Journey to the West (1986 TV series)
A Chinese television adaptation of a classic 16th-century novel.
Journey to the West is a Chinese television adaptation of Wu Cheng'en's 16th-century novel. Yang Jie directed the series, with Liu Xiao Ling Tong playing Sun Wukong, Chi Chongrui as Tang Sanzang, Ma Dehua as Zhu Bajie, and Yan Huaili as Sha Wujing. The pilot aired in mainland China in 1982. Eleven episodes were released on October 1, 1986, and all 25 episodes aired together on CCTV in 1988. A second season of 16 episodes was filmed in 1998. The series ended in 2000, totaling 41 episodes across two seasons.
Set during the Tang dynasty, the story follows the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang and his three disciples—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—on a pilgrimage to India. The show draws on Chinese mythology, Buddhism, and Taoism. Upon release, it achieved record viewership in China and widespread national popularity. Critics praised its faithfulness to the novel, and its opening and closing themes became iconic. In 1988, it won a Feitian Award for Outstanding Artistry and two Golden Eagle Awards for Best Television Series and Best Actor.
The premise centers on Tang Sanzang's holy journey to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures. He is joined by three powerful disciples: Sun Wukong, a shape-shifting stone monkey and trickster who once rebelled against Heaven; Zhu Bajie, a former Heavenly Marshal banished for harassing the moon goddess Chang'e and reborn as a humanoid pig; and Sha Wujing, a former Curtain-Lifting General expelled for breaking a vase and reborn as a man-eating monster. The group faces 81 tribulations, some involving ordinary human affairs, others where the disciples protect their master from demons and monsters seeking to eat Tang Sanzang's flesh for immortality.
Due to budget constraints, five planned episodes were not filmed during the first season: "Dangerous Crossing at Heaven Reaching River" (chapters 47–49), "Capturing the Azure Bull Demon" (chapters 50–52), "The Real and Imposter Handsome Monkey King" (chapters 56–58), "Obstacle at Lion Camel Ridge" (chapters 74–77), and "Rescuing Children in Xiaoer City" (chapters 78–79).
Some actors played multiple roles, and certain roles were played by multiple actors. In season one, the main cast included Liu Xiao Ling Tong as Sun Wukong; Wang Yue (episodes 6, 9, 10), Xu Shaohua (episodes 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14–16), and Chi Chongrui (episodes 13, 17–25) as Tang Sanzang; Ma Dehua as Zhu Bajie; and Y
- First aired
- 1982 (pilot)
- Final episode
- 2000
- Number of episodes
- 41
- Network
- CCTV
- Director
- Yang Jie
- Genre
- Fantasy, adventure, Chinese mythology
Lore & Background
The series was greenlit in late 1981 as part of reformist leader Hu Yaobang's efforts to dramatise Chinese literary classics on state-run television. Yang Jie was appointed director in 1982 and developed the screenplay with Dai Yinglu and Sou Yiping. Yang sought to explore the humanity of the original novel's characters, focusing on interpersonal relationships rather than action sequences. A major difference from the novel was the depiction of Tang Sanzang having his faith challenged after the queen of Women's Kingdom develops romantic feelings for him. Due to a shortage of staff, Yang largely managed the series’ budgeting, financing, scouting, writing, editing, and casting. She insisted on filming on location instead of a sound stage and spent months searching across China for suitable locations. In preparation for stunt work, she and her husband Wang Chongqiu studied wire work in Hong Kong.
Reader's Guide
Journey to the West attracted record viewership in China and gained national widespread popularity upon its release. It has been praised for staying faithful to the novel, and its opening and ending themes have become iconic tunes in the public consciousness. In 1988, the show received a Feitian Award (Outstanding Artistry) and two Golden Eagle Awards (Best Television Series and Best Actor). The series follows Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang and his three disciples—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing—on a pilgrimage to India, facing 81 tribulations. Its production faced numerous challenges, including limited resources, poor logistical support, and dangerous stunts that resulted in injuries. The casting drew heavily from Peking opera, with many actors having backgrounds in that genre. The series remains a landmark in Chinese television history, influencing subsequent adaptations and cementing its place in popular culture.
Did You Know?
- The pilot episode was broadcast on National Day of 1982 and was poorly received by test audiences, leading to extensive reshoots.
- Liu Xiao Ling Tong nearly suffered fatal injuries when fire used in a scene burned beyond control, burning the fur off his monkey suit.
- Three actors played Tang Sanzang across the series: Wang Yue, Xu Shaohua, and Chi Chongrui.
- Filming for season one was done entirely on a single Sony BVP-300 camera.
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