Black Myth: Wukong, a single-player video game developed by the Chinese studio Game Science, was released on 20 August and has since been purchased by more than 10 million people. However, it is not only the gaming experience that attracts players. According to Xinhua, the game inspires players to explore real-world locations behind its in-game settings.
Adapting the ancient Chinese classic Journey to the West, the game reimagines the story of Sun Wukong, one of the most beloved characters in the literature world. But what sets this game apart is its stunning graphics or immersive gameplay and its deep connection with Chinese traditional culture.
Players not only enjoy the game for its combat and storyline but also for its meticulously recreated historical sites and ancient architecture.
Liu Xiaoyu, a player from Beijing, expressed admiration for the game's high fidelity to Journey to the West and its authentic depiction of ancient architecture.
"The historical buildings in the game are so well-integrated with the storyline. I'm planning to visit the filming locations soon to experience the cultural heritage firsthand," Liu said.
China is home to a vast number of well-preserved ancient buildings, and for a game steeped in historical aesthetics like Black Myth: Wukong, this presents a unique advantage.
Rather than relying solely on artistic renderings, the game developers utilized 3D scanning technology to authentically recreate these architectural wonders. This approach not only reduced costs but also provided players with an authentic glimpse into China's architectural past.
The game's impact extends beyond the virtual world. More and more young people, like Liu, are becoming increasingly interested in traditional culture and architecture. In response, Shanxi Province, one of the game's key filming locations, is actively promoting its rich cultural and tourism resources to meet the growing demand.
Known as the "treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture," Shanxi boasts 531 nationally protected cultural heritage sites, accounting for 10.5 percent of the country's total - the highest in China. According to reports, Black Myth: Wukong features 36 filming locations across the country, with 27 of them located in Shanxi.
One such location is the Xiaoxitian Temple in the province's Xi County where tourists flock to the exquisite Daxiong Hall, a 100-square-meter building featuring stunning 400-year-old suspended sculptures.
"We receive around 1,500 visitors a day since July, a threefold increase compared to the same period last year," said Liu Xiaogang, the director of the scenic area's service center. Most of the visitors are fans of Black Myth: Wukong, who travel long distances by plane, train, and car to reach the remote mountain location, Liu added.
