The highly anticipated release of Black Myth: Wukong, a groundbreaking Chinese-developed AAA game, has captivated millions of gamers worldwide.
Deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, the game is inspired by the legendary travels of the Monkey King in Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West. The game’s art design features intricate details of ancient Chinese architecture made using 3D scanning technology, which has ignited a desire among players to experience these treasures firsthand.
There is a common saying that “China’s above-ground treasures are mostly in Shanxi”. In Black Myth: Wukong this statement holds true, as 27 out of the 36 historical places featured in the game are in Shanxi, three of them even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why is Shanxi so significant historically, both architecturally and in literature?
Shanxi’s strategic location at the crossroads of the Silk Road trade routes fostered a vibrant exchange of cultures and ideas, blending diverse architectural styles into a captivating tapestry. The region’s wealth of stone, favorable geology, and varied topography provided the perfect canvas for carving stunning cave temples and constructing monumental buildings. Moreover, Shanxi’s relative geological stability has ensured the remarkable preservation of these architectural treasures, allowing them to stand tall for centuries.
But don’t take our word for it, come see it for yourself on a journey alongside Wukong where we uncover the mysterious charm of Shanxi’s architectural wonders – the living testaments of a bygone era, where myths intertwine with reality and history whispers tales of cultural legacy.
Yungang Grottoes
A classical masterpiece of Chinese Buddhist art, the Yungang Grottoes in Datong date back to the 5th and 6th Centuries when Buddhism reached its peak, after becoming the adopted religion of the Northern Wei Empire. The cave art at Yungang represents the successful fusion of Buddhist religious symbolic art and Chinese traditions, a masterwork of astounding proportions. With around 51,000 statues in 252 caves, and the buddhas’ heights ranging from 17 meters to just a few centimeters, the grottoes are a truly remarkable sight.
Hanging Temple
The pavilions of the Hanging Temple cling breathtakingly to a sheer cliff, seemingly ready to collapse down the side of the mountain at any moment. Despite its precarious appearance, the temple, constructed in 491 and largely maintained throughout the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644-1911), has prevailed for over 1,400 years. Climb up and wander through the winding hallways of this bizarre yet beautiful old temple – where Buddha, Confucius, and Laozi sit comfortably side by side. (*To set expectations correctly, we would like to note that this is a popular site for domestic visitors and can be crowded.)
Huayan Temple
Although the exact date of construction is unknown, the Huayan Temple was believed to have been built during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD) as an ancestral temple for the imperial family. Having been turned into a key national site in 1961, the temple was a museum during the Cultural Revolution, and thus stands today as the largest and best-preserved Liao Dynasty monastery in China. Explore the upper and lower temples, observing the murals, sculptures, and intricately carved roofs of this pristine temple complex.
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was erected in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty and is the oldest and tallest entirely wooden pagoda in the world, composed of over 7,400 tons of solid wood. Its intricate design features a “tube-within-a-tube” structural system, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient builders. Declared a National Cultural Heritage site and a Guinness World Record holder, the pagoda is historically described as “the most beautiful pagoda in the world.”
Foguang Temple
Foguang Temple or “Temple of Buddha’s Light” is one of the oldest preserved timber structures in China. Originally built in the Tang Dynasty between 785 to 820, but unfortunately burned down serval times throughout its history, Foguang was rediscovered in 1937. Today the temple is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is undergoing restoration as part of a Global Heritage Fund and Tsinghua University conservation project. Unlike most other Chinese temples which are oriented in a south-north position, Foguang Temple is oriented in an east-west position due to there being mountains to the east, north, and south. The temple grounds are also home to the second oldest pagoda in China, dating from the 6th century.
Shuanglin Temple
Originally named Zhongdu Temple, Shuanglin has over 1,500-years of history. Even more impressive, though, is what’s inside. Built during the Northern Wei Empire, the temple’s hallowed halls are filled with an awe-inspiring collection of carved and painted statues from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Incredibly rare with impeccable craftsmanship, the figures are both vivid and remarkably true-to-life, ranging from Buddha and supernatural beings to mere mortals.
It could be argued that Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a game; it’s a portal to Shanxi’s ancient wonders. For those who have played, we hope the game inspired you to go beyond the screen. This is your official invitation to plan a real-life journey to step into these historical scenes and immerse yourself in the stories that have shaped China’s cultural landscape for centuries.
By Shirley Peng
