'Living legends' breathe fresh life into tourism

A performance of the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e in Millennium City Park in Kaifeng, Henan province. GENG FEIFEI/CHINA DAILY

Wearing a full suit of armor and with a sword dangling by his side, Zhang Yanfeng, 28, is not your typical theme park performer.

To portray the character of General Guan Yu — one of the most revered figures in Chinese history whose life has been immortalized in numerous literary works — he dons armor weighing over 40 kilograms for each performance at Wansuishan Martial Arts City, a popular theme park in Kaifeng, Henan province. His helmet alone weighs 7 kg.

But for Zhang it's all worth it because his work as an NPC (nonplayer character) performer brings to life characters from the pages of history and literature for adoring fans.

"The weight of the armor forces me to stay grounded," Zhang noted. "It's as if I am truly embodying the spirit of an ancient general."

Immersive NPC performances are one of the fastest-growing sectors in China's tourism industry, often drawing in repeat visitors to scenic spots and theme parks.

Wu Guoping, a deputy to the National People's Congress, recently proposed official recognition of NPC performers as a new profession. Wu said the rise of such performers reflects a broader transformation within China's cultural tourism industry.

"I believe the rise of NPCs as professionals is a positive development for both the industry and the preservation of traditional culture," Zhang said.

"The standards are higher now. It's not just about wearing a costume; it's about living the role. We are responsible for keeping these ancient stories alive, not just for ourselves, but for the visitors who come here looking for something more."