The success of Black Myth: Wukong has not only captivated players worldwide but also shone a spotlight on the ancient architecture of Shanxi, where most of the game scenes were set. Elliot Maldonado, an avid fan of the game from the United States, followed the game's map in real life, visiting Xiaoxitian, Fencheng Ancient Town and Shuanglin Temple. This journey allowed him to experience the vibrant history and culture of China firsthand. He realized that there are other heroes apart from the Monkey King - those who quietly guard these ancient structures against time.

Ren Sixuan also contributed to the story.

During the "A Date with China 2025" international media tour to Shanxi province, content creators visited the Wang Family Compound dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). The compound has been called home by thousands, directly or indirectly, a part of this powerful merchant family. Inside the little world they created, the creators incorporated symbols and messages into the architecture that not just inspire, but teach values to future generations.

Fortune

A pedestal beneath a wooden pillar serves practical purposes like preventing rot and adding strength, as well as decorative purposes. Looking carefully, one can see a bat inscribed within, which is not something to avoid in China because the pronunciation of "bat" in Mandarin is the same as "wealth".

Longevity and Unity

A male lion paired with a female and her cub is a common sight in China, showing strength and stability, but four little lions in one courtyard hardly seem like guardians. Having a pronunciation similar to "time", these lions represent the four seasons and longevity, while the nearby ball suggests unity. Two sides of the same coin for a family wanting to stay strong.

Family First

In one of the compound's many courtyards are tablets inscribed with classical stories of devotion to one's family. Rather than taking the mind to faraway places, the stories of virtue are meant to bring the viewer's thoughts closer to home.

Perseverance

A small post by a stairway, easily overlooked, shows a fish rising out of the water. The scene tells the story of a carp that battled its way through Dragon's Gate to become a dragon. Its message is a reminder not to rest on one's laurels but to work hard for a better future.

The numerous symbols in Shanxi's Wang Family Compound reflect the forward thinking that brought the family its fortune. Rather than simply wishing everyone fortune and longevity, viewers are reminded of the importance of goodness, unity, and diligence in achieving these.

Elliot Maldonado is a foreign expert at China Daily Website.

An international media tour explored dual identity of North China's Shanxi province – a guardian of millennia-old heritages and a hub of innovative cultural expressions.

The 2025 "A Date with China" international media tour recently concluded in Shanxi, featuring a diverse group of foreign journalists and content creators from countries including the United States, Brazil, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkiye and Venezuela, venturing into China's rich cultural tapestry.

The event spotlighted Shanxi's breathtaking ancient architecture, world-renowned polychrome sculptures, and vibrant intangible cultural heritages, showcasing how tradition and modernity coexist and thrive in the heart of China.

One of the tour's most awe-inspiring stops was the Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, home to the Hall of Offerings (Xian Dian)—a stunning example of traditional Chinese wooden architecture constructed without a single nail. This architectural marvel, which has withstood the test of time, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders.

"China's history is profound," said German content creator Tobias Dominiczak, whose wife hails from Shanxi. "I've visited China many times, but there are still so many historical sites I have yet to discover."

In Pingyao county, the group explored the Shuanglin Temple, famed for its exquisite colored sculptures, earning it the title "Treasury of Oriental Painted Sculpture Art". With over 2,000 sculptures spanning the Song (960-1279), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, each piece exudes vivid expressions and dynamic postures.

As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient City of Pingyao", the Shuanglin Temple has also gained recent fame as a filming location for the globally popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting a wave of "Wukong Trail" tourists. This blend of ancient artistry, digital innovation, and pop culture exemplifies Shanxi's growing influence in cultural tourism.

The tour also visited the Wang Family Compound in Jinzhong, a grand residential complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring intricate brick, wood and stone carvings symbolizing the harmony between architectural beauty and clan values.

"This will definitely appeal to young people and international audiences," noted Brazilian reporter Eric Napoli, highlighting how heritage sites featured in TV dramas can spark global interest.

Beyond architecture, Shanxi's intangible cultural heritages were equally captivating.

At the Donghu Vinegar Garden, participants discovered the versatility of Shanxi vinegar, from culinary uses to innovative products like vinegar-flavored ice cream and snacks. "Shanxi vinegar is so magical!" Italian content creator Andrea Randisi exclaimed.

Amazed by its additional uses, including as a skin nutrient and hand cleanser, he added, "The vinegar has so many functions."

In Pingyao Ancient City, the group experienced the art of hand-polished lacquerware, a traditional craft used in everything from furniture to jewelry boxes and souvenirs.

