Chongqing - On August 20th, China's first AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong, was officially launched, quickly igniting excitement across the internet. Gamers were thrilled to discover that iconic elements from Chongqing's Dazu Rock Carvings, including the Thousand-Handed Guanyin and the Western Pure Land transformation scene on Baoding Mountain, were recreated in the game. These ancient wonders captivated a global audience, leaving millions of players in awe.

Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings featured in the game "Black Myth: Wukong." (Photo/Chongqing Daily)

"Let the Dazu Rock Carvings engage in a global dialogue and invite the world to discover," said Chen Yiqing, Secretary of the Dazu District Party Committee, responding to the enthusiastic reaction in a press conference on August 21st. 

Chen also announced plans to establish Dazu District as a cultural and tourism city of international influence and national significance. He detailed the district's comprehensive plan to achieve this vision. 

The strategy includes expanding and enhancing the visibility of the Dazu Rock Carvings, making them accessible to a broader audience. Key sites like carvings on Nanshan Mountain, Shimen Mountain, and Shizhuan Mountain will officially open to the public, inviting visitors to experience these treasures up close. 

Dazu Rock Carvings. (Photo/Dazu District)

Additionally, efforts to protect and digitally revitalize these cultural assets will be accelerated, along with the construction of a fast-access tourist route between Baoding Mountain and Beishan Mountain. These initiatives aim to offer tourists a convenient and immersive experience of the millennia-old cultural heritage.

Dazu District also capitalizes on its natural beauty by developing a comprehensive, year-round tourism product system. The district plans to introduce a variety of themed tourism routes, including rural tours, ancient town tours, and cultural tours. Visitors can enjoy not only the stunning Dazu Rock Carvings and Longshui Lake but also explore attractions such as the Longping Colorful Farmland, Space Lotus, and the Hongyan Heavy Truck Museum. 

Dazu District will also develop new scenic spots, towns, streets, villages, shops, and products and build themed hotels, boutique homestays, and unique inns. The district will also continue to host the Dazu Rock Carvings International Tourism Cultural Festival, the Longshui Lake Marathon, the Dragon Boat Races, and the Aviation Carnival to ensure every season is filled with exciting activities.

Dazu has launched the "Cloud Tour • Dazu Rock Carvings" digital tourism project, offering a virtual journey through the wonders of Dazu. In collaboration with Tencent, the district has also developed a Dazu Rock Carvings-themed version of the popular game The Hero Kill, which has already reached over 10 million players worldwide. The game allows players to seamlessly switch between the virtual and real worlds. 

Furthermore, the 8K digital dome film Dazu Rock Carvings has been recognized as one of the country's first "Smart Tourism Immersive Experience Spaces" and a national pilot project for smart tourism development.

Additionally, it is revealed that Dazu District has established a strategic partnership with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group to create a themed dance drama based on the production team of the celebrated dance drama Only Blue and Green (Zhi Ci Qing Lyv). The production, which aims to capture the wisdom and aesthetic essence of the Dazu Rock Carvings, is scheduled for trial performances in October to bring this Chongqing-style masterpiece to national and international audiences.