Xuanzang (Buddhist monk)

Xuanzang, a prominent Buddhist monk of the Tang Dynasty (602-664 AD), is best known for his long pilgrimage to India to study Buddhist texts and gather scriptures. His journey, which took over 17 years, covered thousands of miles and faced many challenges. Xuanzang translated numerous important texts into Chinese, significantly impacting the spread of Buddhism in China. His adventures and discoveries are detailed in the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West." Xuanzang is celebrated for his dedication to preserving and sharing Buddhist teachings, making him a key figure in the history of Buddhism.