Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities

Lore & Background

The series is set in the fantasy world of Yunhuang (Cloud Wilderness), where three tribes—Quan Xian, Kong Sang, and Cang Liu—exist. A century before the main story, the Cang Liu tribe conspired to seize the Kong Sang empire. Prince Zhen Lan of Kong Sang fought until he was the last one, and his power of Emperor was sealed by Cang Liu. The six young kings of Kong Sang (sons of the previous Emperor) sealed their people under Mirror Lake to protect them from massacre. A century later, Su Mo, the young leader of the Quan Xian tribe, allies with Zhen Lan and the remnants of Kong Sang (most of the tribe already sealed) to fight the Cang Liu Empire. After overcoming difficulties, Su Mo gains the power of Dragon God, and Zhen Lan unseals his power of Emperor, leading to the defeat of Cang Liu and peace in Yunhuang.

Reader's Guide

Mirror: A Tale of Twin Cities is significant as an adaptation of Cang Yue's popular fantasy novel, bringing the story of Yun Huang to a streaming audience. The series aired on Tencent Video and Youku starting January 16, 2022, and features a cast including Li Yifeng, Chen Yuqi, and Zheng Yecheng. Its narrative explores themes of freedom, sacrifice, and alliance between tribes. The production announced its cast on July 31, 2020, finished filming on October 8, 2020, and released its first teaser trailer on October 27, 2020. A prequel series, The Longest Promise, premiered on July 2, 2023, expanding the lore of the Mirror universe.

Did You Know?

• The series is adapted from the Chinese fantasy novel Mirror: Twin Cities by Cang Yue.
• It began airing on Tencent Video and Youku on January 16, 2022.
• The series finished filming on October 8, 2020.