Journey to the West

BEIJING, May 12 ( tasteallchina ) -- A dance drama "Journey to the West," jointly produced by Chinese and French artists, has recently started its tour in the two countries. Directed and choreographed by Chinese dancer Wang Yabin, with music composed by French composer Laurent Petitgirard, the drama depicts the memories of the Monkey King about the search for the sacred scriptures, during which he overcomes various challenges and finally achieves harmony between the internal and external worlds. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France.

A 29-year-old vlogger, Zhu Tiexiong, has captured the hearts and minds of over 20 million followers on China's short video sharing platform Douyin, by cosplaying as Chinese superheroes like the legendary Monkey King Sun Wukong from the Chinese classical novel “Journey to the West.” Zhu’s knack for creativity with eye-catching cosplay renditions has aroused widespread passion for traditional Chinese culture among netizens. Besides Sun Wukong, the popular vlogger has cosplayed a repertoire of heroic figures including Ne Zha, a child prodigy from ancient Chinese legends, and the renowned generals Guan Yu and Zhao Yun from China's late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). Zhu Tiexiong plays the Monkey King Sun Wukong from the Chinese classical novel “Journey to the West” with a boy in a short video in October 2021. (File photo from Zhu Tiexiong) Zhu’s team has shown tremendous dedication over the past three years by producing over 30 high-quality videos that celebrate Chinese culture. As a result of their hard work, Zhu’s videos have gone viral and garnered immense popularity on Douyin. In these videos, Zhu transforms himself expertly into these iconic characters. For example, embodying the Monkey King by wielding his golden cudgel, replicating the child deity Ne Zha…