It is not incidental that the legend of the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, as told in the Chinese epic "Journey to the West," touches something in all of us, across centuries and cultures. That is because the Monkey King is a flawed but redeemable hero whose quest for a higher purpose is deeply encoded into humanity's very core.

"If you want to understand China, you must understand 'Journey to the West.' If you want to comprehend the Chinese people, you must comprehend Sun Wukong," says Liu Xiao Ling Tong, the Chinese actor who portrayed Sun Wukong in the 1986 CCTV adaptation, in an interview with CGTN. "Sun Wukong embodies both earthy authenticity and aspirational ideals, a mythical figure that perfectly blends romanticism with realism. His personality and legendary journey truly possess global appeal," he mentions. 

From joint performances with Thailand's Hanuman to Laotian dancers incorporating his Golden Cudgel into street routines, from Guinness World Record gatherings of Monkey King enthusiasts to video games introducing this Eastern hero to global youth, traditional cultural IP is being revitalized within an international context.

The Monkey King has transcended his role as a mere symbol of Chinese mythology to become a superhero for all humanity. This dynamic exchange offers a vivid testament to the power of civilizational dialogue. Join CGTN journalist Zang Shijie for more stories of Sun Wukong.