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Black Myth: Wukong Places China’s Cultural Treasures to the Forefront

Author:Kristen Update:Jan 17,2025

Black Myth: Wukong Showcases China's Cultural HeritageBlack Myth: Wukong, a globally acclaimed game, shines a spotlight on China's rich cultural heritage. Discover the real-world locations in Shanxi Province that inspired this breathtaking game world.

Black Myth: Wukong: A Shanxi Tourism Booster

Shanxi's Cultural Treasures Take Center Stage

Black Myth: Wukong, a captivating action RPG based on "Journey to the West," has achieved worldwide success. Its impact, however, extends beyond the gaming community. The game's stunning visuals, meticulously crafted from real-life locations in Shanxi Province, have ignited global interest in the region's cultural and historical significance.

This surge in popularity has been embraced by the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism. Capitalizing on the game's international acclaim, the department has launched a promotional campaign highlighting the real-world inspirations behind the game's environments. A special event, "Follow Wukong's Footsteps and Explore Shanxi," is also planned.

"We've received countless inquiries, ranging from requests for personalized itineraries to detailed travel guides," the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism shared with Global Times. "We're diligently addressing every request."

Black Myth: Wukong is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and mythology. Developer Game Science has masterfully recreated a world reflecting the essence of China's history and legends. From majestic pagodas and ancient temples to landscapes reminiscent of classic Chinese art, the game transports players to a realm of emperors and mythical beings.

Shanxi Province, a cradle of Chinese civilization, boasts an unparalleled collection of cultural treasures—treasures faithfully mirrored in Black Myth: Wukong. A promotional video from last year showcased the game's recreation of the Little Western Paradise, complete with its iconic hanging sculptures and Five Buddhas.

In this video, the sculptures appear to move, with one Buddha extending a greeting to Wukong. The Buddha's role in the game remains mysterious, but his dialogue suggests a potentially antagonistic relationship with the main character.

While the game's narrative is still unfolding, it's crucial to remember Wukong's identity as the "斗战神" (Warring Deity) in Chinese mythology. This reflects his rebellious nature in the original novel, where he was imprisoned under a mountain by the Buddha after defying the heavens.

Beyond the Little Western Paradise, Black Myth: Wukong also features virtual recreations of other Shanxi landmarks, including 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 representations only hint at the province's immense cultural richness.

Black Myth: Wukong's Global SuccessBlack Myth: Wukong has undeniably captured the global gaming scene. This week, it achieved a remarkable milestone by topping Steam's Bestseller charts, surpassing established titles like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG. The game has also received widespread acclaim in China, where it's considered a landmark achievement in AAA game development.

Learn more about Black Myth: Wukong's global triumph in the article linked below!