Journey to the West English graphic novel series appears at book fair

A new English-language graphic novel series of China's iconic classic "Journey to the West" was recently promoted at an ongoing book fair in Beijing. The adaptation of the beloved tale into a series of illustrated volumes is poised to bring China's cultural heritage to an international audience in a visually engaging format.

The original Chinese names for the four main characters – Xuanzang, Sun Wukong, Zhu Wuneng, and Sha Wujing – were retained for this translation. A translator of this series, Peng Ping of Beijing Foreign Studies University, explained, "(We are) using the original names for the characters because it's important to maintain the essence of the story," she said. "This translation is part of a larger effort to ensure Chinese cultural narratives are presented with confidence and pride."  

"Using the original names of the characters also helps foreign readers remember and understand each character's role and connect more closely with this Chinese rich cultural heritage," added Peng Ping.

Zhang Yongming, a staff member at Hebei Fine Arts Publishing House, elaborated on the significance of the project. "We're creating two versions of this series: one for international markets and one for domestic English learners. The English edition is designed for readers at the middle and high school level, making it accessible to both young readers abroad and those studying English in China." Zhang emphasized the growing demand for quality Chinese literature in global markets, particularly as interest in China's classical stories continues to rise.

"In today's globalized world, people around the world want to understand China, and classic literature is one of the best ways to bridge that gap," Zhang said. "We noticed that while interest in 'Journey to the West' is high, many of the available English editions are purely text-based. There's a distinct lack of… storytelling with visual art. This new edition fills that gap."

The Hebei Fine Arts Publishing House has seen success in bringing "Journey to the West" to international readers before. In 2014, the publishing house made a French-language version available and it became an instant hit, even earning a spot on French newspaper Le Figaro's annual list of best books. "The success of the French edition confirmed that adapting 'Journey to the West' into a format that resonates with international reading habits can have great success," Zhang added.

This "Journey to the West" English-language graphic novel series spans 39 volumes, featuring traditional Chinese folklore, deities such as the Loong King and the Local Land God, as well as popular folk customs like Lantern Festival and dragon boat races. It offers readers an immersive introduction to China's rich cultural traditions, intertwining religious beliefs, customs, and celebrations with the epic journey of the monk Xuanzang and his companions.

Peng Ping also noted that the publication of this English-language graphic novel series marks a new chapter in Hebei Fine Arts Publishing House's efforts to export Chinese cultural works abroad. "By combining traditional Chinese culture, representative Chinese art, and classic stories, this publication will expand the influence of 'Journey to the West' globally," she said.