The Journey to the West
"The Journey to the West" (西游记) is a popular 16th-century Chinese fantasy dubbed as one of Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. In English-speaking countries, the work is widely known as "Monkey," the title of Arthur Waley's popular abridged translation.
Written by Wu Cheng'en, the novel depicts pilgrimage of a legendary Buddhist monk who travels to the "Western Region" later known as India in search of sacred writings, along with his three disciples including the Monkey King and other fantasy characters. He faced many trials and tribulations on his way there and back.
It has been adapted to a television series of the same title. Since the series was first broadcast in 1986, it has received much approval from both Chinese and foreign audiences. It was on show in summer vacation in Vietnam and became a perfect way to keep the children at home.
In July 2014, US television network AMC announced it will produce a martial arts drama inspired by the famous classic Chinese tale. The series, which is tentatively titled Badlands, will consist of six one-hour episodes. It is set to premiere late next year or early 2016.
On Nov. 15, 2014, "Monkey King" actor Zhang Jinlai said he is applying to Guinness World Records to recognize his most successful TV drama "The Journey to the West."
China and the US plan to jointly shoot a 3D version film of the Chinese classic 'Journey to the West', according to an announcement on April 15, 2015.
Legendary Monkey King actor Zhang Jinlai will reprise his role in "Journey to the West" in the film.
