The 1986 TV adaptation of Journey to the West is a timeless classic, bringing the legendary adventures of Sun Wukong to life with stunning natural landscapes. The first episode, The Birth of the Monkey King, introduced viewers to the origins of the mischievous yet powerful Monkey King, using breathtaking locations across China to create the mystical setting of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. From coastal shores to karst caves and sacred mountains, let’s explore the real-life filming sites that made this legendary episode unforgettable.
Dongshan Island – The Monkey King's First Leap into the World
Before Sun Wukong began his legendary journey, he emerged from a mystical stone on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. To capture the vastness of this mythical setting, the production crew chose Dongshan Island (东山岛) in Fujian. With its rugged coastline, giant rock formations, and golden beaches, this scenic island was perfect for depicting the moment when the Monkey King first sets foot in the world. The island's dramatic coastal cliffs, shaped by centuries of wind and waves, added an untamed and ancient feel to the scene. Today, Dongshan Island remains a hidden gem, known for its pristine beaches, unique rock formations, and traditional fishing villages.
Yunnan Stone Forest – The Birthplace of the Monkey King
One of the most visually striking scenes in the episode is the moment when Sun Wukong emerges from a magical stone. To bring this to life, the team filmed in Yunnan’s Stone Forest (石林), a UNESCO-listed karst wonderland. This natural labyrinth of towering limestone pillars, some reaching over 30 meters high, gave an otherworldly feel to the Monkey King's birthplace. The jagged stone formations resemble petrified trees, creating an environment that feels truly ancient and mystical. Visitors today can wander through narrow stone corridors, climb observation platforms, and imagine themselves stepping into the world of Journey to the West.
Huangguoshu Waterfall – The Iconic Water Curtain Cave
One of the most memorable locations in the episode is Sun Wukong’s home, the Water Curtain Cave (Shuilian Dong), hidden behind a powerful waterfall. This was filmed at Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布) in Guizhou, China’s largest waterfall. Standing at 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide, its thunderous cascades create an awe-inspiring backdrop. Behind the waterfall, there is a real cave where visitors can walk along a stone pathway, experiencing the same view as the Monkey King did. The misty atmosphere and roaring waters added to the mythical aura of Sun Wukong’s secret hideout, making this one of the most recognizable scenes in the series.
Boyue Cave – The Mysterious Daoist Training Ground
To become the great Monkey King, Sun Wukong needed training from a Daoist master. The production team chose Boyue Cave (波月洞) in Guizhou as the setting for this mystical learning ground. This karst cave, with its winding passageways and naturally formed stone chambers, was the perfect choice for depicting the secluded sanctuary of the immortal master Subhuti. Inside, the cave’s dramatic stalactites and eerie lighting created a mystical atmosphere, making it easy to believe that ancient secrets of transformation and martial arts were being passed down here.
Qingcheng Mountain – The Sacred Daoist Land
Qingcheng Mountain (青城山) in Sichuan, one of China’s most famous Daoist mountains, also played a role in Sun Wukong’s spiritual journey. This lush, mist-covered mountain was used as an additional filming location for scenes involving the Monkey King’s search for wisdom. Qingcheng’s winding stone paths, ancient temples, and serene forests perfectly represented the world of immortals and Daoist sages. Today, visitors can explore Qingcheng’s many historical sites, including Tianshi Cave, said to be the birthplace of Daoism in China.
Emei Mountain – The Celestial Realm
Another legendary Sichuan mountain that appeared in the episode is Emei Mountain (峨眉山). With its cloud-covered peaks, ancient monasteries, and diverse wildlife, Emei was used to depict the celestial world of deities and immortals. One of the most famous landmarks here is the Golden Summit (金顶), where on clear days, visitors can see a breathtaking sea of clouds. The mountain is also home to wild monkeys—perhaps a fitting tribute to Sun Wukong himself. Emei remains one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China, attracting pilgrims and nature lovers alike.
Jiuxiang Cave – The Underground Marvel
The episode also featured scenes set in an underground world, filmed in Jiuxiang Cave (九乡溶洞) in Yunnan. Known as the "Museum of Karst Caves," Jiuxiang is home to an extensive network of underground rivers, limestone formations, and massive caverns. The cave’s surreal rock structures and eerie lighting gave an unearthly feel to the Monkey King’s early adventures. Visitors today can take boat rides through the cave’s winding waterways and marvel at the natural stone bridges and waterfalls hidden within.
Reliving Journey to the West Through These Iconic Locations
The breathtaking landscapes featured in Journey to the West (1986) helped bring the legendary tale of the Monkey King to life. From the mystical karst formations of Yunnan’s Stone Forest to the thunderous beauty of Huangguoshu Waterfall, each location played a vital role in creating the epic world of Sun Wukong. Today, fans of the series can embark on their own adventure, visiting these spectacular destinations to experience the magic firsthand. Whether exploring sacred mountains, hidden caves, or dramatic coastlines, these filming sites continue to captivate travelers, just as they enchanted viewers decades ago.
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