A Chinese cosplay influencer has sparked excitement across Singapore after appearing at Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands dressed as the legendary Monkey King for Chinese New Year.
The influencer, 廖国栋, shared videos of himself strolling through the city in a striking Sun Wukong costume inspired by the hit game Black Myth: Wukong. The detailed armour, flowing costume pieces and signature golden staff instantly drew crowds, with many shoppers stopping to film and snap photos.
His caption roughly translates to: “When I wear the Black Myth Wukong costume and arrive on the streets overseas.” The clip quickly circulated among Singapore netizens, gaining traction during the festive period.
SINGAPORE NETIZENS RUSH TO WELCOME “WUKONG”
Comment sections were flooded with warm greetings. Many locals wrote messages such as “Welcome to Singapore” and praised him as the “most handsome Wukong”. Others joked about wanting to track him down while he was still in town.
Several netizens also raised practical concerns. A few questioned whether carrying a staff in public required official approval, noting that Singapore’s regulations differ from neighbouring countries. Some wondered if security personnel had approached him for clarification while filming at popular landmarks.
Despite the light-hearted concerns, the overall tone remained positive. Many expressed regret at missing the chance to meet him in person, while others invited him to visit Malaysia and Indonesia next.
COSPLAY MEETS TOURISM HOTSPOTS
The influencer was spotted filming at Jewel Changi Airport, one of Singapore’s most recognisable lifestyle destinations, as well as Marina Bay Sands, home to luxury hotels, high-end retail outlets and one of Asia’s most photographed skylines.
His appearance blended Chinese mythology with modern urban architecture, creating a cinematic contrast between tradition and contemporary Singapore. With Chinese New Year festivities in full swing, the Monkey King character felt especially fitting.
Sun Wukong, a central figure in the classic novel Journey to the West, symbolises strength, rebellion and wit. The renewed popularity of the character through gaming culture has brought fresh attention to cosplay artistry and digital entertainment trends.
CULTURE, CONTENT & SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ
The visit highlights how influencer marketing and cosplay culture increasingly intersect with tourism promotion. High-traffic locations such as Jewel and Marina Bay Sands benefit from viral exposure when creators share cinematic footage across platforms.
In today’s digital economy, social media engagement often translates into real-world footfall and brand visibility. From travel content creation to lifestyle marketing, creators play a growing role in shaping destination appeal.
For now, it remains unclear how long the influencer will stay in Singapore. But one thing is certain — for a brief moment this Chinese New Year, the Monkey King swapped Flower Fruit Mountain for the Lion City, leaving fans delighted and social media buzzing.