Off the Beaten Path: Uncovering Shanxi’s Hidden Ancient Treasures

Shanxi province, known for its rich cultural heritage, is home to a vast array of ancient temples and historical sites. However tourism has traditionally been subdued—until 2024, when the video game Black Myth: Wukong sparked global interest. The game’s breathtaking visuals drew heavily from Shanxi’s real-world structures, with many of its 3D scans sourced from the province.

We set out on a road trip to explore some of the newly accessible temples in the rural areas of Jincheng city, witnessing firsthand the preservation efforts and the growing attention these cultural treasures are receiving.