Unlocking Tianqiu Valley’s Hidden Secrets in Genshin Impact

Tianqiu Valley, nestled in the rugged landscapes of Liyue, holds one of Genshin Impact‘s most intriguing world quests: Trails in Tianqiu. This hidden challenge invites players to interact with ancient ruins, solve intricate puzzles across three towering structures, and battle waves of enemies to unveil substantial rewards. Available since the game’s launch in Version 1.0, the quest blends exploration, platforming, and combat, requiring a versatile team and sharp problem-solving skills.

Locating and Activating the Trails in Tianqiu Quest

To embark on this adventure, venture to the southwestern region of Liyue, specifically Tianqiu Valley. This area lies west of the Pyro Regisvine boss arena and southwest of the path to Jueyun Karst, near Luhua Pool. Look for a cluster of three prominent towers surrounded by rocky terrain and misty valleys.

At the heart of the ruins, you’ll find a central platform featuring a small statue encircled by three indentations in the ground— these are slots for the quest’s key items, known as Light Actuators (or prisms). Nearby stands an ancient tablet resembling a gravestone. Interacting with it triggers dialogue referencing legendary figures like Azhdaha and the adepti, officially starting the Trails in Tianqiu quest.

Mark this location on your map for easy access, as the puzzles span the vicinity. No specific Adventure Rank or prerequisites are needed beyond reaching Liyue, making it accessible to mid-game players.

Overview of the Three Towers and Their Challenges

The quest’s core objective is to “Unlock the secret of Tianqiu Valley” by collecting one Light Actuator from each tower. The structures are positioned as follows:

• Northern Tower (Upper): Focuses on torch-lighting puzzles requiring precise sequencing.
• Western Tower (Middle): Demands advanced climbing and platforming skills.
• Southern Tower (Lower): Involves three timed combat trials against empowered enemies.

Each success yields a Light Actuator from a pedestal. Return to the central platform to insert them into the slots. Once all three are placed, Treasure Hoarders ambush the area—defeat them to spawn three Luxurious Chests brimming with Mora, Artifact upgrade materials, and Primogems.

Mastering the Northern Tower: Torch Puzzles Decoded

The northern tower presents three escalating torch puzzles. Torches are lit using Pyro attacks from characters like Amber, Bennett, Xiangling, or Thoma. The order matters, as incorrect sequences reset the puzzle, indicated by visual cues like a guiding light path.

First Torch Setup

This initial challenge is straightforward. Two torches await: one short and one tall. Light them in any order—short first or tall first both work. A chest appears upon success, granting minor rewards and progression.

Second Torch Puzzle: The Tricky Star Pattern

The second puzzle forms a star-shaped arrangement around a Luxurious Chest. Position yourself facing the chest from the bottom point of the star. Ignite the torches in this exact sequence:

1. Bottom-center torch (directly in front of the chest).
2. Upper-left torch.
3. Lower-right torch.
4. Upper-right torch.
5. Lower-left torch.

Success reveals a clear light trail guiding to the next area. Trial and error is common here, but following this order ensures efficiency.

Third Torch Challenge

The final northern puzzle mirrors the second but with heightened precision. Replicate the star-facing method and sequence. Patience is key, as resets are frequent without exact timing. Completing it releases the Light Actuator.

Conquering the Western Tower: Climbing to the Summit

This tower tests mobility. Players must ascend sheer walls marked by glowing climbable vines and precarious platforms. While Anemo characters like Venti, Kazuha, or Wanderer excel with crowd-control gliders, a free-to-play (F2P) alternative shines: Geo Traveler.

Resonate with the Liyue Statue of the Seven to unlock Geo Traveler. Return to the tower and deploy Geo constructs—stars and pillars—to bridge gaps. Start from the base, creating pillars to reach vine sections, then climb while jumping to higher ledges. Creative routing, like plunging attacks or glider swaps, aids tricky jumps. Reach the top pedestal for the Light Actuator.

Tackling the Southern Tower: Combat Trials Unleashed

The southern tower hosts three floors of intense, timed battles. Each level features an Infusion Stone that buffs enemies with an element—destroy it first to weaken foes. Prioritize energy funneling for Bursts, and assemble a balanced team with Pyro, Geo, Electro, and Claymore users for blunt damage.

First Floor: Electro-Infused Assault (40 Seconds)

Infusion Stone: Electro (Counter: Pyro, Geo, Claymore/Plunging Attacks).

• Enemies: 2x Rock Shield Hilichurl Guards, 2x Electro Hilichurl Shooters.

Shatter shields with Geo or Claymore, then melt ranged threats. Burst early to clear within time.

Second Floor: Pyro-Charged Melee (50 Seconds)

Infusion Stone: Pyro (Counter: Hydro, Cryo, blunt force).

• Enemies: Mitachurls and slingers.

Freeze or drown the stone, dodge charges, and maintain positioning.

Third Floor: Mixed Elemental Onslaught (60 Seconds)

Infusion Stone: Hydro (Counter: Electro, Dendro, claymores).

• Enemies: Large bruisers and elemental slimes.

Superconduct or overload combos excel. Full energy Bursts seal the win, yielding the final Light Actuator.

Final Showdown and Rewards

With all Actuators placed, waves of Treasure Hoarders emerge: 2x Marksmen, 1x Electro Potioneer, 1x Cryo Potioneer, 1x Handyman, 1x Crusher. Dispatch them swiftly—focus potioneers first. Victory spawns three Luxurious Chests, offering 40-60 Primogems each, plus Mora and materials.

Tips for Success and Common Pitfalls

• Bring a flexible party: Pyro for torches, Geo for climbing/shields, diverse elements for combats.
• Use food buffs like Frostshield or Attack potions for tough fights.
• Save stamina for climbs; glider management prevents falls.
• If stuck, restart puzzles without penalty—practice sequences offline if needed.

Why Trails in Tianqiu Endures

This quest exemplifies Genshin Impact’s design philosophy: rewarding curiosity with layered challenges. Updates haven’t altered it, preserving its legacy status. Completing it enhances Liyue lore appreciation, tying into Azhdaha’s mythology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I start Trails in Tianqiu?

Travel to Tianqiu Valley in Liyue and interact with the ancient tablet near the central platform.

What rewards come from the Luxurious Chests?

Expect Primogems (120+ total), Mora, and upgrade items.

Can I do this solo at low levels?

Yes, with proper team-building; levels 20-40 suffice with potions.

Which tower is hardest?

Subjective—torch puzzles frustrate precision players, combats test DPS.

Is there a video guide?

Yes, YouTube offers visual walkthroughs for each section.