Journey to the West (1996)
The beloved Hong Kong TVB fantasy epic that brought the Monkey King to life for a generation of Cantonese-speaking viewers.
Journey to the West - Series Information
- Original Title: 西遊記
- First Air Year: 1996
- Last Air Year: 1998
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 44 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 72
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: CN
- Spoken Languages: Cantonese
- Networks: TVB Jade
- Production Companies: TVB
- Production Countries: Hong Kong
- Alternative Titles: 西游记II (CN), 西遊記 (HK), Kera Sakti (ID), Journey to the West 1996 (TH)
Journey to the West - Plot
Journey to the West is a Hong Kong television series adapted from the classical novel of the same title. Starring Dicky Cheung, Kwong Wah, Wayne Lai and Evergreen Mak, the series was produced by TVB and was first broadcast on TVB Jade in Hong Kong in November 1996. A sequel, Journey to the West II, was broadcast in 1998, but the role of the Monkey King was played by Benny Chan instead, due to contract problems between Dicky Cheung and TVB. Cheung later reprised the role in another television series The Monkey King: Quest for the Sutra, which was broadcast on TVB but not produced by the station.
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Journey to the West - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kwong Wa
- Wayne Lai Yiu-Cheung
- Evergreen Mak Cheung-Ching
- Joe Ma Tak-Chung
- Lee Lung-Kei
- Chung Nam Wah
- Cheung Ying-Tsoi
- Kwok Tak-San
- Yoe Biu
- Ben Wong Tin-Dok
Writers
- Cheung Wa-Biu
- Chu Kang-Ki
Executive Producers
- Sze Yu Lau
Journey to the West - FAQs
Where can you watch Journey to the West 1996?
Journey to the West (1996) is available to stream for free with ads on Tubi TV. You can also check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming and viewing options available in your region, as availability may vary by country.
Who played the Monkey King in this series?
Dicky Cheung Wai-Kin played Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, in Season 1 of the 1996 TVB production. Due to contract disputes between Cheung and TVB, Benny Chan took over the role for the sequel, Journey to the West II, broadcast in 1998.
Is Journey to the West 1996 based on a true story?
No, Journey to the West is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel of the same name, attributed to Wu Cheng'en. The novel blends mythology, folklore, and fantasy to follow a Buddhist monk's pilgrimage to retrieve sacred scriptures.
How many seasons and episodes does the series have?
Journey to the West (1996) consists of two seasons and 72 episodes in total. Season 1 contains 30 episodes and was broadcast in 1996, while Season 2 — also known as Journey to the West II — contains 42 episodes and aired in 1998 on TVB Jade.
Why did Dicky Cheung leave Journey to the West II?
Dicky Cheung did not return for Journey to the West II due to contract disputes with TVB. Benny Chan replaced him as Sun Wukong in the 1998 sequel. Cheung later reprised the iconic role in The Monkey King: Quest for the Sutra, which aired on TVB but was not a TVB production.
What genre is Journey to the West 1996?
Journey to the West (1996) spans multiple genres, including Drama, Action, Adventure, and Fantasy. It also incorporates elements of martial arts, mythology, and costume drama, drawing heavily from classical Chinese folklore and the legendary source novel attributed to Wu Cheng'en.
Who are the main cast members in this series?
The principal cast includes Kwong Wa as Tang Sanzang, Wayne Lai Yiu-Cheung as Zhu Bajie, Evergreen Mak Cheung-Ching as Sha Wujing, and Dicky Cheung Wai-Kin as Sun Wukong. Joe Ma Tak-Chung, Lee Lung-Kei, Ben Wong Tin-Dok, and Angie Cheung Wai-Yee also appear in notable roles.
What are some shows similar to Journey to the West 1996?
Fans of Journey to the West (1996) may enjoy Journey to the West (1986), the earlier mainland Chinese adaptation, as well as Journey to the West – Legends of the Monkey King (1999). Other similar titles include Yu Yu Hakusho (1992), Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020), and Castlevania (2017).
More About Journey to the West
Explore further details about the series through these authoritative resources.