China - September 18, 2024

Chinese hit game "Black Myth: Wukong" drives local tourism

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"Black Myth: Wukong", the smash hit Chinese action game, draws inspiration from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, and features more than thirty historic and cultural spots from across China, most of them in Shanxi Province.

One of the most impressive locations is the Xiaoxitian Temple in Xixian County, built 400 years ago. Its main hall is less than 200-square-meters, but houses nearly 2,000 exquisite hanging sculptures. Visitors are often mesmerized by the exceptional craftsmanship.

Some sculptures from "Black Myth: Wukong" were filmed in Yuhuang Temple in Jincheng City. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, the temple is famous for its colorful figure statues representing deities from the Twenty-Eight Mansions, the Chinese equivalent of the zodiac in western astronomy.

Some of the dharani pillars in "Black Myth: Wukong" were also filmed in Foguang Temple. There are two Tang Dynasty dharani pillars on the temple's grounds.

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Hu Junying, Head, Protection Office, Foguang Temple:

"The two dharani pillars are some of the most important pieces of evidence to prove the temple was built in the Tang Dynasty. The lion sculptures on the pillars feature a chubby shape, just reflecting the Tang Style."

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The Foguang Temple boasts not only exceptional bracket set architecture, but also beautiful sculptures, murals and calligraphy.

The game's release has brought more visitors to the spot.

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Hao Yurui, Tourist:

"I love ancient buildings and have read a lot of books about it. But when I came to see the real ones, they look much more magnificent. I felt moved and honored because while the Tang Dynasty was so far away, the building still stands to give us the chance to look at it."

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Shanxi is home to the largest number of ancient buildings in China. With a growing interest in history and culture among Chinese people, the province has seen a boom in the tourism sector. But the release of Black Myth: Wukong has made the region even more attractive.

Data shows the number of tourists to many locations in Shanxi has doubled or even tripled, compared to the same period last year.

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