Unveiling the Shandong Connection: 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' Mirrors Real Chinese Geography
Ever wondered why the bustling ports and majestic capitals in "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End" feel oddly familiar? Well, you're not alone! Fans of the popular manga series, penned by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, have put on their detective hats and are pointing to China's Shandong Province as the likely inspiration behind the fantastical kingdom's topography.
We've all been enchanted by the landscapes in Frieren—vast stretches of magical terrain, awe-inspiring palaces, and vibrant, bustling ports. However, some eagle-eyed audiences from China are claiming that the kingdom's capital seems to be a fantasy twin of Linyi, while the most flourishing port strongly resembles Qingdao. You know, minus the mythical creatures and spell-casting citizens.
via @阿泥妹饭 from Bilibili
Hold your enchanted horses, though. While it's thrilling to imagine teleporting to Qingdao's Beer Festival with Frieren's characters or fighting mythical creatures in the outskirts of Linyi, let's remember it's a work of fiction—until proven otherwise. You wouldn't want to show up in Qingdao expecting to cast spells and then leave as the world's most disappointed sorcerer, would you?
Whether or not the connections are legit, the thought adds another layer of intrigue to this already spellbinding series. So, the next time you're reading "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End," you might just find yourself googling Shandong tourist spots. Just in case, you know.
Source: Bilibili