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Journey to the West 1986

“Four pilgrims. One epic.”

★ 8.4/10 TV-Y Action & AdventureDrama 2 seasons · 41 eps Ended

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Overview

Journey to the West is a Chinese television series adapted from the classical novel of the same title. The program was first broadcast on CCTV in China on 1 October 1986. Upon its release, the series became an instant classic within the country. It continues to be praised by viewers and critics as the most authentic interpretation of the original literary work. While the initial production covered a significant portion of the narrative, there were segments of the story that remained unadapted. These portions were later addressed in a second season of the series, which was released in 1999. The production remains a notable example of television adaptation in China, maintaining its reputation for faithfulness to its source material decades after its original debut. The provided sources regarding the American rock band Journey and the footwear retailer Journeys do not contain information related to this television production. Therefore, this overview is limited strictly to the details provided in the synopsis regarding the 1986 series.

Should you watch it?

“A classic Chinese television adaptation of a legendary novel follows a legendary journey.”

Reasons to watch
  • highly regarded interpretation
  • faithful to source material
Keep in mind
  • production spans many years

Watch it if you are interested in an authentic television adaptation of a classical Chinese novel.

The series is based on a classical novel and is widely considered a cultural classic in China.

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Episode guide

Season 1 · 25 episodes
Season 2 · 16 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the source material?

The series is adapted from a classical novel of the same title.

When was the series first broadcast?

The series was first broadcast on CCTV in China on 1 October 1986.

Are there multiple seasons?

Yes, the series includes a second season that was released in 1999.

What does the second season cover?

The second season covers portions of the original story that were not adapted in the first season.

How is the series viewed?

It is considered an instant classic in China and is praised as the most authentic interpretation of the novel.