Sun Wukong was a famous Chinese traveler, known for his
ambitious pilgrimage to the west, and was loved by Shanghainese. Recognized for the signature golden band
around his head and a staff for his travels, he was ever-ready to overcome trials and tribulations that crossed his ways. But like his companions, Zhu-Bajie - a womanizer
with a hearty appetite of a pig, and Sha Wujing – the ugly water buffalo who
lived by the river, their purpose of travel was not for leisure. It was
to seek atonement following their banishment from Heaven. These powerful
disciples were altogether hand-picked to accompany the Tang dynasty Buddhist monk
Xuanzang in his quest to obtain the sacred Sutra in India.
Website link: http://www.shincyo.com/090523.htm
It seems that its influences are not only unique to Shanghai - It’s everywhere. So where did it all come from?
With the exception of Xuanzang, of whose travel accounts were directly inspired from, these figures were mostly imagined by a resigned imperial official, Wu Cheng’en. Nicknamed “Sheyang hermit” for his introversion, he was a Ming Dynasty poet grounded in the world of mythology, but would always promote moral values in his works. The accounts of his life were not many compared to the celebration of his literary achievements, but his former residence was being made into a memorial hall in Huai’an, which is next to Shanghai. So if you feel adventurous, why not embark on a journey to explore the outer range of Shanghai city?
Website link: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/67545917
