Xuanzang

Xuanzang was a Chinese monk, scholar, and traveler who lived during the Tang dynasty (602–664 AD). Renowned for his 17-year journey to India, he sought to gather Buddhist texts and deepen his understanding of Buddhism. His travels covered thousands of miles through challenging terrain, and upon returning, he brought back numerous scriptures that greatly enriched Chinese Buddhism. Xuanzang's journey is celebrated in the classic novel "Journey to the West," where he is depicted as a central character. His contributions to translating and interpreting Buddhist teachings have had a lasting impact on the spread of Buddhism in China and beyond.