Liyue

Lore & Background

In the distant past, this land was forged by Rex Lapis during the cataclysmic Archon War. He established Liyue not just as a territory, but as a testament to human potential guided by divine protection. Over time, he stepped back, allowing humanity to govern themselves while remaining as their guardian spirit. The concept of contracts is sacred here, governing everything from trade deals to promises between friends and enemies alike. This legalistic approach ensures stability in a world often threatened by chaos. The landscape reflects this duality, featuring serene harbors alongside rugged peaks where ancient spirits still linger.

In Their Own Story

The sun dipped below the Jade Forest, casting long shadows across Liyue Harbor's stone lanterns. A merchant counted his coins near the harbor entrance, whispering a prayer to the Geo Archon before sealing a new deal with wax and ink. Above, the silhouette of Mt. Tianheng stood watchful, silent as ever.

Reader's Guide

Liyue serves as the second major destination for travelers crossing Teyvat, following the windswept plains of Mondstadt. It represents a shift from freedom to order, governed by strict yet fair contracts that bind its people together. The region is dominated by towering mountains and lush valleys, offering diverse exploration opportunities ranging from bustling harbors to dangerous mines. Narratively, Liyue explores themes of legacy and change. While the Geo Archon once ruled directly, humans now manage daily affairs through the Qixing council, marking a new era in history. Players engage with this transition by uncovering ancient secrets beneath the earth and resolving conflicts between tradition and progress. For visitors, the area offers rich combat encounters against hilichurls and adepti guardians, alongside intricate puzzles involving elemental reactions. Its cultural depth provides context for understanding Teyvat's broader political landscape, making it essential for anyone seeking to grasp the world's history before moving toward distant lands.

Did You Know?

• Liyue (璃月) literally translates to 'Glazed Moon' or 'Glass Moon', though Jade remains a central thematic element of the region.
• Morax is widely believed to be the oldest living Archon among the Seven.
• While the Qixing have existed for centuries, the transition from direct divine rule to human governance was only finalized recently during the Rite of Parting, shortly before the Traveler's arrival.
• Contracts are considered legally binding even before gods within this region.

Geographic Inspiration and Cultural Synthesis

Liyue stands as a majestic fictional nation within Teyvat's eastern expanse, meticulously crafted over a year to embody the grandeur of Ancient China. Its visual identity draws profound inspiration from real-world Chinese landscapes, including the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the vibrant mineral pools of Huanglong Scenic Area, and the misty karst formations of Guilin. Architectural marvels like the Hanging Temple in Shanxi also inform its design, creating a setting that critics have lauded as a vibrant symbol of Chinese culture within the gaming world. This region serves as the primary stage for the game's inaugural chapter, grounding players in an environment where nature and history intertwine seamlessly.

Cultural Traditions and Daily Life

The daily existence of Liyue's inhabitants is steeped in traditional customs that mirror real-world Chinese heritage. Character names retain their original pinyin pronunciation even in English versions, preserving linguistic authenticity. Fashion reflects a blend of Qing dynasty aesthetics with modern touches; laborers don practical round-necked shirts with wrist guards, while women often wear elegant qipaos or large-collared garments. Playable characters like Zhongli and Hu Tao sport costumes reminiscent of the magua, changshan, and Tangzhuang styles. Culinary traditions are equally rich, divided into 'Li' and 'Yue' cuisines that parallel China's Eight Great Regional Cuisines, featuring dishes inspired by real-life delicacies such as squirrel fish.

Festivals and Performing Arts

Liyue celebrates its heritage through two major festivals: the Lantern Rite and the Moonchase Festival. The former corresponds to the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, where citizens release glowing Xiao and Mingxiao lanterns into the night sky while setting off fireworks. The latter mirrors the Mid-Autumn Festival, transforming streets with autumnal decorations and bustling market stalls. Beyond festivities, the nation's performing arts are modeled after Peking opera, highlighted by the original piece 'Divine Damsel of Devastation,' performed by renowned artist Yang Yang. These cultural pillars reinforce Liyue's identity as a land where ancient rituals continue to thrive amidst modern commerce.

Mythological Origins and Historical Conflicts

The nation's deep lore traces back thousands of years, beginning with the ancient civilization of Lang-Gan in The Chasm. During the War of Funerary Flame six millennia ago, the Celestial Nail was cast down to cleanse Abyssal corruption, leading to the tragic sacrifice of Zibai and the eventual formation of the Spiritstone. Following this catastrophe, Rex Lapis founded Liyue, navigating subsequent turmoil including the Archon War where Guizhong fell and Salt Goddess Havria met a grim end. The conflict concluded with Rex Lapis subduing demon gods at Guyun Stone Forest and forming contracts with the Five Yakshas. Today, only Xiao remains among them as the adepti retreated to Jueyun Karst, leaving mortals like the Liyue Qixing to govern while the region evolved into a commercial powerhouse.