Frequently Asked Questions on Journey to the West
Question: Did the Monkey King really exist?
Answer: No. The Monkey King is fictional, but the story was inspired by the real pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
Question: Was Xuanzang’s journey more remarkable than the legend?
Answer: Yes. His sixteen-year pilgrimage across Asia became one of history’s greatest expeditions and inspired Journey to the West.
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Seeking China Heritage continues exploring the people, places and stories that shaped Chinese civilisation. New Discovery Questions will be added as our collection grows.