Black Myth: Wukong Fires Fervor for Shanxi Scenic Film Sites

"Black Myth: Wukong" which officially debuted on Tuesday, is sparking massive interest among avid gamers on the many locations featured in the action RPG that is rooted in Chinese mythology. 

 

The overwhelming response from enthusiastic netizens underscores the yearning from Chinese gamers to see their own cultural heritage showcased in games. As one netizen said: "We've conquered countless worlds in many foreign game masterpieces, but never once have we been superheroes in our own stories. Chinese gamers are eager to see their own culture represented in games!" 

 

Drawing inspiration from the renowned Chinese classical literature "Journey to the West", the game has replicated a large number of traditional Chinese cultural relics and architecture. In fact, "Black Myth: Wukong" was filmed at 36 scenic spots in China, with up to 27 locations in Shanxi Province alone, including Foguang Temple, Nanshan Temple, and Jinge Temple in Xinzhou; Xuankong Temple in Datong; and Yuhuang Temple in Jincheng. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The choice of Shanxi as a primary filming location had powerful reasons. With 531 nationally protected cultural relics, Shanxi ranks first in China. It also boasts 421 ancient architectural items, earning it the prestigious title of "The Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Architecture". 

 

Following the game's launch, travel platform Fliggy's data revealed a dramatic increase in searches for tourism in Shanxi, doubling from the previous month. 

 

The Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism also released a short video on social media platforms, blending game footage with real-life scenes of local tourist attractions. That video had amassed over 120,000 likes and generated more than 8,000 comments as at Wednesday. One comment gained particular resonance, "5,000 years may seem distant, but Shanxi is close". 

 

 

Netizens even flooded the account with advice on handling the influx of tourists. Suggestions include themed "passports" and "Journey to the West" merchandise, as well as multilingual guides to assist foreign visitors on their "pilgrimage to the holy land".

 

I reckon "Black Myth: Wukong" is neither the first, nor will it be the last, adaptation of "Journey to the West" to gain international attention.