Shanxi Unveiled: From Black Myth to Ancient Marvels

Itinerary

• Day 1: Datong, Arrival

  Welcome to Datong, a historic and cultural city in Shanxi Province, renowned for its magnificent ancient architecture, Buddhist relics, and unique natural scenery. Located about 350 kilometers from Beijing, Datong is easily accessible by high-speed train, taking only two hours. If you prefer to arrive by train, your local guide will greet you at the station and escort you to your hotel for rest, with the same service provided for those arriving by plane.

  • Datong

• Day 2: The Yungang Grottoes & Huayan Temple

  After breakfast, journey back in time to the Yungang Grottoes, home to Buddha statues dating back 1,500 years. This expansive site features towering sculptures up to ten meters high and intricate carvings that span over a kilometer. Among these, rows of small Buddha figures evoke a sense of déjà vu, as their design inspired the art in Black Myth: Wukong.

  Next, visit Shanhua Temple, a Tang dynasty treasure with striking elegance. Its grandeur is striking, but what captivates most are the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, whose vivid expressions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness bring a dynamic presence to the temple.

  Move on to the Great Buddha Hall of Huayan Temple, where the plaque at the entrance and the Five Buddhas on the altar, flanked by the Twenty Devas, resembles a grand structure from the game, bridging reality and the virtual world. Nearby, the Nine-Dragon Screen impresses with its sheer scale - 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high, and 2.02 meters thick - showcasing vibrant, glazed tiles.

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  • Datong

• Day 3: The Hanging Temple & Wood Pagoda, Datong - Wutaishan

  When in Datong, a visit to the Hanging Temple is essential. After a drive of about an hour, you'll marvel at this architectural wonder, seemingly suspended from a cliff like an intricate piece of cliffside art. Supported by 27 wooden beams, the temple features a unique blend of overhanging architecture and cave dwellings. Inside, the colorful patterns on the eaves and the small Buddha niches connected by narrow walkways add to the temple's intricate charm, despite its modest size.

  Next, drive approximately 60 kilometers to Yingxian to see the real-life inspiration for the wooden pagoda in the second chapter of the game. The Wooden Pagoda is a remarkable feat of construction, built without a single nail and using traditional mortise-and-tenon joints. It has withstood earthquakes and artillery fire for over a millennium. After this visit, proceed to Wutaishan, with a drive of about four hours.

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  • Wutaishan

• Day 4: Wutaishan Temples Tour

  Today, you will explore the essence of Mount Wutai. Start by visiting Wuye Temple, a place bustling with incense, where locals come to pray for good fortune. Next, head to Tayuan Temple, home to the majestic White Pagoda, one of Taihuai Town's landmarks, symbolizing the purity and grandeur of Buddhism with its towering white structure. Continue to the historically rich Xiantong Temple, where the copper statue of Manjushri resides. Take a cable car to Pusading, where you can gaze over the panoramic view from above, feeling a deep connection with the heavens and the earth.

  On the way to Taiyuan, about a three-hour drive, stop by Nanshan Temple, a mysterious treasure trove of stone sculpture art. Attentive players may recognize that the row of stone carvings slowly passing by in the promotional video is none other than the sculptures of Nanshan Temple.

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  • Taiyuan

• Day 5: Taiyuan - Pingyao, Jingci, Shuanglin Temple & Zhenguo Temple

  Before leaving Taiyuan, visit Jinci Temple, once a royal sacrificial garden. Renowned for its clear, sparkling Jingshui River that has flowed for centuries, the temple's tranquil pavilions and terraces add to its serene ambiance.

  Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Pingyao, famous for its "One City, Two Temples" UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which also inspired scenes in the game. After lunch and a short rest, head to Shuanglin Temple celebrated for its over 2,000 vivid sculptures. These statues, in their impressive quantity and artistry, reflect the temple's remarkable cultural legacy.

  Next, explore Zhenguo Temple, where the Wanfo Hall houses ancient Five Dynasties-era sculptures. The statues, particularly the lifelike Shakyamuni, embody a timeless majesty. Strolling through these historic sites, you'll feel transported into the world of Black Myth: Wukong, where ancient myths and legends seem to come alive once more.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 6: Pingyao Ancient City Tour

  Today, most of your time will be spent exploring Pingyao Ancient City. Start with a visit to the Rishengchang Exchange Shop to discover its historical significance and role in ancient finance. Following this, stroll along the well-preserved city wall, offering a majestic view and deep historical insights into Pingyao.

  Afterward, enjoy leisurely shopping on Mingqing Street, known for its traditional shops and crafts, before trying your hand at making authentic Pingyao noodles and savoring your creations.

  Finally, visit the Wang Family Compound, an impressive 500-year-old architectural complex that reflects the grandeur and evolution of ancient Shanxi merchants.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 7: Pingyao - Linfen, Xiaoxitian & Guangsheng Temple

  Departing from Pingyao, take a scenic three-hour drive southwest to Xiaoxitian, an exceptional destination that vividly inspired the iconic scene "Kneel before the Buddha of the Future!" in the final boss's lines from Chapter Three. Located in the small county of Xixian, Xiaoxitian is renowned for its stunning suspended sculpture art, a pinnacle of traditional Chinese craftsmanship, where intricate carvings seem to float in mid-air, with deities and Buddhas appearing to step down from the clouds.

  Next, visit Guangsheng Temple, home to the Feihong Glazed Pagoda. This exquisite structure is celebrated for its vibrant glazed tiles, which shimmer like a rainbow in the sunlight. The pagoda's elegance and detailed craftsmanship make it a highlight of the region, reflecting the peak of ancient Chinese architectural artistry.

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  • Linfen

• Day 8: Linfen - Exit

  Linfen is just a 2-hour journey from Xi'an via high-speed train. If you plan to leave for Xi'an to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, we can assist you on your journey to Xi'an.

  Alternatively, for a deeper trace of Wukong's footsteps, extend your trip to Jincheng to visit the Yuhuang Temple and explore the inspirations for Kang-Jin Loong!

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