Core Insights - The article highlights the transformation of Datong, a city in Shanxi, from a coal-dependent economy to a burgeoning tourist destination, particularly during the National Day holiday, where it experienced an influx of visitors and significant congestion [1][3][9]. Group 1: Tourism Boom - Datong has become a hotspot for tourists, with a reported congestion index of 2.492, making it the top city for night tourism in China [3]. - The city is experiencing a surge in visitors due to its historical sites, such as the Yungang Grottoes and the recent popularity of the game "Black Myth: Wukong," which has turned Datong into a pilgrimage site for gamers [6][52]. - The tourism industry has seen a significant increase, with 15.75 million visitors recorded in 2024, a 107.5% increase from 2023 [56]. Group 2: Economic Transition - Datong is undergoing a transformation from a coal-centric economy to a more diversified one, focusing on cultural and tourism industries [8][49]. - The city has invested in restoring historical sites and improving its infrastructure, which has contributed to its current tourism success [48][51]. - The local economy is benefiting from the tourism boom, with a notable increase in the number of hotels and accommodations, growing by 29.64% in 2024 [59]. Group 3: Challenges and Opportunities - Despite the tourism growth, there are emerging challenges such as market saturation in the food industry and concerns over the commercialization of cultural sites [61][63]. - The influx of tourists has led to issues with service quality and the proliferation of counterfeit cultural products, which could undermine the local creative industry [64]. - The city aims to sustain its tourism growth by leveraging its rich historical and cultural heritage beyond the current trends associated with specific IPs like "Black Myth: Wukong" [66][67].