Popular game takes aim at Xi'an history

In addition to the interactive installation near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Bai also visited other spots with game elements that led him to interact with vendors and experience culture and food in Yongxingfang, such as roujiamo (Chinese meat sandwich) and biangbiang noodles, a local dish in the province.

"It is sort of like a trendy check-in tour where you visit special spots to interact with your favorite game elements and cosplayers, and receive corresponding rewards while soaking up what the city has to offer," Bai says.

He met many other players gathering outside Datang Everbright City specifically for a photo op with a giant installation incorporating all the game's major elements in a tasteful design.

Xu Guang, general manager of Tencent's interactive entertainment group, says the project with the Xi'an culture and tourism authorities is intended to create sparks between the city's culture and Cross-Fire, leveraging the digital IP's appeal among young people to create an innovative cultural and tourism experience.

First launched on the Chinese mainland in 2008, CrossFire games have more than 40 million active monthly users, Xu says.

"We have seen interactive experiences bring big crowds to tourist attractions in the city," Xu notes.

Fine wine, hidden treasures, poetry and game scenes allow visitors to better experience the vitality and beauty of Xi'an, he adds.

CrossFire has also worked with the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum and created Terracotta Warrior characters, game props and a Terracotta Warrior-themed gameplay map.