Chinese Foreign Ministry welcomes international travelers to write their own 'Journey to the East'

(ECNS) -- China welcomes international travelers to visit the country and experience the smash-hit cultural products and the unique charm of Chinese culture, and write their own Journey to the East, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Lin made the remarks following China's first AAA video game Black Myth: Wukong earned several nominations at The Game Awards 2024, dubbed “the Oscars of gaming." Black Myth: Wukong took home the Best Action Game and Players' Voice awards. 

The game was inspired by Chinese mythology and the classic 16th-century novel Journey to the West. 

As one of China’s most celebrated mythology novels, Journey to the West — four centuries after it was written — is now digitally transformed into a stunning video game and taking the world by storm.

Black Myth: Wukong is not the only example of success when Eastern aesthetics meets modern technology and when emerging industries embrace traditional culture, the spokesperson said.

Iconic Chinese TV dramas have been immensely popular in countries like Thailand, Japan, and the U.S. with viewers constantly calling for new episodes. Chinese internet literature has been added by the British Library to its Chinese collection, and drawn fans from all over the world, Lin added.

He noted that the massive success of the Chinese gaming industry has opened the door to exploring traditional Chinese culture.

It has found the cultural wavelength that resonates with players worldwide, and provides a fresh way for cultures to meet and inspire each other, he said.

While gaining popularity outside China, Chinese cultural products are bringing international friends into China.

Many are retracing Wukong’s journey by visiting some of the scenic spots that appeared in the game, such as Yuhuang Temple in Jincheng, the Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian, Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing and other ancient architectural sites as well as discovering the performances of traditional storytellers in northern Shaanxi, giving these visitors an extraordinary experience of what it is like to be the hero of the Journey to the West and "the Destined One" in the game.