Black Myth: Wukong - Explore Actual China Locations Behind It

Source: Black Myth: Wukong official

At 10 AM on August 20th, the first Chinese AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong officially launched and swiftly topped the sales charts on multiple platforms, including Steam and WeGame. At its global launch on Tuesday, it attracted over 1.3 million concurrent players on Steam.

As the first Chinese game available on Steam, Black Myth: Wukong is set in a fantastical version of ancient China. It stands out in the Chinese gaming industry for its stunning visuals, immersive storytelling and rich cultures.

But do you know that many sites in the game are inspired by actual locations in China? As a tourist and a gamer, let’s explore these real-life places!

Black Myth: Wukong - The game

Source: Black Myth: Wukong official

Before we dive into the actual China locations, let’s take a brief look at Black Myth: Wukong! It is an action RPG developed by Game Science and inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

One of the most striking features of the game is its visual design. It boasts nearly 1:1 reproduction of the fantastical landscapes of ancient China, including the ancient temples, towering peaks, mythical mountains, enchanted forests and more. The game’s graphics will let you immerse in a vivid, living world.

Shanxi Province - The real inspiration behind Black Myth: Wukong

It is said that among the 36 inspired locations in China, 27 are in Shanxi Province, which you might not have heard of before.

Shanxi Province is located in northern China. It is one of the least visited places in China, but it has deep historical roots and landscapes. Shanxi owns ancient temples, historical towns, as well as unique geological formations. Shanxi Province is home to over 80% of China's ancient wooden structures. The attractions have undoubtedly inspired the world of Black Myth: Wukong.

Check out the key locations in Shanxi that inspired Black Myth: Wukong👀!

Little Western Paradise

The game features grand, ancient temples that echo the architectural style of traditional Chinese religious sites. These are all fine examples of excellent Ming Dynasty artworks, forming a true treasure of Ming Dynasty colour statues.

It captures Da Xiong Bao Dian and Qianfo An. With its grand architecture and intricate carvings, Da Xiong Bao Dian mirrors the game’s majestic temples. The thousands of Buddha statues of Qianfo An provide a strong visual impact, also seen in the game’s portrayal.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring thousands of statues and carvings created during the Northern Wei Dynasty. It is one of the three largest grottoes in China. It is reflected in the game of ancient temples. The rock-cut caves and sculptures are a treasure in the art treasure of ancient China.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

Yuhuang Temple

The game includes vibrant mythical creatures. The sculptures of the Twenty-Eight Mansions in Yuhuang Temple are one of the inspiration. They represent deities, celestial beings, and mythological figures with each of the twenty-eight mansions, which reflect the deep cultural and religious traditions of China. Yuhuang Temple carries a strong sense of history and highlights Ming dynasty architecture.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

Foguang Temple

The game’s ancient temples are inspired by real-world historical sites. One of them is Foguang Temple. Foguang Temple has well-preserved architecture, and it is second only to the main hall of Nanchan Temple in Wutai County. The existing wooden structure in the country second place in the building. The Tang Dynasty buildings, Tang Dynasty sculptures, Tang Dynasty murals, and Tang Dynasty inscriptions in Foguang Temple are called "Four Wonders".

In Black Myth: Wukong, its intricate carvings and ancient halls are reflected, offering players a world with a rich cultural heritage.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

Tiefo Temple

Tiefo Temple is famous for its iron Buddha statues. The most impressive coloured sculptures in Tiefo Temple are the 24 statues of the gods that surround the temple. These statues are as tall as real people, with vivid and unique shapes. In Black Myth: Wukong, players will be immersed in Tiefo Temple’s iron statues and mysterious environment. Some characters in Wukong also has elements of the statues in Tiefo Temple.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

The Yingxian Timber Pagoda

The Yingxian Timber Pagoda is an architectural marvel in Shanxi Province. It is a wooden construction with intricate design, standing as one of the oldest and tallest wooden structures in China.

The wooden pagoda, shaped like an octagon, has five levels. Except for the stone foundation on the ground floor, the entire structure is made of wood, using the traditional techniques of Sunmao. Each layer of the pagoda has wind chimes that create a melody when the wind passes through.

The towering pagodas in Black Myth: Wukong draws from the Yingxian Timber Pagoda, enriching the game with its ancient Chinese architecture and lore.

*Opening hours may vary, please confirm the actual time before your visit.

🤔Many players are calling Shanxi's tourism department to introduce cultural tourism activities tied to the Black Myth: Wukong. They are looking for travel routes, comprehensive guides, gameplay tips, and related merchandise.

Thinking about a trip to Shanxi? Ready to walk in the paths Wukong travelled? Explore Shanxi with our tips for gamer and tourist.👇

Gamer’s guide to exploring China

How to get to Shanxi Province

• By air

The main airports in Shanxi Province are Taiyuan Airport and Datong Airport. Datong Airport is closer to some attractions in Shanxi. You can easily find cheap flights to Shanxi on Trip.com, making your China trip accessible than ever.

• By train

Shanxi is well-connected by high-speed trains. Taiyuan, Datong, and Jinzhong have high-speed rail connections from cities all over China.

Local cuisine you can't miss out

Source: China Daily

While exploring Shanxi Province, don't miss out on its delicious local cuisine.

• ✅Shanxi aged vinegar: Shanxi aged vinegar has a tangy flavour. You can try it with noodles or as a dipping sauce for dumplings.
• ✅Shanxi Dao Xiao Mian: These noodles are pulled by hand to achieve their unique shape and then cut into strips. They have a chewy texture.
• ✅Pingyao beef: Pingyao beef is marinated and slow-cooked to perfection. It features a savoury flavour with a little bit of sweetness.
• ✅Emei tofu: Emei tofu is made from soft tofu. It has a delicate texture and subtle flavour, served with a soy-based.

Your best stays in China

China offers various accommodations that cater to every type of traveller. Explore some of the finest hotels in Shanxi that promise unforgettable experiences!

Traditional Chinese culture in Black Myth: Wukong

Source: wccftech

Black Myth: Wukong is not just a game, it’s a way to explore China’s rich culture, as it draws from traditional Chinese folklore and mythology. When you explore the real-world locations behind Black Myth: Wukong, you’ll have a further understanding of the game and the beauty of China.

If you have a chance, step out of the game and try to explore the actual China locations of Black Myth: Wukong. View the old temples and grand towers, try local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich culture that makes both the game and its real life unforgettable.