Wu Cheng'en (author of "Journey to the West")

Wu Cheng'en was a 16th-century Chinese novelist and poet best known for his epic work, "Journey to the West." This classic tale follows the monk Xuanzang on his quest to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from India, accompanied by three magical companions, including the mischievous Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The story blends adventure, spirituality, and satire, reflecting themes of kindness, perseverance, and the struggle between good and evil. Wu's writing is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling and deep cultural significance, making "Journey to the West" one of China's four great classical novels and a cornerstone of Chinese literature.