July 19th – Legendary actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong, famed for his iconic portrayal of the Monkey King in the classic TV series “Journey to the West,” made a surprise appearance at the China Monkey Mountain in Wulongkou. Reports indicate Liu, whose real name is Zhang Jinlai, was observed providing guidance to performers dressed as Sun Wukong, specifically demonstrating the proper technique for wielding the character’s signature weapon, the “Golden Cudgel”.
The appearance sparked a wave of nostalgia online, with many users commenting on the enduring impact of Liu’s performance. One popular sentiment echoed across social media was that Liu Xiao Ling Tong’s portrayal “has often been imitated, but never surpassed.” Others simply stated that among the numerous interpretations of Sun Wukong, Liu’s rendition remains the most memorable.
Liu Xiao Ling Tong catapulted to national stardom in 1986 with his leading role in “Journey to the West,” a series that has become a cultural touchstone in China.
The 1986 adaptation was an instant sensation, its popularity underscored by decades of re-runs and consistently high viewership. This remarkable longevity not only speaks to the show’s enduring quality but also cemented Liu Xiao Ling Tong’s image as the definitive Sun Wukong in the collective consciousness.
Despite numerous adaptations of “Journey to the West” for the big screen and television, for many, when they imagine Sun Wukong, it is Liu Xiao Ling Tong’s incarnation that immediately springs to mind: the mischievous, clever, and courageous monkey king, perpetually scratching his head and wielding his Golden Cudgel.
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