This novel is a jewel of Chinese classical prose. It was written more than three hundred years ago and has become an integral part of world culture. The historical core of the plot is the journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang to India to obtain sacred sutras. The real journey is wonderfully intertwined with fantastic details. Original plot twists, battles with demons and werewolves are colored with humor that gives the narrative a special ease. The image of one of the characters—Sun Wukong, the King of the Monkeys—has secured a lasting place in modern mass culture. The journey of the Buddhist monk and his friends continues in cartoons and musicals. Chen En created a novel that many generations of readers will be engrossed in.
"Journey to the West" consists of 4 books (volumes).