In the east of China, the province of Shanxi is experiencing an economic and tourist rebound since the release of a video game, Black Myth Wukong, on August 20. The game is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West and follows an anthropomorphic monkey inspired by Sun Wukong, the hero of the novel, all in authentic traditional settings.
From our special correspondent in Shanxi province,
Journey to the West, it is one of the most popular literary works in East Asia. Adapted numerous times for cinema, television and theater, Sun Wukong, the monkey and his stick, has entered the West in the guise of Son Goku, the main character of Dragon Ball.
Huayan Temple is a tourist hotspot in Datong, Shanxi Province. Since the release of the video game Black Myth Wukongtourism there has seen records. The reasons? The game’s settings are largely inspired by the old traditional Chinese buildings of this region. “Shanxi is where we find the oldest architecture, dating from before the Tang dynasty, explains Shi, tour guide. Whether for art on the surface or underground, Shanxi is the place to come. The unique climate and geographical conditions have allowed these ancient buildings to remain intact all this time. »
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“It’s like a passport to the history of the game. You have to get a stamp in every place. »
Of the 36 locations identified to create the game Black Myth Wukong27 of them are in Shanxi. “ I haven’t completed the game, so I can only experience it through tourism, explains a young tourist who came expressly to explore the places found in Black Myth. I can’t pass the levels, my hands can’t keep up! »
A young policeman approaches a table where there is a stamp with Wukong’s badge. He takes out a white notebook. “ This is the game completion leaflet, it’s like a passport to the game’s history. You have to get a stamp at each location. » His superior calls him to order, with a smile on his face.
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The second most popular place for tourists is the Yungang Grottoes, where there are nearly 50,000 statues of Buddha carved into the rock. For Yue, a taxi driver, the video game had a strong impact: “ This game has really boosted Datong’s cultural tourism, it’s quite impressive. Thanks to Black Mythtourism in Shanxi has become very dynamic. »
A hotelier in the region is delighted, his establishment has been packed since this summer and for the months to come: “ The game undoubtedly brings benefits to the local population, in terms of positive benefits for the government and especially the economy. »
Datong was previously a poor city that relied on its coal mines. But the growth of tourism is changing its face, because, as tourist guide Shi says, if resources eventually dry up, culture is inexhaustible.
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