Shanxi, a province in northern China previously not known for tourism, has experienced a surge in visitors due to the online game success, Black Myth: Wukong. Released on August 20, the game, which sold 8.4 million copies in its first three days, features scenes set in Shanxi, leading to a notable increase in tourist interest in the region. Of the 36 major locations depicted in the game, 27 are in Shanxi, located about 500 kilometers from Beijing.
The release of Black Myth: Wukong has had an immediate impact on Shanxi’s tourism industry. In the past week alone, the number of visitors has surged, with local sites such as Xiaoxitian Tour Zone in Xi County seeing a threefold increase in ticket sales. The game has prompted local businesses to capitalize on the influx by integrating game-related content into their promotional materials and expanding online ticket sales.
Tourism statistics further highlight the game’s influence, with searches for Shanxi attractions spiking by 156 percent on the day of the game’s release compared to the previous year. Popular destinations featured in the game, including the Yungang Grottoes and the Fogong Temple Wooden Pagoda, have drawn considerable interest, with a significant rise in both visitor numbers and hotel bookings.
The success of Black Myth: Wukong is not only boosting Shanxi’s profile but also bringing attention to the region’s cultural and historical sites. The game’s portrayal of these landmarks has led to increased tourism from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Zhejiang, as travelers seek to experience the real-life counterparts of the game’s virtual scenes.
The game’s connection to the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West adds historical and cultural depth to its appeal. Black Myth: Wukong adapts the story of Xuanzang and his disciples, including the famous Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The heightened interest in Shanxi’s historical sites due to the game has prompted other regions, such as Lianyungang, to use similar promotional strategies to attract tourists by linking their local attractions to the game’s success.
