From Pixels to Pilgrims: Video Game Boosts Tourism in China's Shanxi Province
A surge in ticket sales has been reported at the Xixiatian Scenic Area in Shanxi Province, China, following the release of the video game "Black Myth: Wukong". The game, which is based on the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West", features 36 scenic spots from around the country, with 27 of them located in Shanxi Province.
22 August 2024
According to a staff member from the Xixiatian Scenic Area's tourism reception department, ticket sales on August 20th increased by 300% compared to the same day last year. The scenic area is a Buddhist temple and a national key cultural relic protection unit.
The sudden increase in popularity has prompted the scenic area to upgrade its intelligent ticketing system and incorporate elements of the game into its tour guides' explanations. This move is expected to further enhance the tourist experience and attract more visitors who are fans of the game.
On Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, netizens have been enthusiastically discussing the game and its connection to the scenic area. One user, @中国铁塔 (China Tower), posted a video showing the similarities between the game's scenery and the real-life locations in Shanxi Province, with the caption "He and TA are both on their own 'Western Journey', being their own 'Great Sage'!" The post has garnered over 10,000 likes and 2,000 comments.
Other netizens have also been sharing their own experiences and photos of visiting the scenic area, with some expressing their excitement about the game's success and its impact on local tourism. @新京报我们视频 (New Beijing News Video) posted a video report on the surge in ticket sales, which has been viewed over 1 million times.
However, not all comments have been positive. Some netizens have expressed concerns about the potential over-commercialization of the scenic area and the impact on its cultural and historical significance. One user, @文化评论 (Cultural Commentary), commented "While it's great to see the scenic area getting more attention, we should also be mindful of preserving its cultural heritage and not letting commercial interests overshadow its historical significance."
Despite these concerns, the success of "Black Myth: Wukong" and its impact on local tourism have been widely welcomed by fans and local authorities alike. The game's developer, Game Science, has also announced plans to collaborate with the scenic area to create more interactive experiences for visitors.
As the scenic area continues to attract more visitors, it remains to be seen how it will balance the demands of tourism with the need to preserve its cultural and historical significance. Nevertheless, the success of "Black Myth: Wukong" has undoubtedly put Shanxi Province and its rich cultural heritage on the map, and is expected to have a lasting impact on the region's tourism industry.
In another tweet, @黑神话悟空结局 (Black Myth: Wukong Ending) shared a photo of a fan-made map showing the locations of all 36 scenic spots featured in the game, with the caption "The 'Western Journey' is not just a game, it's a journey of discovery and exploration". The post has been liked over 5,000 times and has sparked a lively discussion among fans about the game's storyline and characters.
Overall, the success of "Black Myth: Wukong" has generated widespread enthusiasm and interest in Chinese culture and history, both domestically and internationally. As the game continues to attract new fans and inspire more visitors to explore the country's rich cultural heritage, it is likely to have a lasting impact on China's tourism industry and cultural landscape.