Nearly 300 "Monkey Kings" from across China, joined by the legendary Monkey King actor Liu Xiaolingtong, gathered at the Wulongkou scenic area in Jiyuan, Central China's Henan Province. Photo: web

 
Nearly 300 "Monkey Kings" from across China, joined by the legendary Monkey King actor Liu Xiaolingtong, gathered at the Wulongkou scenic area in Jiyuan, Central China's Henan Province, showcasing the enduring cultural appeal of Journey to the West culture. 

The renowned actor Liu Xiaolingtong, now in his sixties, donned Monkey King costume and wielded the golden cudgel alongside nearly 300 "Sun Wukong" performers from across China, all dressed as Sun Wukong. Their vibrant display brought the legendary Journey to the West hero to life, delighting the crowd with interactive, close-up encounters on September 20, 2025.

Sun Wukong, or Monkey King, is an iconic figure from Journey to the West - a Chinese classic novel written about 500 years ago. The tale is about the adventures of a monk and his three disciples, centering on Sun Wukong, known for his supernatural powers and mischievous spirit, according to People's Daily Online. 

The 2024 global success of the Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong has further revived Sun Wukong's image, amplifying the Monkey King's enduring popularity from Journey to the West.

The event also kicked off the first National Great Sage Culture and Arts Week, featuring a Monkey King contest and other cultural activities. Liu led the group at Peach Mountain to break the Guinness World Record for the largest Sun Wukong gathering. "I've loved mimicking the Monkey King since childhood. This is an honor!" said contestant Zhao Zixiang from Northwest China's Gansu Province, travelling approximately 876 kilometers to attend the event.