The release of Black Myth: Wukong on August 20th, China’s first AAA game, set the internet ablaze! The game’s 36 real-world scanned locations have catapulted China’s ancient architecture into the spotlight. Sites like the Foguang Temple on Mount Wutai, the Yungang Grottoes, and the Xiaoxitian Temple in Shanxi, are now must-visit destinations.
Whether you’re a gamer or not, the game offers a unique look into the beauty of China’s historical architecture within a grand and fantastical world.
Shanxi: The Heart of Ancient Architecture
Shanxi, known as a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architecture, served as a major inspiration for Black Myth: Wukong. Of the 36 locations, 27 are in Shanxi. 
Mount Wutai, Xinzhou
While not featuring any single building fully, the game’s developers recreated many details from Mount Wutai, including the stone carvings at Nanshan Temple and the sutra pillars in front of the Foguang Temple’s main hall. The hanging bell that Wukong strikes is brought to life through 4K RTX ray tracing and Nvidia DLSS technology.
Hanging Temple, Datong
The famous Hanging Temple appears in the game’s second chapter and in official wallpapers. It is a unique temple combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, built on the side of Mount Cui Feng.
Yungang Grottoes, Datong
Another gem of Datong, the Yungang Grottoes are a major location in the game. This is China’s first large-scale grotto complex commissioned by the imperial court. From its early Gandhara and Gupta influences to later Han dynasty styles, the grottoes reflect the changes in history.
Shuanglin Temple, Pingyao
In 1997, Shuanglin Temple along with the city walls and Zhenguo Temple in the ancient city of Pingyao were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the game, the temple’s painted sculptures are prominently featured. The temple’s art gives human traits to divine figures, a testament to the artists’ ability to break free from religious constraints.
Jade Emperor Temple, Jincheng
The Jade Emperor Temple in Jincheng served as an inspiration for many character designs, including the enraged Kang Jinlong sculpture in the Twenty-Eight Constellation Hall. These sculptures blend celestial bodies, constellations, animals, and the five elements.
Erxian Temple, Jincheng
As Wukong progresses, the distant buildings atop tree-covered mountains, reminiscent of a celestial realm, are based on the Erxian Temple in Lingchuan, Jincheng. The temple’s serene surroundings, ringed by mountains and water, are the highlight of the “Spring Scenery of Xixi.”
Xiaoxitian Temple, Linfen
At the end of the trailer, the intense final battle takes place in front of intricate sculptures based on Xiaoxitian Temple, particularly the suspended sculptures found in the temple in Xixian.
Hebei: Discovering a Hidden Gem
Many players, may not have been familiar with Yu County in Hebei province before Black Myth: Wukong. However, a snow-covered building in the official videos revealed the Jade Emperor Pavilion in the ancient city of Yu County, as well as the South An Temple Pagoda. There’s a local saying that, “First came South An Temple, then came the city of Weizhou”. Many artifacts from the Liao Dynasty have been discovered at the temple, a major historical site.
Zhejiang: Serenity Amidst the Mountains
Compared to Shanxi’s grand temples, Zhejiang’s ancient architecture is known for its gentle beauty. The spider demon’s dwelling, for instance, is based on the Shisi Temple in Lishui, Zhejiang. The temple is hidden deep in the mountains and retains many early architectural features.
The famous Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou is also incorporated into the game. If you look closely, you can spot the mythical beasts on the base of the incense burner in front of the Jigong Hall.
Chongqing: Diverse Cave Art
The Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing are unique for blending Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian ideals. The Hell Transformation Diagram, the Golden Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and the Amitayurdhyana Sutra Transformation Diagram in the game are all based on actual carvings from Dazu.
Quanzhou: A Pagoda Pioneer
In the game’s first boss fight, the burning pagoda is based on the famous Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou. As one of Quanzhou’s oldest and largest Buddhist temples, it’s architectural style is called Song Dynasty “sacred and supernatural art,” a pioneering work in Chinese pagoda construction. Interestingly, carvings on the second level of the east pagoda depict the Tang monk on his journey. The west pagoda’s fourth level features carvings of the Tang monk, Sun Wukong, the white horse, and Guanyin.
