Dressed in traditional Chinese attire and greeting one another as people did in ancient times, three international students set out on a journey from Xi’an to Qishan County. Their destination was the legendary setting of the Chinese fantasy epic Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, where they hoped to experience the real-life inspirations behind the film and immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture.
Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force is the second installment in China’s hit mythological trilogy, inspired by the Ming Dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi (The Investiture of the Gods). The trilogy portrays the fall of the Shang Dynasty and the rise of the Zhou Dynasty in the 11th century B.C., blending history with legendary battles between mortals, deities, and demons.
For the three students studying in Xi’an, this trip was more than just a sightseeing tour—it was a chance to deepen their understanding of Chinese culture.
“I’m so excited because it’s my first trip on a high-speed train in China. I can’t believe the city from this movie—Xiqi City—exists in real life, and we can actually see it,” said Dilnaz Kadyrma, a student from Kazakhstan at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
“The movie is really important when you want to understand certain aspects of Chinese culture,” added Johnpaul Ogochukwu Igbonaju, a student from Nigeria at the same university.
Enhancing the experience, their train featured a specially designed Creation of the Gods II themed carriage. The decor reflected elements of the film, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in the historical and cultural significance of Qishan.
“It’s pretty exciting to see all these decorations. It really puts you in the atmosphere,” said Erik Grigoryan, an Armenian student at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Upon their arrival, the students were welcomed with a grand ceremony featuring actors dressed in elaborate costumes inspired by the film. They explored Qishan’s rich history, which spans over 2,000 years, and even saw ancient bronze artifacts inscribed with the first recorded appearance of the word “China.”
“It showcases a very unique side of traditional Chinese culture. I highly recommend tourists, especially foreigners, to visit,” said Dilnaz.
Their journey offered a deeper connection to Chinese history and mythology, bridging the gap between cinematic fantasy and real-world heritage.
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