 to 15, was originally built during the Tang Dynasty’s Nazhao period. Facing east with its back to the west, the overall architectural complex comprises of the main hall, mountain gate, side wings and auxillary hall, covering an area of 2,470 sqm. The existing main hall was reconstructed in 1895 during the 21^(st) year of the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu reign. This main hall features a single-eaved hip-and-gable roof, measuring 17.2m across its five bays and 15.7m in depth, with a front corridor and rear extension supported by a column-an-tie beam structure with seven portions. The facade displays four tiers of bracket sets beneath the eaves, each tier featuring 45 degree diagonal brackets, also known as ruyi brackets. All bracket heads are carved as dragon heads adorned with polychrome decoration, exemplifying typical Qing Dynasty architectural style.

WENMING PAVILION ARCHITECTURAL COMPLEX = see slide 16 to 20, is comprised of three single structural units that face south and are arranged in a "品" (pin) shape: the Confucius Tower, the Guansheng Palace, and the Cishu Hall. In 1983, the Guandu District People's Government named the Confucius Tower, Guan Shengzhou, and Weishutang as the "Wenmingge Architectural Complex" and announced it as a district-level cultural relic protection unit.

The Confucius Tower was first built during the Tianshun era of the Ming Dynasty (1457-1461 AD) and comprises a courtyard consisting of individual buildings, including the Lingxing Gate and two side buildings on the east and west side wings. Financed and constructed under the sponsorship of Mu Ang (the Grand Defender of Yunnan) and Luo Lin (the Town Magistrate), it underwent expansions during the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns of the Qing dynasty. In the 13th year of the Guangxu reign (1887), it was rebuilt after being destroyed due to local salt bureau conflicts. Throughout successive dynasties, it served as a venue for local village schools and ancestral temple gatherings. Since the Republic of China era, it has primarily been used for educational purposes. As the earliest educational site in the Guandu area, it possesses highly significant historical and cultural value.

Guansheng Palace was first built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566 AD) and was rebuilt several times during the Qing Dynasty. It forms a complete courtyard layout comprising the main hall, two side chambers, and the main gate. The main gate features an overhanging gable roof style (Xieshan), mirroring the character of an open-style gatehouse archway from the Ming dynasty, which possesses a unique architectural character. PICTURED.

Xie Shutang, Shishu Hall or Cishu Hall was first built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It is a two-story structure with a flush gable roof (Yingshan). It was built by local gentry Wang Sixun, a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinationsof Qing Dynasty) from Gongbo in the early Qing Dynasty to commemorate and preserve the imperial calligraphic works and books bestowed by Emperor Kangxi – hence the name "Shishu Hall" (Hall of Bestowed Books). It served as an institutional space to propagate Confucian family traditions and encourage Confucian learning, making it another vital educational centre in the Guandu region. PICTURED.

NOTE: I google translated the information boards placed in front of the attractions... hope its correct!

I had this in Dali ancient town, Yunnan province.

I think I paid 10 CNY, or less...

What is it called?

Is it a typical street food type dish?

Every couple of months, I like to watch a modern, action-packed, military cdrama to take a break from costume cdramas. I’ve watched Glory of Special Forces, twice, in the last year – I enjoyed it that much!!! There’s no romance, its got a decent story focusing on the army training and realistic, interesting characters…

What other cdramas have you seen that are similar to Glory of Special Forces?

Feel free to recommend me some navy, airforce, or police cdramas as well but it must have lots of ACTION!!!

NOTE: I haven’t seen all of the cdramas attached… its what I found, so far, while researching on MDL . I've also included a few to be released = Flags of Glory and Soldiers of Glory.

CHINESE NAME: 圆通寺

OTHER NAMES: Yuantong Temple, previously known as Pu Tuoluo Temple or Potalaka Temple.

ADDRESS: No. 42 Yuantong Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan province.

HISTORY: Yuantong Temple was built in the late 8th to early 9th Century, during the Nanzhao Kingdom of the Tang Dynasty. It has been repaired, rebuilt and restored many times, over the years, mainly due to war. In 1669, when Wu Sangui was ruler of Yunnan, he ordered the main gate (that was made in 1666) to be moved south and relocated the Yuantong Shengjing memorial archway and the Yuantong Palace to its current position.

In 1982, Thai Buddhists sent a 3.5m copper statue of Sakaymuni to Yuantong Temple as a symbol of friendship. Along with funding from Thailand, in 1985, a Thai-style temple pavilion was also added, along with two chimeras and a Siddharta Buddha inside. Since then, Yuantong Temple has become well-known throughout Southeast Asia and is part of pilgrimages with special Buddhist services held regularly.

