Versions and Alternative Titles of Journey to the West

Journey to the West (Xiyouji) is a literary masterpiece rooted in the historical pilgrimage of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (602–664 CE) to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. Over centuries of layered cultural creation, it absorbed diverse influences—myths, folklore, religious teachings, and performative arts—to evolve into a literary classic blending adventurous storytelling with philosophical depth.

Though shaped by collective creativity across generations, the most renowned version was finalized in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming Dynasty. Wu synthesized earlier legends, dramas, and religious texts into a cohesive 100-chapter novel. He structured the narrative around the “eighty-one trials” faced by the protagonists, deepened characterizations (particularly Sun Wukong’s rebellious spirit and transformation), and framed the Buddhist quest within a Taoist-alchemical allegory of spiritual refinement, while embedding Confucian ethical values.

This synthesis of “Three Teachings Harmonized as One”—Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism—reflects the syncretic intellectual landscape of Ming China. The novel transcends mere adventure, offering meditations on desire, discipline, and enlightenment, cementing its status as a cornerstone of world literature.

Journey to the West has had different versions and alternate titles across historical periods.

Southern Song Dynasty

The Poetic Tale of the Great Tang Sanzang’s Journey for Scriptures: It marked the first deification of Xuanzang and introduced the “Monkey Pilgrim” (the prototype of Sun Wukong).

Yuan Dynasty

The Pinghua Version of Journey to the West (Xiyouji Pinghua) and the poetic drama Xiyouji.

Ming Dynasty

• Yang Zhihe’s Chronicle of Journey to the West.
• Zhu Dingchen’s Journey to the West: Liberation from Tribulations.
• Newly Engraved Official Edition of Journey to the West with Illustrations: printed in 1592, which omits the author’s name‌.
• Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West : The most widely circulated version. The authorship is traditionally attributed to Wu Cheng’en, though scholarly debate persists.

Qing Dynasty

• Journey to the West: Attaining the Dao: A Qing Dynasty title highlighting Taoist philosophical interpretations‌.
• Original Intent of Journey to the West: blending Buddhist and Taoist analyses‌, authored by Liu Yiming.

During the Qing Dynasty and beyond, Wu Cheng’en’s version was often retitled Journey to the West: Liberation from Tribulations or Journey to the West: Liberation from Calamities (Xiyou Shi’e Zhuan), emphasizing its deeper theme of “resolving calamities and attaining enlightenment through spiritual cultivation.”

Meaning of the Title Xiyou Shi’e Zhuan(西游释厄传)

• 释(Shì): “To release” or “resolve.”
• 厄(E)“Calamities” or “tribulations.”
• 释厄: Refers to Tang Sanzang and his disciples overcoming personal and universal suffering through their pilgrimage. This aligns with the Buddhist goal of “liberating sentient beings from the sea of suffering.” The journey’s purpose is to dissolve karmic obstacles for the people of the East.
• 西游 (Xīyóu): Literally “westward journey,” it symbolizes both the geographical quest for scriptures and the metaphor for life’s journey of self-cultivation, where hardships lead to enlightenment.

The title Xiyou Shi’e Zhuan encapsulates the novel’s core philosophy: using tribulations as a mirror to reflect one’s true nature and achieve spiritual awakening.

The sequels to Journey to the West

《续西游记》 (The Continuation of Journey to the West, Ming Dynasty, Anonymous Author)

• Continues the pilgrimage’s return journey, where the disciples must trek back to Chang’an on foot, facing new tribulations. Its narrative style aligns closely with the original’s spiritual cultivation themes.
• Criticized for its verbose storytelling and lack of innovation, resulting in lower literary acclaim.

‌《西游补》‌ (Supplement to Journey to the West, Late Ming Dynasty by Dong Shuo)

Focuses on Sun Wukong’s fantastical fall into the future, serving as an allegory for societal absurdity. Regarded as the most philosophically profound sequel.

《后西游记》 (The Later Journey to the West, Early Qing Dynasty)

• Depicts the story of Monk Dadian, Sun Lüzhen (descendant of Sun Wukong), and Zhu Yijie (son of Zhu Bajie) embarking on a journey to Mount Ling during the reign of Emperor Xianzong of Tang to obtain the “True Interpretation” of Buddhist scriptures, critiquing the distortion of religious practices.
• Introduces original demons like the “Musk Demon” (Sheyao), expanding the supernatural framework of the original work.

Contemporary Sequel

《西游记后传》 (The Post-Journey to the West): Authored by Qian Yanqiu and published in February 2001.