Black Myth: Wukong shines a global spotlight on China's rich cultural heritage. Discover the real-world locations that inspired this breathtaking game.
Black Myth: Wukong: A Virtual Tour of Shanxi's Cultural Landmarks
Wukong's Impact: Boosting Tourism in Shanxi Province
Black Myth: Wukong, a captivating Chinese action RPG based on the classic "Journey to the West," has captivated gamers worldwide. But its influence extends beyond the gaming community. The game's stunning visuals, inspired by real-world locations in Shanxi Province, have ignited a surge of interest in the region's cultural treasures.
This newfound popularity hasn't gone unnoticed. The Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism has launched a promotional campaign highlighting the real-world inspiration behind the game's environments, even planning a special event: "Follow Wukong’s Footsteps and Tour Shanxi."
"We've received a tremendous influx of inquiries," the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism shared with Global Times, "ranging from customized travel itineraries to detailed guides. We're carefully addressing every request."
Black Myth: Wukong is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and mythology. Developer Game Science meticulously crafted a world reflecting China's rich history and folklore. From majestic pagodas and ancient temples to landscapes reminiscent of classic Chinese paintings, the game transports players to a realm of emperors and mythical beings.
Shanxi Province, a cornerstone of Chinese civilization, boasts an incredible wealth of cultural heritage—a heritage mirrored in Black Myth: Wukong's virtual world. A promotional video showcased the game's recreation of the Little Western Paradise, complete with its iconic hanging sculptures and the Five Buddhas.
In this video, the sculptures appear to move, with one Buddha even extending a greeting to Wukong. While the Buddha's role in the game remains mysterious, his dialogue hints at a potentially antagonistic relationship.
While the game's narrative remains largely undisclosed, it's worth noting that Wukong is known as the "斗战神" (Dòuzhànshén) or "Warring Deity" in Chinese mythology—a title reflecting his rebellious nature in the original novel, where he was imprisoned by Buddha after defying the heavens.
Beyond Little Western Paradise, Black Myth: Wukong also features virtual representations of other Shanxi landmarks, including the South Chan Temple, Iron Buddha Temple, Guangsheng Temple, Stork Tower, and numerous other cultural sites. However, according to the Shanxi Cultural Media Center, these virtual recreations only scratch the surface of the province's vast cultural heritage.
Black Myth: Wukong's global success is undeniable. This week, it reached the top of Steam's Bestseller charts, surpassing established titles like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG. The game has also received widespread acclaim in China, lauded as a groundbreaking achievement in AAA game development.
Learn more about Black Myth: Wukong's remarkable rise to global prominence in the article below!
