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Did you play "Black Myth: Wukong" today?
Released on August 20, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Windows, this action RPG draws on Chinese mythology. You play as a "Destined One," embarking on a perilous and wondrous journey inspired by the classic "Journey to the West" to uncover the truths behind ancient legends.
If the game’s stunning scenes, sculptures, and architecture caught your eye, you'll definitely be captivated by the ancient architecture of Shanxi! Out of the 36 real-world locations featured in the game, 27 are from China’s Shanxi Province—more than half!
All the Real-World Locations Featured in 'Black Myth: Wukong'—Experience the Stunning Shanxi Architecture in Person, No Game Demo Needed! (By Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism)
“地下资源看陕西，地上资源看山西”
Underground treasures lie in Shaanxi, while above-ground treasures are in Shanxi.
We’ve previously mentioned Shanxi in our North China travel guide. When it comes to ancient Chinese architecture, Shanxi is an absolute must-see. Curious why the ancient buildings featured in "Black Myth: Wukong" are considered top-tier in the world of historic architecture? Let’s dive into some of these amazing sites!
Tiefo Temple
Location: Gaoping, Jincheng
Located 5 km southeast of Gaoping City in Mixi Village, Tiefo Temple is close to Dinglin Temple. The temple got its name, which means "Iron Buddha Temple," either because of the abundant iron in Gaoping, where an iron Buddha was cast in front of the temple, or because each statue in the temple uses iron wires and lines as part of its structure. This unique method of "iron as the bone, iron for shaping" is what gives the temple its name.
Twenty-Four Heavenly Kings
The twenty-four Heavenly King statues at Tiefo Temple vary in gender and demeanor—some are calm and refined, while others are fierce and imposing. Each statue is meticulously detailed, from the natural flow of their garments to the expression of emotions. Though they are religious deities, they seem to possess human thoughts and feelings, silently conveying joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.
Yuhuang Temple
Location: Zezhou, Jincheng
Yuhuang Temple sits majestically on a hill in Fucheng Village, 13 km southeast of Jincheng. It’s the largest and most influential Taoist temple in the area. Originally built during the Sui Dynasty, the temple’s current layout dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Inside, you’ll find numerous valuable Taoist sculptures, considered national treasures, along with decorative brick, stone, and glazed tile carvings. It’s truly a treasure trove of ancient sculptural art.
Twenty-Eight Constellations
The highlight here is the clay sculptures of the Twenty-Eight Constellations, created by Yuan Dynasty master sculptor Liu Luan. He brought to life mythical figures like "Xuri Mouse," "Fangri Rabbit," "Zhenshui Earthworm," and "Kangjin Loong" with vivid detail. These sculptures are an exceptional example of the blend of realism and romanticism in ancient Chinese sculptural art, making them one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Fangri Rabbit, Kangjin Loong, Xuri Mouse, Zhenshui Earthworm (left to right, top to bottom)
Xiaoxitian Temple
Location: Xixian, Linfen
Xiaoxitian Temple, also known as Qianfo Nunnery, is a Zen Buddhist temple perched on Phoenix Mountain, west of Xixian. It was founded by Zen master Dongming during the Ming Dynasty. The temple’s name comes from the thousand Buddha statues once housed in the Mahavira Hall. The temple is famed for its well-preserved hanging sculptures in the Mahavira Hall. The upper courtyard is the temple’s crown jewel, where five interconnected Buddha niches and an opulent “Pure Land” hanging sculpture can be found. These intricate works of art, painted during the Ming Dynasty, remain untouched by time and offer immense research value.
Shuanglin Temple
Location: Pingyao, Jinzhong
Originally named Zhongdu Temple, Shuanglin Temple is located 6 km southwest of Pingyao Ancient City in Qiaotou Village. It’s a national key cultural relic protection unit and one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Shuanglin Temple is renowned for its colorful sculptures, earning it the title of "Treasure Trove of Oriental Art." The Tianwang Hall houses 16 statues, the largest collection in any Tianwang Hall in China. The temple’s ten halls alone contain 2,056 statues.
Hanging Temple
Location: Hunyuan, Datong
The Hanging Temple is perched precariously on a cliff face of Cuiping Peak, facing Tianfeng Ridge. Built over 1,500 years ago, the temple ingeniously uses concealed beams and columns inserted into the rock to support the structure, making it appear as if it’s floating in mid-air. It’s a breathtaking example of wooden architecture.
Guangrenwang Temple
Location: Ruicheng, Yuncheng
Known locally as Wulong Temple, Guangrenwang Temple is a folk temple dedicated to the Dragon King, particularly the Azure Dragon. Located in Longquan Village, named after a spring that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, the temple is believed to sit atop the spring, which once “irrigated hundreds of miles, sustaining the people of Ruicheng.” Though the spring has since dried up, the temple remains a historic site.
Feiyun Tower
Location: Wanrong, Yuncheng
Feiyun Tower is a pure wooden structure, with every joint secured by mortise and tenon connections—no nails were used. The square base of the tower spans five bays in each direction, with four massive columns extending from the ground to the top, supported by a network of 32 surrounding wooden columns arranged like a chessboard. It’s an architectural marvel and a testament to ancient Chinese craftsmanship.
Foguang Temple
Location: Wutai, Xinzhou
The main axis of Foguang Temple runs east to west, spread across three platforms built into the landscape. The temple houses over 120 buildings, including halls, pavilions, towers, and pagodas. The East Hall, with seven bays, dates back to the Tang Dynasty, while the Wenshu Hall, also with seven bays, is from the Jin Dynasty. The other buildings date to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Foguang Temple’s Tang Dynasty architecture, sculptures, murals, and inscriptions hold immense historical and artistic value.
Chongfu Temple
Location: Shuozhou
Chongfu Temple, also known as Linyu Temple, is located on Dongda Street in Shuozhou. It’s a key cultural relic protection unit and a Pure Land sect temple. Built in 665 AD during the Tang Dynasty, the temple's buildings are typical of Han Chinese Buddhist architecture, with structures like the Vajra Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Thousand Buddha Pavilion, Wenshu Hall, Dizang Hall, Mahavira Hall, Amitabha Hall, and Guanyin Hall. The Amitabha and Guanyin Halls are Jin Dynasty structures.
Erxian Temple
Location: Lingchuan, Jincheng
Xixi Erxian Temple, founded during the Tang Dynasty’s Qianning era, is located in a two-courtyard layout facing south. Dedicated to female deities, the temple’s architecture is particularly refined. The scenic temple is nestled in a pine forest, part of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Lingchuan,” known as “Springtime at Xixi.” Due to its picturesque surroundings, the temple attracts many worshippers. Despite its small size, Xixi Erxian Temple boasts 16 buildings dating from the Jin to Ming and Qing dynasties. These structures, simple yet elegant, are like a “museum of ancient architecture.”