"A must-have find," praised Russian content creator Dmitrii Doromin. "These pieces can refresh your home or make meaningful gifts. The craftsmen are truly dedicated to sharing Eastern elegance with the world."

Shanxi also boasts a profound noodle culture that dates back centuries. The stunning noodle-making performances – blowing dough into balloons and shaving noodles atop their heads while riding unicycles –sparked a flurry of camera clicks. "It reminds me of my pasta-loving homeland," said an Italian vlogger. Great noodle culture connects across oceans.

Looking to refresh your home or find some special, meaningful gifts for loved ones? A Russian content creator gives his answer — exquisite Pingyao lacquerware! Crafted using time-honored techniques, each piece brings elegant Eastern aesthetics right into your hands. So, what stole the blogger's heart and are you hooked on this intangible cultural heritage?

Watch as participants on the "A Date with China "international media tour are left in awe by a Shanxi noodle art performance. One Italian content creator was reminded of his pasta-loving homeland. It seems great noodle culture connects across oceans. What's your favorite type of noodle? Share below!

Vinegar isn't just for cooking anymore. When a group of international visitors stepped into Donghu Vinegar Garden in North China's Shanxi province, they discovered a world beyond the dining table — from drinking vinegar and enjoying vinegar ice cream to even washing their hands with it! This traditional Chinese condiment is redefining creativity with a twist. Watch now and be amazed!

In Shanxi, vinegar is more than a seasoning — it's a cultural icon. Behind its sharp aroma lies a deep heritage of ancient techniques and a surprising wave of creativity.

Join China Daily reporter Zhang Na and German influencer Tobias Dominiczak for a special broadcast from the Donghu Vinegar Garden in Taiyuan, North China’s Shanxi province. We'll delve into the traditional methods that give this vinegar its unique character, sample aged varieties of artisan vinegar, and try unexpected vinegar-infused snacks. See for yourself how this iconic taste continues to evolve.

Tune in at 2 pm on Nov 13!

You won't believe it! Visiting Shuanglin Temple during the 2025 "A Date with China" tour, an American participant becomes a fan of the four guardians and even wants to give them the "best team award"!

Over ten foreign influencers and experts from eight countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Russia, started a visit to Shanxi province on Monday to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.

The 2025 "A Date with China" International Media Tour, co-hosted by China Daily Website and the Cyberspace Affairs Office of the Shanxi Provincial Committee, commenced a five-day itinerary, starting with a temple visit in Taiyuan.

The Jinci Temple, built in the 11th century BC, is the earliest existing imperial ancestral temple garden in China.

"I have seen ancient architecture in Beijing, but the ancient buildings in Shanxi appear more pristine, exquisite, and full of charm," said Eric Napoli from Brazil during his visit to Jinci. He recognized buildings he saw in the game Black Myth: Wukong. "I must boast to my friends back home that I've been here."

On Monday afternoon, the group visited the Taiyuan Donghu Vinegar Park, where they observed the ancient brewing process of aged vinegar up close and sampled vinegar-flavored ice cream.

Tobias Dominiczak from Germany, who married a woman from Taiyuan, said, "My wife is from here, but this is my first time learning about the production process of aged vinegar. It's a fantastic experience."

In the evening, the foreign delegates enjoyed a performance of Shanxi's characteristic noodle-making techniques.

"I knew Shanxi has hundreds of types of noodles, but this noodle skill show was incredible," said Andrea Randisi from Italy. "Italians love pasta, too. To understand Chinese culture, one must definitely come to Shanxi."

In the following days, the group will travel to Jinzhong and Linfen. They will explore Shanxi's profound historical and cultural heritage alongside its dynamic practices in high-quality development.

Ding Yi contributed to this story.

When Italian and German content creators visited Shanxi's Jinci Temple during the 2025 "A Date with China" tour, they were stunned to find its ancient structures have stood for over a millennium without a single nail! This traditional carpentry, different from European techniques, left the bloggers in awe, hailing it as "absolutely impressive" and "a true marvel."

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The 2025 "A Date with China" international media tour launched on Monday in Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province. Over the next five days, a diverse delegation of foreign and Chinese journalists, content creators, and experts will embark on a reporting tour across the cities of Taiyuan, Jinzhong, and Linfen.

The international delegation includes representatives from the United States, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkiye, Vietnam, Brazil, Venezuela, and other countries and regions. Participants will visit cultural heritage sites and manufacturing enterprises to conduct in-depth interviews focusing on Shanxi's ancient architecture preservation, vinegar and noodle culture, innovations in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as painted sculpture craftsmanship.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the "A Date with China" tour continues to build bridges for cross-cultural storytelling. This year's edition centers on the theme "Partnering with China will Bring More Opportunities".