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Yuantong Temple is not only the largest temple in Kunming, its considered as one of the grandest and most important Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province. Til this day, many people visit on the 1st and 15th of every month in the Chinese lunar calendar to pay their respects.

ARCHITECTURE: Yuantong Temple was originally built on the traditional model of Chinese Buddhist Temples but now showcases a unique mix of Yuan, Qing and Ming Dynasty styles. After serval major restorations and expansions during the Yuanyanyou Period (1314 to 1320), the reign of Emperor Chenghua (1465–1487) and in 1686, the temple took on its present design, with covered corridors, bridges and grand halls.

Yuantong Temple’s architecture also incorporates various characteristics from Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Southern Buddhism schools from Southeast Asia. It is one of the few temples in China that is representative of unity for the three schools of Buddhism = Yuantong Pavilion Hall is of Mahayana; the Copper Buddhism Hall is of Theravada; the side halls is of Tibetan Buddhism. Yuantong Temple also showcases sculptures and pictures of Taoists immortals, such as the Eight Immortals.

Another interesting aspect of Yuantong Temple is its symmetrical layout is based on a “reversed system”. Unlike most Buddhist temples that are built on an ascendant, after going through the main gate, visitors to Yuantong Temple need to walk downhill along the central axis to visit the main hall. From the front memorial archway, visitors can see the garden areas and courtyard to the main hall, by looking down and not up, to worship Buddha.

The main hall maintains the style of Chinese architecture from the 12th century and holds two central pillars inside with two giant dragons carved during the Ming dynasty. These two dragons are facing each other, as if they are ready to fight, which is another rare sight in Chinese Buddhist temples. See photo 12.

The Yuantong Palace (or Mahavira Hall) is an octagonal-shaped building – also uncommon in Chinese Buddhist temples. This building is located in the centre and with a large pool connected to the rest of the complex by several bridges or walkways. Many consider this a unique temple layout, as the temple is presented in a garden-like design and is surrounded by water with fish and turtles.

East and West Temple Pagodas 东西寺塔

HISTORY: According to historical records, the East and West Temple Pagodas were both built during the 9^(th) Century, in the Tang Dynasty, Taihe three years (829 years), of the Nanzhao period 824-895 AD, and took 30 years to complete.

The West Pagoda, or Xisi Ta, is also known as Huiguang Temple Pagoda, stands on the west side of Dongsi Street. In 1984, the pagoda was repaired and a Nanzhao inscription “Apocalypse decade" (859) brick carving was discovered, proving when the Central Plains brick burning technology was introduced to Kunming.

The East Pagoda, or Dongsi Ta, is also known as Changle Temple Pagoda, is located on Shulin Street. It collapsed due to an earthquake in the 13th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty and was rebuilt in the 9th year of the Guangxu reign. In 1882, it was rebuilt on a new site hundreds of steps east of its original location.

ARCHITECTURE: each pagoda measures approx 40.5m tall and have 13-levels, square dense multi-eaves, hollow brick tower with wooden flooring and a staircase. The bricks of the pagoda are inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and incantations in Chinese and Sanskrit and the stamps of brick-makers = all invaluable relics. Each side of the pagodas also holds a Buddha niche housing stone Buddha statues.

At each of the four corners of the pagoda’s top stands a gilded copper Garuda about 2 meters high. The legend is that the roosters are enemies of dragons, so they help protect the pagodas and the city against storms. This symbolism goes all the way back to India, where Vishnu's bird-mount Garuda is often depicted as holding snakes in his beak.

In appearance and structure, the pagodas resemble the Small, Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. The East and West Temple Pagodas are a nationally protected cultural heritage site. Unfortunately, you can no longer enter the pagodas –the door is locked...

NOTE: Photos 1, 2, 3 is of the West Temple Pagoda – I couldn’t take many photos as there was a group of woman dancing around the pagoda!

NOTE: Photos 4 to 12 are of the East Temple Pagoda.

NOTE: Photo 13, 14, 15 were found online...

NOTE: Last photo is of the Twin Pagodas of Miaozhan Temple 妙湛寺双塔, in Guandu Ancient Town, Kunming, Yunnan province. Its like a “replica”, or mini version, of the East and West Temple Pagodas.

These were first built in the fourth year of Taiding in the Yuan Dynasty (1327-1335). The West Tower was destroyed by an earthquake in the 13th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, that is, in 1833, leaving only the East Tower. The West Tower was rebuilt in 2001. These Twin Pagodas are approx 17.5m tall and have a square base with a side length of 5.5m.