Journey to the West

"Journey to the West" is a classic Chinese novel, written in the 16th century, that follows the pilgrimage of the monk Xuánzàng as he travels to India to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts. Accompanying him are three magical protectors: the Monkey King (Sun Wukong), a pig demon (Zhu Bajie), and a river ogre (Sha Wujing). The story blends adventure, fantasy, and spiritual themes, illustrating the struggles against demons and obstacles. It emphasizes loyalty, perseverance, and the quest for enlightenment, making it a foundational work in Chinese literature and cultural identity.