Lingyun City (Chongxiao): Ananta's Second Open-World City Explained
By Lorenzo Bruno·Published ·Editorial policy
Quick answer
Lingyun City is Ananta's second open-world city, in the Chongxiao region. It was revealed at Gamescom 2026 and is inspired by Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tokyo. It has more than 100 NPCs with their own stories, and the game's story is split between Lingyun and Nova City.
How Lingyun City Was Revealed
Until August 2026, everything shown of Ananta took place in Nova City. The launch date trailer that premiered at Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live changed that. Its official description reads: "The story of ANANTA unfolds between Nova City and Chongxiao's Lingyun City."
The same trailer confirmed the January 15, 2027 release date.
Inspiration and Atmosphere
NetEase describes Lingyun as drawing on Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tokyo. The official website highlights landmarks such as Weilan Lake and the Bachong Pagoda, which suggests a mix of dense city streets and more traditional, lakeside areas. Hangzhou is known for its West Lake, the city where developer Naked Rain is based.
Yinglong, Lingyun's 21st Director
Lingyun comes with its own lead character. Yinglong (Wei Yinglong) introduces herself as "Lingyun's 21st Director". She runs a temple in Longqi, where villagers call her "the matriarch of the children at the temple and the queen of Longqi". She was the playable character in the Gamescom 2026 stealth demo.
Activities and NPCs
Reported activities in Lingyun City include:
- Cinemas and arcades
- Mahjong parlors
- Cafés and restaurants
- Gyms
- Hot springs
The city also has more than 100 NPCs with their own stories and quests, and some of them can be recruited.
Nova City vs Lingyun City
| Nova City | Lingyun City | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Nova City | Chongxiao |
| Inspiration | Modern Western-style metropolis | Shanghai, Hangzhou, Tokyo |
| First shown | Project Mugen reveal (2023) | Gamescom 2026 (Aug 25, 2026) |
| Known landmarks | Downtown, harbor, industrial districts | Weilan Lake, Bachong Pagoda |
| Activities | Heists, clubs, sports, housing, hacking | Cinemas, mahjong, arcades, cafés, hot springs |
More on the rest of the show: see everything Ananta announced at Gamescom 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lingyun City in Ananta?
Lingyun City is Ananta's second open-world city, located in the Chongxiao region. It was revealed in the launch date trailer at Gamescom 2026, and the game's story unfolds between Nova City and Lingyun City.
What is Lingyun City inspired by?
Lingyun City draws inspiration from Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tokyo, according to NetEase's Gamescom 2026 announcement as reported by Gematsu and Game Informer.
What can you do in Lingyun City?
Reported activities include cinemas, mahjong parlors, arcades, cafés, gyms, restaurants and hot springs, plus more than 100 NPCs with their own stories, some of whom can be recruited.
Is Lingyun City available at launch?
Lingyun City was presented as part of the game's story alongside Nova City in the launch date trailer. NetEase has not said whether any part of it unlocks after launch.