Who is the Monkey King?

Chinese Culture

Who is the Monkey KingPainted mural depicting Sun Wukong (in yellow) and other main characters of the novel “Journey to the West.” PHOTO/Wikipedia

The Monkey King is a legendary character from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Endowed with supernatural powers, the Monkey King helps his master Monk Xuanzang travel to India to obtain sutras.

In the journey, they are aided by Pigsy (猪八戒), Sandy (沙和尚) and a white horse who is actually a dragon prince.

What can the Monkey King do?

Through Taoist practices, the Monkey King has the strength to lift his staff weighing 13,500 jin (7,960 kilograms, over 17,500 pounds) with ease, which he uses as a weapon. He can also travel 108,000 li (54,000 kilometers, over 33,500 miles) in a single somersault, can fight all the best fighters in heaven, and transform into different animals and objects.

By using his magic hair, given to him by Guanyin, he can transform into clones of himself, and he also knows spells that can command wind, part waters, and freeze demons!

Meet Kangkang

Kangkang

China Central Television unveiled the mascot for its annual Spring Festival Gala – and it’s Kangkang, a monkey which reflects the aspirations of the Year of the Monkey.

2016 is the Year of the Monkey according to the Chinese zodiac system. And keeping in line with that, this year’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala, to be held on Feb. 7, will feature a brand new mascot inspired from the Monkey King, named Kangkang.

Click here to take CCTV’s Monkey King Quiz.