China's 'Black Myth: Wukong' Video Game Boosts Interest in Historical Architecture
The release of the video game, Black Myth: Wukong, has encouraged gamers to visit ancient Chinese architecture.
Released on August 20, 2024, the game quickly became very popular, reaching over 2.2 million players at its peak. Besides being praised for its exciting gameplay and storyline, the game is also recognized for its impressive visual representation of historical buildings, which has drawn attention to China's ancient architectural sites, according to Shine.
Also Read: Lever Architecture Designs New Eco-Friendly Timber and Steel Building in LA's Chinatown
(Photo : Screenshot from Steam Official Website)
Black Myth: Wukong's Chinese Architecture
Black Myth: Wukong draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese classic, Journey to the West, bringing to life the story of the legendary Sun Wukong.
The game's developers used advanced 3D scanning technology to accurately recreate historical sites, providing players with a detailed and immersive experience of China's architectural heritage.
Liu Xiaoyu, a player from Beijing told Global Times his admiration for the game's authentic portrayal of historical sites. "The historical buildings in the game are so well-integrated with the storyline. I'm planning to visit the filming locations soon to experience the cultural heritage firsthand," he said.
This sentiment is echoed by many fans, who are now traveling to the sites depicted in the game.
One major filming location for the game is Shanxi Province, known for its extensive cultural heritage and numerous well-preserved ancient buildings. With 531 nationally protected cultural heritage sites, Shanxi has seen a massive boost in tourism.
Liu Xiaogang, director of a scenic area in Shanxi, stated: "We receive around 1,500 visitors a day since July, a threefold increase compared to the same period last year."
In response to this surge, China Org stated that a new "Follow Wukong through Shanxi" tour has been launched to guide tourists through the province's architectural marvels.
Related Article: Archaeologists Uncover Secrets of Song Dynasty Pagoda's 1,000-Year Endurance in China