The Monkey King that broke Chinese television—and your childhood if you grew up with it.
45 minSeason 2 • Episode 16
LatestJourney to the West is a Chinese television series adapted from the classical novel of the same title. The series was first broadcast on CCTV in China on 1 October 1986. The series became an instant classic in China and is still being praised as the best and most authentic interpretation of the novel. Unadapted portions of the original story were later covered in the second season, which was released in 1999.
Practical Effects
Rubber masks and wire fu that aged weirdly beautifully.
Acting
Zhang Jinlai's Monkey King defined the role forever.
Production
Shot on location across actual Chinese mountains.
Creator
Jie Yang
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This adaptation airs every summer in China like a national holiday. Your Chinese friends have seen episodes 20+ times involuntarily.
Zhang Jinlai's family has played Monkey King for four generations—the role is literally hereditary. Nepotism? Cultural preservation? You decide.
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