The game is a third-person, mouse-driven adventure viewed through illustrated screen scenes. Players travel between locations in China and other parts of East Asia, examine objects, talk to characters, collect items, and solve situational puzzles.

Progression follows a cinematic route through chapters and set pieces. Certain scenes use timed or reflex-based interactions, so observation and quick responses are sometimes as important as conventional inventory problem solving. Dialogue choices and the correct use of objects advance the story.

Examine every new scene and speak with characters before attempting to leave. Keep useful objects in mind and try them on clearly relevant scenery or people rather than using items randomly.

Save before major travel, conversations, and action sequences. In timed scenes, watch for visual cues and respond promptly; repeated experimentation is often safer after restoring a saved game.