Joe said that games like Black Myth: Wukong can inspire people to visit these places, boosting China's tourism and cultural sectors and showing Shanxi's shift from an industrial province to a tourism and culturally focused one.

"Before coming to China, I didn't know Shanxi had thousand-year-old trees and ancient temples," said Ryan Michael Wagner, a student from the United States at Shanxi University. "If American people knew about these, they would want to come to see them."

Ryan said he believes that as international activities increase, Shanxi's ancient architecture will become better known globally.

"The Black Myth: Wukong game has put Shanxi on the global cultural map," said Oluwabunmi Henry Jimoh, a vlogger from Nigeria. "I think we could create a sequel to Black Myth: Wukong that features more ancient temples and historic sites. Through gaming, even those unfamiliar with Chinese culture can experience its beauty and then come visit these places in person."