Yùn Chèng

On his grand adventures across the globe, Dr. Everett Erie stopped by a Sherpa’s village at the base of the mighty Himalayan Mountain range. These sherpas provided Erie with a guide as he trekked up the great mountains that lie by, but before his expedition set off, he met with the village and discussed their legends.

At a dinner of Sherpa stew (goat, chicken, potato, and other vegetables), the village elders told stories of the mountains, including of the yetis, fearsome ape-like monsters that hunted and killed humans, as well as tales of dragons and mountain gods. However, one story stuck out to Erie the most: The City in the Clouds.

According to legend, The great city of Yùn Chèng was the home of a divine sect of peaceful monks who served as the gateway between the spirit world and the living world. These monks took vows of vegetarianism, vowing to never hurt a living being that they guarded. Throughout history, these monks (known colloquially as “Peacemakers”) faced trial after trial, defending the world from threats both human and supernatural. These vows were strict as the peacemakers were the greatest army in the world, so they must use their might only to guard the living. Yet, in times of war and great struggle, the Sherpas believed that the army of peacemakers would emerge from the Yùn Chèng and return to defeat the armies of darkness.

This story of a utopian kingdom in the clouds intrigued and excited Erie, who demanded he be taken there. The sherpas claimed the gates were sealed and that no mortal may enter there, saying that to enter you must become enlightened. Erie ignored their messages and set out the next day in search of the mystical city. The villagers warned him again, but he was adamant, declaring he would be the first to step foot in the great city and would bring each Sherpa back a piece of gold from the city as a promise.

After nearly two weeks of hiking the mountain ranges, Erie gave up, having not even located the great city. Rather than admitting defeat, he painted rocks into gold and would bring those back to the Sherpa village as “proof” he had visited Yùn Chèng. Just as he began his descent back, he noticed a massive city standing on the cliff face. He began his hike and came across the city after another five days of hiking.

Once in the city, the monks revealed themselves, welcoming him but warning him to flee. At this point, Erie and his men had already used almost all of their resources, and because of this, were cold, hungry, and exhausted. Honor-bound to assist the men, the monks housed them, providing them with meals and housing, but also told the men of the dangers they have put themselves in by coming this far. The men were eventually nursed back to health and were ushered out. The monks warned Erie to not let his curiosity get the best of him and to learn restraint, saying “not every corner of the globe must be explored.”

With that, Erie and his men made their way down the mountains, hiking another week and a half. They returned to the Sherpa village and Erie told them he had obtained gold there, but provided not a nugget. The Sherpa looked on, not believing him but surprised he had survived having been gone for so long. Erie looked at them all and told them “Here’s your gold. Some things are better off left alone. If we exploit everything, nothing remains sacred.”

With that, he thanked his guides and returned to his ship, sailing off for his next adventure, probably ignoring his newfound wisdom.

Welcome to Yùn Chèng, a mythical utopia isolated from the world. Located in the valleys of the Himalayan Mountains, the gates to Yùn Chèng have opened for the first time in years, and guests are encouraged to enter the lost-forgotten city and witness its many wonders.

Yùn Chèng sits to the left of the Arctic Passage, along the Central Lagoon. The most iconic feature of Yùn Chèng is its verticality. Situated against a vast mountainside, the land contains four distinct "tiers" which slowly build up the ridge.

Each tier is marked by a large ramp, boarded by a set of stairs in either direction. The tiers are marked as follows:

To the North of the City is the Mystic Valley. This region of Yùn Chèng may be less populated, but it is no less mystical. It is home to an animal trail, featuring the amazing fauna of the Himalayan Valleys.

LANDMARKS

Guests enter Yùn Chèng from the Arctic Passage along two magnificent bridges (pictured below). To their left is a massive waterfall that provides a water division between the Far North and Himalayan Valleys, while also hiding the backstage. This breathtaking waterfall is another iconic part of Yùn Chèng, and will surely be another great place to take pictures.

Another iconic feature of Yùn Chèng is the Floating Island, resting parallel to the Temple. The island may be visited by passing over a "magically extended" arched bridge from Tier Four of the Main City. Atop this point, guests can get an up-close view of the massive waterfall, or look down and watch those entering the city by bridge.