Journey to the West(西游记)

Journey to the West (Chinese: 西遊記; pinyin: Xīyóu Jì) is a Chinese novel written during the 16th century Ming dynasty and traditionally attributed to Wu Cheng'en. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Chinese literature and is often regarded as the most popular literary work in East Asia. In English-speaking countries, it became widely known through Arthur Waley’s 1942 abridged translation titled Monkey.

The novel presents a highly imaginative and dramatized version of the journey taken by the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who traveled from China to India during the 7th century in search of sacred scriptures, or sūtras. While the story is loosely based on Xuanzang’s historical journey as recorded in his own Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, the novel transforms his expedition into a mythological adventure filled with magical beings, spiritual lessons, and epic trials.

Central to the story is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, who is born from a stone egg on Flower Fruit Mountain. The stone itself was formed from a primal rock shaped by the union of Heaven and Earth. Sun Wukong becomes a master of Taoist practices, learns 72 transformations, excels in combat, and discovers secrets of immortality. His intelligence and power earn him the title "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" (Qitian Dasheng). Eventually, he is chosen by the Bodhisattva Guanyin and the Buddha to accompany the monk Tang Sanzang (the novel’s version of Xuanzang) on the pilgrimage to India.

To assist in the journey, three additional companions join the group. Zhu Bajie, a once-heavenly general with a pig-like form, is gluttonous and lazy but good-hearted. Sha Wujing, a quiet river ogre, seeks redemption through faithful service. The third companion, the White Dragon Horse, is the transformed son of a dragon king who becomes Tang Sanzang’s steed. Each of them undertakes the journey as a way to atone for past misdeeds, and together they face numerous demons, gods, and temptations along the way.

The novel draws deeply from Chinese folk religion, Daoist and Buddhist cosmology, Confucian values, and mythological traditions. Its rich cast of deities, immortals, and monsters reflects spiritual beliefs that continue to influence Chinese culture. At the same time, the story contains humor, satire, and profound allegorical meaning.

Journey to the West remains an enduring source of inspiration for literature, theater, film, manhua, manga, anime, and modern adaptations across Asia and beyond. It is celebrated not only as a comic and thrilling adventure, but also as a spiritual allegory about personal growth, redemption, and the power of perseverance and cooperation in the face of adversity.