This research aimed to explore co-creation game design based on scene theory to enhance tourists’ cultural tourism experiences in the Xiguan area of Guangzhou. Through methods such as literature analysis, autoethnography, and co-creation workshops, the study delved into the scene characteristics of the Xiguan area and tourists’ experience needs. A game design framework based on the virtual newspaper ‘Xiguan Daily’ was developed, integrating a virtual co-creation platform with real scenes. This framework encouraged players to explore the Xiguan area through AR technology and create virtual newspaper articles with AI assistance. The game design emphasized three mechanisms: exploration, kiosk interaction, and newspaper creation, and its feasibility was assessed through paper prototype testing. Game design effectively enhanced users’ sense of cultural participation and depth of experience, providing a new perspective and practical reference for cultural tourism game design.