'Living legends' breathe fresh life into tourism

A 'beautiful escape'

Liu Ping, a 36-year-old nurse, traveled from Zhengzhou, Henan, with her best friend to catch the performances at Wansuishan Martial Arts City.

"Usually, I'm deeply caught up in the grind of work, constantly feeling mentally and physically exhausted — like a screw that just keeps turning without end. I've slowly lost myself, and even my inner sense of purpose," said Liu, who said she lives a hectic life.

"But here, I can temporarily put my phone down and immerse myself in this little world of martial arts. Through my interactions with the NPCs, I feel like I'm slowly reconnecting with the version of myself I haven't seen in a while, shedding the fatigue and distractions. It's a healing, freeing experience that feels like a beautiful escape."

Millennium City Park in Kaifeng, is a large-scale historical cultural park featuring Song culture, built according to the famous Riverside Scene in the Qingming Festival painting.

Part of its allure is its reimagining of the bustling Northern Song Dynasty market scene.

The NPC players at the park portray ordinary market figures from the period such as beggars, monks, and street vendors, and engage with visitors in spontaneous, immersive interactions, said Xing Xiaoyue, marketing manager at the venue.

These characters don't have fixed names, reflecting the anonymity of their counterparts in the painting. Visitors can take part in traditional games, like "spot the difference" or "playing cards", while NPCs guide them through the experience, making the past come alive.

One of the park's highlights is the Great Song Royal Garden, which brings ancient poets like Su Shi, and Li Qingzhao, into the fold. These players have clearly defined personas and are integrated into themed performances.

To further deepen the interactive experience, visitors can take on the role of different characters such as a beggar, general, or scholar, by receiving a "role recruitment order" and donning costumes.

This allows them to interact with the NPCs and unlock dialogue and storylines. It's a shift from being mere spectators to becoming active participants in the unfolding drama.

"I've been to many similar theme parks in China, but Millennium City Park holds a special place for me," said one visitor, schoolteacher Chen Shuo.

"In our fourth-grade textbook, there's a lesson dedicated to Along the River During the Qingming Festival. When teaching the kids, I usually rely on online images or videos to explain it, but the pictures in the book always feel static and distant. This time, visiting the park for real, it was like turning the words in the textbook into a living, breathing world right in front of me."

Chen Nan, a professor at Henan University's School of Culture and Tourism, said NPCs in theme parks have evolved from background characters to main attractions because tourists now seek immersive, interactive experiences, not just sightseeing. They want to participate, engage, and share. NPCs act as bridges, turning static environments into dynamic, emotional experiences, he said.

"To truly stand out, successful NPCs must have a deep understanding of history and culture, strong improvisational skills, and excellent service. In historical theme parks, NPCs are not just performers — they're 'time travelers' who help bring history to life in an immersive and interactive way," he said.

But for Zhang, his work is about more than just historical accuracy — it's about the connection between the past and present, between legend and reality. "The world moves faster now," he noted, gesturing toward the busy line of visitors streaming past him.

"Everyone is rushing from one thing to the next. But when they step into this world, they slow down. They feel a sense of honor, a sense of adventure. It's a place where they can leave behind the pressures of modern life."

It's a sentiment shared by many visitors, who come not only to see the grand performances but to reconnect with a "dream" they may not realize they've been missing.

Zhang said playing these legendary characters offers a sense of purpose. He is not simply performing; he is preserving something ancient and vital.

"The role of NPCs is more important than ever. In a world where history can feel distant, we bring it close, make it tangible," he said with pride. "We are the keepers of stories that would otherwise fade into memory."