Honor of Kings boosts appeal of intangible cultural heritage

One of China's most popular mobile games, Honor of Kings, is bringing traditional culture to life. In Suzhou, the game's company teamed up with Su embroidery inheritor Fu Xianghong to design the costume of the new in-game hero, Sun Quan. For the first time, the outfit was displayed at the Suzhou Silk Museum, where visitors could see how classical Chinese aesthetics meet modern gaming.

Several cosplayers appeared in the Sun Quan costume decorated with Su embroidery. Their performances showed how digital characters can step into the real world, carrying with them the beauty of Chinese heritage. The detailed patterns and hand-made techniques revealed a living link between intangible culture and youth trends.

As Museum Director Qian Zhaoyue put it, "We found that through the form of games, more young people are able to pay attention to our history and culture." By moving from online play to offline cultural experiences, the project became a bridge between young players and local traditions in Suzhou City.

This crossover is part of a broader trend in Chinese gaming: using creativity and technology to revive heritage, inspire cultural pride, and give younger generations new ways to engage with their past. Honor of Kings is demonstrating how games can be more than just entertainment; they can also serve as a fresh stage for traditional art.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director/Video Editor: Chen Qingxuan

Videographer: Li Zexin

Cover Designer: Zhang Tao