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| Where Was C-Drama How Dare You!? Filmed? Full Location Breakdown Behind the Palace Scenes (Photo: iQIYI) |
The buzz around How Dare You!? (成何体统) isn’t just about its sharp humour and brainy transmigration plot — fans are also keen to know where this Ryan Cheng Lei and Wang Churan drama was actually filmed. While the production kept many details low-key during shooting to avoid on-set disruptions, it’s now clear the drama was filmed across several well-known historical and scenic locations in China, with Hengdian doing most of the heavy lifting.
At the heart of the production is Hengdian in Zhejiang, often described by industry insiders as the backbone of Chinese costume dramas. Most palace interiors, imperial courts, and large-scale historical sets in How Dare You!? were filmed here. The drama’s layered political scenes, tense throne room confrontations, and even its lighter comedic moments all benefit from Hengdian’s fully built historical districts.
The scale allows the camera to move freely through courtyards, mansions, and long corridors, giving the story a cinematic rhythm that never feels boxed in. It’s also where the long shooting days happened, with crews starting before sunrise and wrapping well into the night to capture the drama’s polished historical look.
Some calmer, nature-focused sequences were reportedly filmed in Lengquan, a location known for its traditional atmosphere and natural surroundings.
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These scenes add breathing space to the drama, visually contrasting the pressure-filled palace politics. Whenever the story slows down to focus on character reflection or emotional shifts, the softer landscapes quietly support the narrative without stealing attention.
Xiangshan Film and Television Town also plays a role, especially for scenes that require grand city walls, open courtyards, and a more militarised setting.
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Its ancient city architecture is ideal for moments involving political manoeuvring, public ceremonies, and high-stakes confrontations. The visual depth of this location helps elevate the drama’s sense of scale, making the fictional empire feel lived-in rather than staged.
For selected outdoor shots, particularly those featuring rivers, forests, and mountain views, filming reportedly moved to parts of Yunnan and Sichuan.
These regions are often chosen for their dramatic natural beauty, and in How Dare You!?, they give the story a wider emotional canvas. The landscapes underline the characters’ desire to escape fate, adding visual symbolism to the theme of rewriting destiny.
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Hangzhou also makes its presence felt throughout the series, with scenes capturing different sides of the city’s atmosphere.
From calm waters to bustling streets, these locations help bridge the gap between historical elegance and emotional intimacy. For a transmigration drama that blends modern thinking with ancient settings, Hangzhou’s visual versatility fits naturally into the story’s tone.
Beyond its locations, How Dare You!? stands out for its dual-transmigration setup. Wang Churan plays both the modern office worker Wang Cuihua and the ill-fated concubine Yu Wanyin, while Cheng Lei’s emperor Xiahou Dan is revealed to be Zhang San from the modern world.
With both leads aware of the story’s original tragic path, the drama leans into clever dialogue, modern sarcasm, and strategic teamwork rather than passive destiny. The humour lands because it feels self-aware, but the political tension keeps the stakes high.
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| iQIYI |
Fan reactions have been mixed in a lively way. Many viewers praise the fresh take on the transmigration genre, especially the balanced mix of comedy and palace intrigue. Others point out that while the tone is playful, the underlying tension never fully disappears, which keeps the viewing experience engaging.
The chemistry between Cheng Lei and Wang Churan has also been a frequent talking point, with netizens highlighting how their shared “outsider” awareness makes the romance feel more equal and modern.
With 32 episodes streaming on iQIYI and a strong opening week driven by millions of reservations, How Dare You!? proves that smart storytelling and well-chosen filming locations still matter.
As more behind-the-scenes details surface, filming locations may continue to be updated. Which of these places caught your eye the most, and would you actually plan a visit just because of this drama?