An Eternal Monkey Gains New Life
Hello TWOC readers!
China’s hottest star this August was none other than the legendary Monkey King—Sun Wukong. With the long-awaited release of the country’s first AAA game, Black Myth: Wukong, gamers worldwide are discovering the enduring allure of this Chinese cultural icon. Despite facing controversy over the developer’s misogynistic comments, the game shattered records, surpassing 10 million sales in just three days and setting new player count benchmarks.
Read on to know more about:
Thoughts from Chinese gamers on the Black Myth phenomenon
A brief history of political assassinations in China
Why Hunan cuisine is conquering China
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TWOC gathered people from across China to play this hottest game of the year, and here’s what they had to say about it. Read more
A look back on China’s attempts to end imperial rule through political assassinations. Read more
Known for its spicy, stir-fried dishes, Hunan cuisine has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, but some locals aren’t happy about it. Read more
What We’re Watching
Love in China: The Life and Death of Wedding Photos
Since 2023, Liu Wei has been helping heartbroken lovers move on by shredding their wedding photos and other mementos. TWOC visited his workshop in Hebei province, 100 kilometers south of Beijing, to learn the story behind these pieces. Find out more in our latest mini-documentary. Watch
Chinese You Need
The much-anticipated video game Black Myth: Wukong has birthed various memes about the Monkey King (and Chinese “corporate monkeys”). Find out how Chinese netizens are comparing their trials and tribulations to the game in our latest language column.
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