Black Myth: Wukong is not just a game; it's a celebration of China's rich cultural heritage, bringing its treasures to the global stage. Dive into the real-world inspirations behind the game's mesmerizing world.
Black Myth: Wukong Recreates Shanxi’s Cultural Landmarks
Wukong Boosts Tourism in Shanxi Province
Black Myth: Wukong, an action RPG inspired by the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," has captivated gamers worldwide. Yet, its impact reaches far beyond gaming, sparking a renewed interest in the cultural and historical sites of Shanxi Province.
The Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism has astutely capitalized on the game's popularity, initiating a campaign to promote the real-life locations that inspired Black Myth: Wukong's stunning environments. A highlight of this campaign is the event "Follow Wukong’s Footsteps and Tour Shanxi," designed to attract tourists eager to explore the game's inspirations firsthand.
"We've been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for Shanxi's cultural sites," the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism shared with Global Times. "We're meticulously planning customized travel routes and detailed guides to meet the rising demand."
The game itself is a testament to Chinese culture, crafted by Game Science with a deep reverence for the nation's mythology and history. Players are immersed in a world filled with towering pagodas, ancient temples, and landscapes that echo the beauty of traditional Chinese art, transporting them to an era of emperors and mythical beings.
Shanxi Province, a cradle of Chinese civilization, is richly represented in Black Myth: Wukong. The game's promotional video from last year highlighted the recreation of Little Western Paradise, showcasing its unique hanging sculptures and the Five Buddhas. In the video, these sculptures come to life, with one of the Five Tathāgatas extending a welcoming gesture to Wukong, hinting at a mysterious role within the game's narrative.
While the full storyline remains under wraps, Wukong's depiction as the "斗战神" or "Warring Deity" aligns with his iconic rebellious nature from the novel, where he famously challenged the heavens and faced imprisonment under a mountain by Buddha.
Beyond Little Western Paradise, the game also honors other Shanxi landmarks such as the South Chan Temple, Iron Buddha Temple, Guangsheng Temple, and Stork Tower. However, the Shanxi Cultural Media Center notes that these virtual representations are just a glimpse into the province's extensive cultural heritage.
Black Myth: Wukong's global appeal is undeniable, as evidenced by its recent achievement of topping Steam’s Bestseller charts, surpassing established giants like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG. In China, the game is celebrated as a pioneering force in AAA game development.
Explore the global phenomenon of Black Myth: Wukong further by reading the article below!
