Genshin Impact Teyvat Travel Highlight: “First Visit to Mondstadt”

Mihoyo has published the first in a series of “Teyvat Travel Highlight” articles for its upcoming open-world action RPG Genshin Impact, which cover the “top destinations” of the in-game world of Tevyat. The first publication is titled “First Visit to Mondstadt.”

Get the full thing below.

■ Teyvat Travel Highlights

Here you can find a wealth of information on travel in Teyvat, courtesy of the Adventurers’ Guild.

A series of publications are available covering all the top destinations in Teyvat, carefully curated to provide a comprehensive resource for all our avid Travelers.

And for those Teyvat residents who are more domestically inclined, we trust this literature may also serve as delightful reading material to accompany you during your afternoon tea.

First Visit to Mondstadt

The City of Freedom, the Crown of the North, the Romantic City of Pastorals—these are names heralded by poets and artists alike for the renowned city of Mondstadt.

I am devoted to poetry, music, wine, and festivities as much as the next bard; they are literally and metaphorically the sustenance of my life. Therefore, just as any bard would be, I am drawn to Mondstadt like a moth to a flame.

What caught my attention recently was the sightings of a dragon near Mondstadt. This has had the city folk wrapped in rumors and speculations, myself included. Maybe my curiosity got the better of me, or perhaps I too have the blood of an adventurer inside of me, for I am determined to venture forth to the City of Freedom that I have yearned for for so long.

I took the route inland, for I very much prefer the company of changing terrains and mountains to the eternal blue. Traversing the treacherous Wolvendom took additional time, but I finally reached the Whispering Woods on the outskirts of Mondstadt four weeks ago. As its name would suggest, the sound of the wind caressing the leaves was like whispers in the woods. Could it be a gracious gift from the legendary bard, Barbatos the Anemo Archon, who the people of Mondstadt worship?

It is close to summer at this time of the year, and the temperate climate across the region is evident: Starfell Plains exhibits great vitality in the spring breeze. The trails and roads have sprung to life with flourishing flora, like Lamp Grass and Sweet Flowers.

Encounters with members of the Adventurers’ Guild are frequent. They are likely brought here by the rumors of the dragon as well. I am much obliged to them, with them present my journey has been unperilous.

The vistas of the plains are invigorating. My first time camping out in the wilds also proved to be quite an experience, short-lived as it was, for I reached the gates of Mondstadt the following day.

The clear water from Cider Lake flows into the city through the ancient irrigation ditches, converging at the great fountain situated in the center of the plaza.

Stone steps lead up to a towering cathedral, serving as the highest landmark in the city. The cathedral’s immediate surroundings feature an unworldly serenity, quite the juxtaposition with the bustling marketplace only a few blocks away.

The Mondstadt Cathedral undoubtedly puts all other cathedrals I’ve visited to shame in terms of grandeur and magnificence. The ever-present prayers from the devoted sisters and followers have given the cathedral the divinity it enjoys. Though perhaps not as traditional as other cathedrals, the Mondstadt Cathedral bears the spirit of its people and culture. Legend has it that the Holy Lyre der Himmel, which Barbatos used to liberate Mondstadt centuries ago, is kept right here in its halls.

I’ve heard the stories of the legendary Anemo Archon and his beloved lyre in many taverns across the continent, as they are a second home to bards and musicians. The story goes: Mondstadt was ruled by the Aristocrats in the distant past, who periodically sacrificed slaves to a drake as tributes for a false treaty of peace. Vennessa, one of the slaves at the time, defeated the drake with the help of the Anemo Archon themselves, who had taken on the guise of a bard. Together, they liberated and revitalized the city of Mondstadt.

I have to admit, Mondstadt indeed is a free and open city; this fact is evident in its culture and people. Earlier, I asked a lively young maiden on the street for directions. As soon as she learned that I was a bard from afar, she kindly extended an offer to show me around the marketplace.

Truth to be told—with no disrespect—this young maiden, who claimed to be a member of the Knights of Favonius, was a bit too much for a simple bard such as me; her generous tour around the city only ended at midnight. I have no time to take to my notebook to pen down how the city is at night, for the calling of the bed is beyond what even the sister’s prayers could keep at bay.

Good night. May the Anemo Archon, the protector of Mondstadt, be my muse, and gift me with wondrous rhymes at dawn.

Memo:

• Trekking Poles (The mountains of Mondstadt are said to be both beautiful and treacherous. In addition to providing stability on tough terrains, the trekking poles could serve as weapons if need be.)
• Compass and maps (Though we bards sing of the night skies of Mondstadt, most are not equipped with the skills nor the confidence to navigate by the stars, myself included.)
• First-Aid Kit.
• The Teyvat Wilderness Survivalist’s Recipes, by Lynn the Survivalist. (A bestselling cookbook owned by every traveler and adventurer.)
• Rations, water, cookware (Although ingredients are all around us in the wild, emergency rations are a must; better safe than sorry.)
• Notebooks and felt pens kept handy to answer a muse’s calling.
• Tent and sleeping bag for camping (Recommended by the Adventurers’ Guild.)
• Flints and pocket knife (For cooking and roasting food on the road, or to protect against wild beasts.)
• Select Works of Alan the Bard.
• The almighty Mora.

Genshin Impact is due out worldwide for PlayStation 4, PC, iOS, and Android in 2020.