Shanxi scenic area offers free return visits

In an effort to appease tourists who complained of overcrowding, authorities in Shanxi province, which has seen a surge in tourism fueled by the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, announced on Monday that people who visited during the recent Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays can return to the scenic Xiaoxitian area in Xixian county for free until the end of the year by presenting their ticket receipts.

"The keeper of the New West welcomes 'again' the Destined One!" the scenic area's service center said in a thank-you letter to visitors, quoting a line from the game and humorously adding "again".

The Xiaoxitian temple complex, located in Linfen city, served as a key inspiration for the Buddhist kingdom's suspended sculptures featured in the game when the protagonist, known as the Destined One, enters the area. "New West" is the translation of Xiaoxitian in the game.

"We want to make up for the disappointment some visitors faced due to overcrowding during the holidays," said Liu Xiaogang, director of the service center. "Next time, when they visit on less crowded days, they can truly appreciate the wonders of the Buddha's heavenly palace and the exquisite suspended sculptures."

With a population of less than 100,000, Xixian received 133,600 visitors last year. However, during this year's National Day holiday, the daily visits exceeded 10,000 — its highest attendance since opening to the public in 2001.

The influx of visitors is attributed to the video game Black Myth: Wukong, which is based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West and features scenes inspired by real ancient Chinese architecture, including temples, pagodas, grottoes and stone carvings.

Xiaoxitian is renowned for its stunning suspended sculptures. The main hall, covering just 169.6 square meters, houses over 1,900 colorful, lifelike sculptures — some as tall as 3 meters and others as small as a thumb — meticulously preserved after nearly four centuries.

"It's truly awe-inspiring! Missing Xiaoxitian would be a real regret. The suspended sculptures here are second to none," said Sun Xianwen, a visitor from Jiaozuo, Henan province.

However, long queues to reach the place led to frustration among tourists on Oct 2. In response, Xixian's bureau of culture and tourism issued a letter asking for patience, noting that the county, primarily agricultural, is working hard to develop into a tourist destination.

Efforts were made to accommodate the influx of visitors, including three additional parking lots with free shuttle services. Parking spaces at government offices, businesses and institutions were also opened to visitors during the holidays. County officials canceled their vacations to oversee operations, and 300 volunteers were stationed at key points to assist tourists.

Xixian's Deputy Mayor Lyu Xuehui explained that the county had mobilized efforts to ensure a smooth experience for visitors.

Video clips circulating online showed local officials including Lyu interacting with tourists — Lyu was seen singing to visitors, and the county's tourism director even portrayed Tang Seng, a character from Journey to the West.

Public security officials were also on hand to manage the crowds. Huang Shenghui, the director of the local public security bureau, directed visitors, while Liu Wei, deputy director of the bureau, promised immediate improvements based on tourist feedback.

"No matter how much you complain or criticize, your safety is our top priority," Liu told tourists through a loudspeaker.