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'Monkey King' gathering sets new Guinness World Record

By Zhang Rui
China.org.cn
| September 24, 2025
2025-09-24

A new Guinness World Record for the "largest gathering of people dressed as Monkey King" was officially set in Jiyuan, Henan province, on Sept. 20, 2025.

Actor Liu Xiaolingtong poses with the Guinness World Records certificate alongside the record certifier, local organizers, and Monkey King performers in Jiyuan, Henan province, on Sept. 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Liu Xiaolingtong Studio]

Liu Xiaolingtong, whose real name is Zhang Jinlai, is famed for his role of the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, in the classic 1986 "Journey to the West" TV series. He joined 261 fans dressed as Monkey King on Sept. 20 at Jiyuan's Wulongkou Scenic Area. This national AAAA-level tourist site, known as China's Monkey Mountain, hosted a stunning spectacle that was officially recognized by a Guinness World Records adjudicator, setting a new record.

"This is more than just a Guinness World Record. Its true purpose is to enable people to experience the culture of 'Journey to the West' and the appeal of the Monkey King's spirit," Liu said.

The event was part of the 2025 China Monkey Mountain Monkey King Competition and the inaugural National Great Sage Cultural Arts Week held from Sept. 20-27.

A total of 262 "Journey to the West" enthusiasts including Liu Xiaolingtong dressed as Sun Wukong at the Wulongkou Scenic Area in Jiyuan, Henan province, Sept. 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Liu Xiaolingtong Studio]

The Monkey King competition was held from Sept. 20 to 24, presenting Golden Monkey, Silver Monkey and Bronze Monkey awards. Contestants performed classic scenes from Monkey King Operas, with Liu serving as head judge. 

Liu said,"Sun Wukong is not only a classic character from 'Journey to the West' but also a symbol of wisdom and courage in Chinese culture. Today's gathering represents both a passion for preserving traditional culture and a vivid manifestation of cultural confidence."

In addition to the competition, the event featured Monkey King Opera performances and cultural exchange activities. A "Journey to the West" Cultural Exchange Center was inaugurated during the event. Moreover, a themed industrial park is in the works.

Liu Xiaolingtong poses with a Guinness World Records certificate at the Wulongkou Scenic Area, Jiyuan, Henan province, Sept. 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Liu Xiaolingtong Studio]

Li Qingjun, chairman of Jiyuan Cultural Tourism Group, said future efforts will continue to promote the Monkey King culture through exhibitions, seminars and other formats.

He said that for Jiyuan, the Monkey King culture is not merely a theme for a single event, but also a new engine driving the high-quality development of the cultural tourism industry. 

"Through these measures, we aim to integrate cultural symbols with the city's spirit and help visitors not only see the Monkey King, but also understand its cultural significance, thereby fostering greater understanding and appreciation of Jiyuan," Li said.

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