Black Myth: Wukong Pilgrimage – Journey to the West Shanxi, Gansu & Guilin Sites
Shanxi Architectural References & Scanned Locations
About
The groundbreaking action RPG Black Myth: Wukong (2024), developed by Game Science, draws heavily from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Explore historic temples, grottoes, pagodas, and other architectural sites in Shanxi that were used as references for the world of Black Myth: Wukong. Developer publications list 36 documented real-world locations referenced during development, including 27 in Shanxi province—the cradle of ancient Chinese architecture and Buddhist heritage. These sites have sparked a massive tourism boom, turning Shanxi into a modern pilgrimage destination for gamers and culture enthusiasts alike. Below are the most iconic and accessible spots, organized by region/chapter inspiration.
Black Myth: Wukong Pilgrimage Guide
Full Pilgrimage Guide
Curated videos and routes — click a card to watch and plan your trip.
Spotlight Location Guide
Xiaoxitian Temple (Little Western Heaven)
Game connection: One of the real-world architectural sites referenced/scanned for Black Myth: Wukong. Xixian County, Linfen, Shanxi, China. Iconic suspended sculptures and grand halls (Chapter 3 boss scenes).
Best Time to Visit
Spring/autumn for mild weather; fewer crowds on weekdays.
Access
Xixian County, Linfen (2–3 hours from Taiyuan); entry ticket required.
Photography Tips
- • Use wide angles inside halls
- • Golden hour for dramatic light on sculptures
Yuhuang Temple (Jade Emperor Temple)
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference for Black Myth: Wukong. Taoist architecture and constellation sculptures (Twenty-Eight Constellations).
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; festivals add vibrancy.
Access
Train/bus to Jincheng; short taxi to site.
Photography Tips
- • Focus on colorful deity statues
- • Avoid flash indoors
Yungang Grottoes (Datong – UNESCO)
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference/scanned location for Black Myth: Wukong. Majestic Buddhist caves and statues echoing game vistas.
Best Time to Visit
May–October; early morning to beat heat/crowds.
Access
High-speed train to Datong; shuttle or taxi to grottoes.
Photography Tips
- • Wide lenses for cave interiors
- • Sunset glow on Buddhas
Hanging Temple (Xuankong Temple)
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference/scanned location for Black Myth: Wukong. Precarious cliffside complex blending Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Best Time to Visit
Summer for clear views; avoid winter ice.
Access
Hunyuan County near Datong; bus/taxi about 1 hour.
Photography Tips
- • Lower angles to capture hanging illusion
- • Drone within legal limits if permitted
Chongfu Temple
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference for Black Myth: Wukong. Ancient halls and Maitreya statues within serene courtyards.
Access
Shuozhou, Shanxi.
Photography Tips
- • Respect quiet zones
- • Frame courtyards with leading lines
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference/scanned location for Black Myth: Wukong. World’s oldest/tallest all-wooden tower (Liao Dynasty, no nails).
Access
Yingxian County, Shuozhou.
Photography Tips
- • Shoot vertical compositions
- • Include surrounding town for context
Foguang Temple (Mount Wutai)
Game connection: Real-world architectural reference for Black Myth: Wukong. Tang Dynasty wooden halls and sacred mountain setting.
Access
Mount Wutai, Xinzhou.
Photography Tips
- • Soft morning light for wooden textures
- • Respect temple rules
Suggested Itineraries
3–5 Days (Datong Focus)
EasyDay 1: Yungang Grottoes. Day 2: Hanging Temple + drive-bys. Day 3–4: Extend to Chongfu/Yingxian Pagoda.
Transportation
High-speed rail + local shuttles/taxis
Locations
- • Yungang Grottoes
- • Hanging Temple
- • Chongfu Temple
- • Yingxian Pagoda
7–10 Days (Classic Shanxi)
ModerateFly into Taiyuan; high-speed to Datong (grottoes/temples), then south to Linfen (Xiaoxitian) and Jincheng (Yuhuang).
Transportation
High-speed trains + private drivers for remote sites
Locations
- • Taiyuan
- • Datong (north)
- • Linfen (Xiaoxitian)
- • Jincheng (Yuhuang)
10+ Days (Full Journey)
ModerateCombine with Pingyao and Mount Wutai. Best spring/autumn; book tickets early after the game surge.
Transportation
Rail + hired vehicles
Locations
- • Datong
- • Mount Wutai
- • Pingyao Ancient City
- • Linfen
- • Jincheng
Tips & Etiquette
Booking & Tickets
Pre-book popular sites (Yungang, Hanging Temple) via official apps/websites; themed Wukong tours available in Shanxi.
Respect Sacred Sites
Dress modestly, keep voices low, follow no-flash rules; many temples/grottoes are active religious sites.
Beat Crowds
Weekdays/off-peak; game popularity means surges—arrive early.
Terrain & Climate
Varied terrain—comfortable shoes; carry water and sun protection; some sites have stairs/no elevators.
Travel Responsibly
Use public transport when possible; support local cuisine (Shanxi vinegar/noodles).
Themed Tours & Screenshots
Join themed tours for game insights; compare scenes with phone screenshots for fun.
Spread the word to your friends and community.