Journey to the West is a novel that came into being around the 16th century, during Ming Dynasty of China.

Loosely based on the 7th century real-life journey of Tang Dynasty monk Xuan Zang from China to Sindhu, an ancient kingdom stretching the banks of Sindhu or River Indus, it tells the story of Sun Wu Kong, the Monkey King, from his origin in a divine stone to his rebel against heaven which ended in his imprisonment lasting five hundred years.

Then, a monk named Xuan Zang who was on his way to find the true scriptures from Buddha arrived and set him free. By becoming Xuan Zang’s first disciple, Wu Kong went on to protect his master along the journey as part of his salvation.

Later, they were joined by the a dragon prince who became Xuan Zang’s horse, then Zhu Wu Neng, the gluttonous pig and lastly, Sha Wu Jing, a monster who once dwelt in a sandy river.

As the five of them went on the journey together, they were met with all sorts of dangers and temptations. After fighting off each and every one, they finally reached their destination.

Sun Wu Kong (a.k.a. the Handsome Monkey King/Heaven-Equaling Great Sage/Xing Zhe)

An incredibly intelligent monkey born from a magical stone. The leader of the Mountain of Flower and Fruit.

Tang San Zang (a.k.a. Chen Xuan Zang/the Tang Monk)

A renowned Buddhist monk from the Great Tang, tasked to seek scriptures from Buddha.

Zhu Wu Neng (a.k.a. Zhu Ba Jie)

Formerly Marshal of Heavenly Reeds, a naval commander of the Heavenly River. Banished to the mortal world and reincarnated into a pig monster due to indecent behavior.

Sha Wu Jing (a.k.a. Sha Monk)

Formerly Great Curtain Raising General in the Heavenly Palace. Banished to the mortal world because he once broke a glass cup.

Dragon Horse

Third son of Dragon King of the West Sea. Once sentenced to death due to misbehavior. Now serving as San Zang’s horse.

Almost too well-known in the history of literature to require an introduction, Journey to the West is the emblem of the power of folkelore and collective imagination.

In this world inhabited by gods, humans and underworld creatures, you will not only be amazed by the fluid inner workings of the universe, but a tsunami of emotions and a wide range of vivid characters with so much personality that it is hard to imagine they come from centuries ago.

To call it a “fantasy adventure” almost undermines the richness of the story and all that it has to offer. Read between the lines, and you will find, beyond the supernatural and magic, a wide range of subtle social commentary on topics from misogyny, discrimination, class oppression to religious hypocrisy and much more.

The Fifth Monkey is the only team on the world wide web that provides an English audio drama version of the original text in full.

Journey to the West birthed from teahouse storytellers and homemakers who passed the story on orally through the centuries. It was meant to be listened to. Many Chinese people’s first contact with the story was also in audio form, through radio or a grandparent. We believe it is important for English readers to have the same experience.

Accessibility is also our top priority. Subtitled video versions of each episode are readily available.

Moreover, the team is always happy to chat with our listeners and discuss aspects of the story that confuses, intrigues or outright shocks you.