China’s Black Myth Frenzy: Wukong Game Sparks Tourism Surge at Featured Sites

The release of the highly anticipated online game Black Myth: Wukong has not only captivated gamers worldwide but also ignited a tourism boom in northern China. The game, which hit the market on August 20, quickly became a blockbuster, selling an astonishing 8.4 million copies within just three days. This success has translated into a surge of interest in the real-life locations depicted in the game, many of which are situated in the lesser-known Shanxi province.

Tourism Boom in Shanxi

Shanxi province, located about 500 kilometers from Beijing, has historically not been a major tourist destination. However, the game’s release has put the region on the map, particularly the 27 out of 36 major sites featured in the game that are based in Shanxi. This unexpected attention has led to a dramatic increase in tourism, with searches for Shanxi attractions spiking by 156 percent on the day the game launched compared to the same day last year, according to Meituan.com.

Xiaoxitian Tour Zone and Other Hotspots

One of the most popular sites featured in Black Myth: Wukong is the Xiaoxitian Tour Zone in Xi County, a Buddhist temple dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Since the game’s release, ticket sales for the temple have tripled, and its management is now planning to integrate content from the game into the temple’s website to cater to the growing interest.

Overall, Shanxi’s tourism industry has seen a 50 percent increase in visitors in August compared to July, with hotel bookings more than doubling, according to data from Tuniu, a travel platform. The surge in tourism is largely attributed to the game, as many visitors are eager to see the real-life counterparts of the in-game locations.

A Nationwide Attraction

The appeal of these locations isn’t limited to local visitors. Tourists from across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang province, have flocked to Shanxi to experience the sites depicted in the game. The Wooden Pagoda in Ying County, another site featured in the game, has become a particular draw, with many visitors citing the game as their reason for visiting. Sun Jiajun, the director of tourism development for Ying County, confirmed that most of the recent visitors were motivated by their desire to see the places they had explored virtually in Black Myth: Wukong.

The Legacy of Journey to the West

Black Myth: Wukong is adapted from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, which is considered one of China’s greatest literary works. The novel chronicles the journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who traveled to India in the 7th century to collect Buddhist scriptures, accompanied by his three disciples. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is the most famous of these disciples and is celebrated for his strength and cunning.

The game’s storyline, rich in cultural heritage, has not only resonated with players but also rekindled interest in the historical and cultural sites associated with the legendary tale.

Conclusion

The release of Black Myth: Wukong has had a ripple effect beyond the gaming world, significantly boosting tourism in northern China’s Shanxi province. As fans of the game seek to connect with the real-life locations that inspired the virtual world, Shanxi is experiencing an unprecedented surge in visitors, breathing new life into its tourism sector.