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."
Towering figures
Another role Zhang plays is Guan's descendant, Guan Sheng, another hero from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
He is the only actor to embody these two towering figures, a feat that has earned him a devoted following among the visitors to the popular theme park, which celebrates the martial arts legends of Chinese history.
Born and raised in Luoyang, Henan province, a city famous for its ancient history, Zhang was drawn to traditional Chinese culture from a young age.
He trained in martial arts performance at school, and began his career at some of China's most famous historical sites before starting work at Wansuishan Martial Arts City more than a year ago.
"It was the perfect place to merge my passion for wuxia — the traditional genre of martial arts fiction — with real-world performances," he said. "Kaifeng, the former capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, is where I feel most connected to the characters I portray."
Zhang's two primary roles, Guan Yu and Guan Sheng, are not merely costumes he wears, but identities to inhabit.
When some visitors first encounter Zhang in his armor, they assume he is just another lifeless statue, he said, but as they draw closer, they realize he is flesh and blood. Their surprise is palpable, with visitors sometimes gasping in astonishment as he stirs, moves, or speaks.
"For me, it's about creating an experience that no digital screen or online video can replicate. When a person comes all the way to see Guan Yu, I owe it to them to make it unforgettable," he said.
His performances are also interactive. When visitors ask questions or request photos, Zhang is always ready to oblige.
The term NPC is derived from a character in a video game or simulation that is not controlled by the player. NPCs are typically pre-programmed with specific behaviors, dialogues, and actions, and exist to interact with players in the game world to make the experience more immersive and dynamic.
In recent years, theme parks in China, such as Shanghai Disneyland and Happy Valley, have increasingly incorporated NPCs into their attractions. The NPCs are often actors or performers who act out specific roles as part of a larger, interactive experience for visitors.
Emotional connection
For decades, Chinese scenic spots relied on fixed, scripted shows. Visitors watched and took photos from a distance. But today's tourists crave something different — they want interaction and deep emotional immersion.
At Wansuishan Martial Arts City there are more than 2,000 NPCs, most of whom age 20 to 35. Many of them come from arts backgrounds, bringing passion and personality to the job, said Wang Xueying, brand manager of Wansuishan Martial Arts City.
Jia Chenlu, 32, plays the lively martial arts character Sun Erniang from the classical novel Water Margin. With over a decade of hosting experience, she acts as a storyteller and "emotional guide" for the audience, she said.
"The work I do as Sun Erniang is very much like being a character-based host," Jia said. "It's all about controlling the scene, interacting with the audience, improvising, and creating a seamless experience. Everything I've learned on stage, from handling a crowd to designing a flow, directly translates into this job."
With a live performance background, Jia is not shy in front of an audience. Her warmth and approachability come through in every interaction, as she brings a human touch to her character.
"It's not just about acting; it's about connecting," she said. "People come here to escape from the stress of their everyday lives, and we, as NPCs, have the chance to make their visit meaningful. A smile, a warm word, a photo — it can make all the difference. Sometimes, it's the small things that leave the biggest impression."
Jia believes NPCs offer something more valuable than just entertainment — they offer "emotional connection".
"Many people harbor a wuxia dream in their hearts, and we give them a little bit of that dream, a taste of the jianghu (the martial arts world). If we can make them happy, even for a brief moment, then our job has meaning," she noted.
As an anchor for the show, her earnings are tied to both her visibility and the impact of her performances, with the salary ranging from 8,000 yuan ($1,180) to 30,000 yuan a month depending on the popularity of the show and the audience's response.
"The more effort you put in, the more you can earn," she said. "It's performance-based, so there's no limit to how much you can make."
However, being the core performer in the show, Jia has no backup. She manages to take off five days a month, and typically avoids taking time off at weekends when visitor numbers are at their peak. On the rare occasions when she does take a day off, the Sun Erniang show is paused, with visitors informed in advance.
"It's a commitment," Jia said. "But when you're part of a character that means something to so many people, you understand why you do it. It's more than just a job — it's about creating moments that matter."
A 'beautiful escape'
Liu Ping, a 36-year-old nurse, traveled from Zhengzhou, Henan, with her best friend to catch the performances at Wansuishan Martial Arts City.
"Usually, I'm deeply caught up in the grind of work, constantly feeling mentally and physically exhausted — like a screw that just keeps turning without end. I've slowly lost myself, and even my inner sense of purpose," said Liu, who said she lives a hectic life.
"But here, I can temporarily put my phone down and immerse myself in this little world of martial arts. Through my interactions with the NPCs, I feel like I'm slowly reconnecting with the version of myself I haven't seen in a while, shedding the fatigue and distractions. It's a healing, freeing experience that feels like a beautiful escape."
Millennium City Park in Kaifeng, is a large-scale historical cultural park featuring Song culture, built according to the famous Riverside Scene in the Qingming Festival painting.
Part of its allure is its reimagining of the bustling Northern Song Dynasty market scene.
The NPC players at the park portray ordinary market figures from the period such as beggars, monks, and street vendors, and engage with visitors in spontaneous, immersive interactions, said Xing Xiaoyue, marketing manager at the venue.
These characters don't have fixed names, reflecting the anonymity of their counterparts in the painting. Visitors can take part in traditional games, like "spot the difference" or "playing cards", while NPCs guide them through the experience, making the past come alive.
One of the park's highlights is the Great Song Royal Garden, which brings ancient poets like Su Shi, and Li Qingzhao, into the fold. These players have clearly defined personas and are integrated into themed performances.
To further deepen the interactive experience, visitors can take on the role of different characters such as a beggar, general, or scholar, by receiving a "role recruitment order" and donning costumes.
This allows them to interact with the NPCs and unlock dialogue and storylines. It's a shift from being mere spectators to becoming active participants in the unfolding drama.
"I've been to many similar theme parks in China, but Millennium City Park holds a special place for me," said one visitor, schoolteacher Chen Shuo.
"In our fourth-grade textbook, there's a lesson dedicated to Along the River During the Qingming Festival. When teaching the kids, I usually rely on online images or videos to explain it, but the pictures in the book always feel static and distant. This time, visiting the park for real, it was like turning the words in the textbook into a living, breathing world right in front of me."
Chen Nan, a professor at Henan University's School of Culture and Tourism, said NPCs in theme parks have evolved from background characters to main attractions because tourists now seek immersive, interactive experiences, not just sightseeing. They want to participate, engage, and share. NPCs act as bridges, turning static environments into dynamic, emotional experiences, he said.
"To truly stand out, successful NPCs must have a deep understanding of history and culture, strong improvisational skills, and excellent service. In historical theme parks, NPCs are not just performers — they're 'time travelers' who help bring history to life in an immersive and interactive way," he said.
But for Zhang, his work is about more than just historical accuracy — it's about the connection between the past and present, between legend and reality. "The world moves faster now," he noted, gesturing toward the busy line of visitors streaming past him.
"Everyone is rushing from one thing to the next. But when they step into this world, they slow down. They feel a sense of honor, a sense of adventure. It's a place where they can leave behind the pressures of modern life."
It's a sentiment shared by many visitors, who come not only to see the grand performances but to reconnect with a "dream" they may not realize they've been missing.
Zhang said playing these legendary characters offers a sense of purpose. He is not simply performing; he is preserving something ancient and vital.
"The role of NPCs is more important than ever. In a world where history can feel distant, we bring it close, make it tangible," he said with pride. "We are the keepers of stories that would otherwise fade into memory."