Few works in Chinese literature are as beloved as Journey to the West (西遊記/西游记, xī yóu jì). Written in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this epic tale blends adventure, mythology, and spiritual growth, captivating readers for centuries.
Our illustrated characters bring to life four key symbols from this timeless story, each representing a central figure or concept through a single Chinese character: 西 (west), 佛 (Buddha), 猴 (monkey), and 猪 (pig).
Let’s explore their significance and the roles they play in this extraordinary journey.
West 西 – The Spiritual Destination
In ancient Chinese writing, 西 (xī) originally depicted a nest where birds returned at sunset. Over time, it evolved to mean “west,” as the sun naturally sets in that direction.
In Journey to the West, the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang (唐三藏; táng sān zàng) embarks on a pilgrimage to the Western Regions (India) to retrieve sacred Buddhist scriptures and bring them back to China. The west represents the birthplace of Buddhism and the source of spiritual wisdom sought by the East.
The character 西 reminds us that every journey has a destination, but in spiritual quests, the true value lies in the challenges overcome and lessons learned along the way—not just the final goal.
Buddha 佛 – The Enlightened Teacher
The character 佛 (fó) is a compound character combining 亻(the person radical) with 弗, which serves as a phonetic component.
Buddha, the enlightened one, forms the spiritual foundation of the entire journey. Throughout the story, various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas guide, test, and support the pilgrims on their quest.
The most prominent among them is Guanyin (觀音/观音, guān yīn), the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who selects the disciples to accompany and protect Tang Sanzang. The Buddha himself appears at crucial moments, particularly at the journey’s conclusion, when he welcomes the pilgrims and rewards them for their dedication.
Buddha in the novel represents more than just the historical Siddhartha Gautama (釋迦牟尼/释迦牟尼; shì jiā móu ní)—he embodies the potential for enlightenment within all beings.
The character 佛 serves as a reminder that the divine is both an external guide and an internal state of being that each character strives toward.
Monkey 猴 – The Brilliant Trickster
The character 猴 (hóu) is a compound character. The left side, 犭, is the animal radical, indicating that it refers to a creature, while the right side, 侯 (hóu; lord), provides the phonetic component.
Sun Wukong (孫悟空/孙悟空, Sūn Wùkōng), the Monkey King, is perhaps the most beloved character in the novel. With supernatural abilities, immense strength, and a mischievous nature, he represents the untamed mind that must be disciplined through spiritual practice.
Born from a stone, Sun Wukong masters seventy-two transformations, can travel thousands of miles in a single somersault, and wields a magical staff that can grow or shrink at will. His journey from rebellious troublemaker—who once wreaked havoc in heaven—to a disciplined protector marks the most dramatic character transformation in the story.
The character 猴 serves as a reminder of the restless and clever “monkey mind”—full of potential but in need of discipline and direction to achieve its highest form.
Pig 猪 – The Earthly Desire
The character 猪 (zhū) shares the same radical as 猴, with 犭(the animal radical) on the left, indicating that it represents an animal. The right side, 者, provides the phonetic component. The traditional form of the character is 豬.
Zhu Bajie (豬八戒/猪八戒, zhū bā jiè) is a complex figure who was once a commander in heaven but was banished for misconduct. Reincarnated with a pig’s head and a human body, he represents earthly desires—particularly gluttony and lust—that hinder spiritual progress.
Despite his flaws, Zhu Bajie remains loyal to the mission and provides comic relief throughout the journey. His constant struggles with temptation make him one of the most relatable characters, symbolizing the universal human conflict between higher aspirations and baser instincts.
The character 猪 serves as a reminder that acknowledging our imperfections is part of the spiritual journey, and that even our flaws can play a role in personal growth.
Why Journey to the West Still Matters
More than just a fantasy tale, Journey to the West is a story of growth, discipline, and the pursuit of wisdom. Each character embodies different human struggles—faith, intelligence, temptation, and perseverance—making the novel both timeless and deeply relatable.
By understanding these four essential Chinese characters—西, 佛, 猴, and 猪—you not only gain insight into the language but also connect with one of China’s most treasured literary masterpieces.
Through our illustrated depictions, we hope to bring these legendary figures closer to modern audiences while honoring their rich symbolism. Whether it’s Tang Sanzang’s faith or Sun Wukong’s loyalty, the lessons within this classic tale continue to resonate across cultures and generations.
