Black Myth: Wukong Goes Viral, Shanxi Prepares toEmbrace Tourism Boom
Taiyuan, Shanxi Province – The release ofthe highly anticipated action RPG Black Myth: Wukong on August 20th has not only captivated gamers worldwide, but has also sparked a surgeof interest in the cultural treasures featured within the game, particularly those from Shanxi province. The game’s meticulous recreation of Chinese geographical landscapes and cultural landmarks,including ancient architecture, sculptures, and murals, has turned the province into a focal point for the travel industry.
Seeing my hometown’s cultural heritage and ancient architecture like the Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple, and Yingxian WoodenPagoda in ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ filled me with immense pride and excitement, said Wang Chengzhe, a 2023 student of Broadcasting and Hosting at Hohai University.
Shanxi: The Winner of the Game
Black Myth: Wukong features 36 locations across China as game backgrounds, with Shanxi, known as a paradise for ancient architecture enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable 27 locations, including Xiaoxitian, Yuhuang Temple, and Tiefo Temple. This has ledto online chatter dubbing Shanxi the winner of the game’s success.
The game’s release has resulted in a significant spike in tourism interest in Shanxi. Data from travel platforms like Ctrip, Qunar, Tongcheng Travel, and Fliggy show a dramatic increase in searches for Shanxi destinations, particularly in cities like Datong and Shuozhou. The Yuhuang Temple, Chongfu Temple, Xiaoxitian, Tiefo Temple, and Shuanglin Temple, all featured in the game, have witnessed a surge in popularity, with tourists from Beijing, Zhejiang, Henan, Shaanxi, andShanghai expressing a strong desire to follow Wukong’s journey through Shanxi.
Social media platforms are abuzz with calls for Shanxi to capitalize on this windfall. Numerous bloggers have shared their experiences visiting the real-life locations featured in the game, prompting viewers to express their desire to visit.Some even suggest creating a dedicated tourism route encompassing these sites.
Why Shanxi?
Shanxi’s moment in the spotlight is no coincidence. The province has been actively preparing for this surge in tourism. On the day of the game’s release, the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism publishedan article titled Long Time No See! Let’s Travel Through Shanxi with Wukong, highlighting their efforts.
Zhang Qing, Director of the Publicity and Promotion Department of the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, revealed that the collaboration between the department and the game development team began in July 2022. This partnership was a mutual pursuit, she explained.
In July 2022, we learned that the game development team intended to use Shanxi’s historical and cultural sites as game backgrounds. We recognized the strong alignment between the game’s content and Shanxi’s uniquecultural resources, as well as its potential to promote a modern and stylish image of Shanxi tourism, Zhang said.
The Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the provincial cultural relics department collaborated with the game team to select and film locations, ensuring the protection of these historical sites. The first promotional video for thegame, released in August 2022, showcased the stunning landscapes and ancient architecture of Shanxi.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of Black Myth: Wukong is a testament to the power of collaboration between the gaming industry and cultural institutions. Shanxi’s proactive approach in partneringwith the game developers has not only resulted in a captivating gaming experience but has also opened up new avenues for promoting the province’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.
As the game continues to gain popularity, Shanxi is poised to become a major destination for gamers and cultural enthusiasts alike. The province’s abilityto leverage this opportunity will depend on its ability to capitalize on the current momentum and create a seamless and engaging tourism experience for visitors.
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