As our journey through Hidden Mountain draws to a close, our path turns east. On October 15, we venture into an all-new region: Qingzhou.

From rugged peaks down to the coastal breeze, Qingzhou brings a world unlike anything seen before. Ancient cliffside inscriptions linger on mountain heights, the Yellow River surges toward the sea in the distance, and boundless waters cradle old myths of immortal peaks. Can a flock of sheep truly walk a rainbow into the clouds after the rain? Does the mythical wonderland of Penglai genuinely lie between sea and sky?

This is the realm Qingzhou strives to capture: a world suspended between grand geography and mortal folklore. Here, you may summit peaks to behold the vast ocean, wander through lively villages, or track the fleeting steps of immortals. And when weary from the road, take a seat and listen as locals recount legends whose truths have faded with time.

To journey through Qingzhou is to step right into a living tapestry of the Eastern One Thousand and One Nights.

 

From Secluded Peaks to the Boundless Sea

Qingzhou draws its primary geographical inspiration from China's Shandong province, a land where central massifs give way to sweeping plains, and a rocky peninsula extends into the Pacific, weaving together rolling hills, broad estuaries, and sheltered bays. Drawing from this rich terrain, we crafted an open-world journey that naturally guides Wanderers from towering peaks down to the sea.

Your journey begins at Mount Tai, revered as the foremost among China's Five Great Mountains: the Eastern Peak. Historically celebrated for imperial pilgrimages, sacred rites, and cliffside calligraphy, Mount Tai comes alive in-game as you climb stone steps beneath pine canopies, passing historic landmarks such as the South Gate to Heaven and ancient rock inscriptions. From its lofty summit, the scattered villages, farmlands, winding rivers, and distant shoreline come together in a single panoramic vista, revealing the full expanse of Qingzhou for the very first time.

Descending the mountain brings you straight into the bustle of mortal life. In Wellspring Town, crisp spring waters ripple with vibrant brocade carp under a sky full of dancing kites. Over at Crownleek Terrace, lush leek fields stretch right into lively marketplaces, where proud locals take great joy in hosting the annual Crownleek Contest. The giant leek is a celebrated regional treasure: a true hallmark of the land, woven into its everyday life and instantly recognizable to any passing traveler.

Journey further toward the coast, and the world widens once more. At the Yellow River estuary, morning sunrises meet the awe-inspiring sight of avian murmurations: massive flocks of birds shifting, turning, and dancing across coastal wetlands like a living wave, at times even taking the majestic shape of a soaring whale. Wanderers can even take to the skies and soar alongside the flock.

Further east stands Mount Penglai. Isolated by endless waters, it mirrors the classic vision of a mythic immortal mountain. Yet step closer, and you will find far more than mere folklore. As the cradle of Confucian philosophy, Shandong's profound intellectual heritage anchors the island. Ancient academies, colossal sage statues, and the realm's foremost Pavilion of Tomes lend Mount Penglai the aura of a secluded philosophical sanctuary, infused with the mystique of an Eastern Atlantis.

Throughout Qingzhou, shifting elevations offer dramatically different perspectives. To celebrate this, we made "scaling heights for grand views" a core pillar of regional exploration. Natural summits double as vantage points, rewarding climbers with clear lay-of-the-land panoramas to spot nearby settlements, winding trails, and hidden destinations ahead.

Naturally, hearing of Qingzhou's legends is only the beginning: you must uncover them yourself. Venture beneath the base of Mount Tai to delve into a Han Dynasty tomb alongside allies, braving traps, deadly vermin, and mechanical puzzles. And along the coast, a chance whisper from a local could plunge you into an entirely unexpected adventure.

 

Hospitable Qingzhou Welcomes You

At the core of Qingzhou's cultural identity lies a single defining trait: genuine hospitality.

In Shandong traditions, warmly welcoming travelers from afar and readily extending a hand are second nature. Rather than simply reminding you through NPC dialogue that "the people here are friendly," we turned this warm-hearted spirit into an active gameplay system.

Qingzhou marks our deepest integration yet between NPCs and open-world exploration. Through the brand-new Local system, Wanderers can meet and befriend locals from different villages, each gifted with unique talents, and invite them along on their journey. A knowledgeable Local can lead the way through unfamiliar paths, help decipher intricate puzzles, and lend a hand whenever trouble strikes. As your bond deepens, they become far more than ordinary NPCs: they feel like capable travel companions, each bringing their own distinct strengths to the road.

What makes this even more intriguing is how different Locals offer completely different ways to solve the same problem. A silver-tongued Local excels in social encounters, utilizing the Gift of Gab or stepping up in Pitch-pot matches to help you bypass tricky detours. A sharp-eyed Local will spot overlooked points of interest and guide you through hidden caverns and mechanisms. An athletic Local takes a far more direct approach: carrying you swiftly across distances, diving into waters for fresh catch, or simply forcing open heavy doors with raw muscle without needing a key. Who you meet and who journeys beside you will genuinely shape the path you take and how each challenge unfolds.

In our interactions with Locals, we also strived to preserve the authentic regional flavor of Qingzhou. Stroll along the coast to comb the tideline for treasures, fly kites across breezy skies, or challenge a friendly Local to a lively round of finger-guessing games. The world is also filled with delightful, spontaneous surprises: linger just a moment too long beneath a peach tree, and an overripe peach might tumble right onto your head.

An old Chinese proverb speaks of making guests "feel as if returning home." That is the heart of Qingzhou: you may arrive as an outsider, but you will always find someone ready to share a tale, lend a hand, or welcome you into town festivities. Before long, uncharted wilderness begins to feel like visiting good neighbors.

Are you ready to embrace such spirited hospitality, Wanderers?

 

Yet Qingzhou holds far more than picturesque scenery and warm welcomes. Unsolved mysteries, eerie folk legends, and formidable martial artists await in the shadows.

In Part 2 of our Dev Letter, we will take a deep dive into the brand-new gameplay systems arriving with Qingzhou. Stay tuned!