'Living legends' breathe fresh life into tourism
Portraying figures from history and literature, NPC players attract hordes of visitors
Towering figures
Another role Zhang plays is Guan's descendant, Guan Sheng, another hero from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
He is the only actor to embody these two towering figures, a feat that has earned him a devoted following among the visitors to the popular theme park, which celebrates the martial arts legends of Chinese history.
Born and raised in Luoyang, Henan province, a city famous for its ancient history, Zhang was drawn to traditional Chinese culture from a young age.
He trained in martial arts performance at school, and began his career at some of China's most famous historical sites before starting work at Wansuishan Martial Arts City more than a year ago.
"It was the perfect place to merge my passion for wuxia — the traditional genre of martial arts fiction — with real-world performances," he said. "Kaifeng, the former capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, is where I feel most connected to the characters I portray."
Zhang's two primary roles, Guan Yu and Guan Sheng, are not merely costumes he wears, but identities to inhabit.
When some visitors first encounter Zhang in his armor, they assume he is just another lifeless statue, he said, but as they draw closer, they realize he is flesh and blood. Their surprise is palpable, with visitors sometimes gasping in astonishment as he stirs, moves, or speaks.
"For me, it's about creating an experience that no digital screen or online video can replicate. When a person comes all the way to see Guan Yu, I owe it to them to make it unforgettable," he said.
His performances are also interactive. When visitors ask questions or request photos, Zhang is always ready to oblige.
The term NPC is derived from a character in a video game or simulation that is not controlled by the player. NPCs are typically pre-programmed with specific behaviors, dialogues, and actions, and exist to interact with players in the game world to make the experience more immersive and dynamic.
In recent years, theme parks in China, such as Shanghai Disneyland and Happy Valley, have increasingly incorporated NPCs into their attractions. The NPCs are often actors or performers who act out specific roles as part of a larger, interactive experience for visitors.
