The True Story

Behind Journey To the West

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一代高僧
ENGLISH | 中文

You know Sun Wukong.

But do you know the man who inspired the journey?

Welcome to a space designed for ideas that move people. Many of us grew up with Journey to the West—the Monkey King, the adventures and those familiar TV theme songs. Now meet the real Master Xuanzang (玄奘大师) and discover the remarkable human journey behind the legend.

He travelled vast distances and spent years away from home—not in search of adventure, but to bring Buddhist teachings back for future generations. His real journey needed no magic to be extraordinary.

  • Free family exhibition | one weekend only

    👉 24–25 October 2026 · BW Monastery, Level 4 Hall

    Walk-ins are welcome. Register to receive the confirmed schedule and programme updates.

The story behind the story we grew up with

Most of us met Xuanzang as 唐三藏—the monk protected by Sun Wukong in Journey to the West.

Behind that familiar character was a traveller, scholar and translator who went in search of teachings that were difficult to access at home. He later devoted himself to translating and preserving them so that others could learn from them.

This exhibition turns that history into something your family can see, move through and experience together.

Five experiences to enjoy as a family

Discover why Xuanzang and other masters braved danger to seek and preserve Buddhist teachings.

Move and play as you uncover the differences between the real Xuanzang and the 唐三藏 of Journey to the West.

Find out how the work of translating and sharing the teachings continues through the great lineage masters of modern times.

Try hands-on activities together, including an interactive pointing activity and a simple translation challenge.

Explore a small-scale replica of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔) and imagine Xuanzang’s journey home.

Compare answers, try the activities and discover parts of the story that may surprise both adults and children. Leave with a true story to discuss on the way home—and a new appreciation of what it takes to preserve knowledge across generations.

The exhibition welcomes the general public as well as Buddhist and Lamrim families. No prior knowledge is needed. Preschoolers can participate with parental supervision, and the experience is available in English and Mandarin.

Allow around 30–60 minutes, or take your time with the displays and activities that interest your family most.

More than something to look at

Planning your visit

  • Saturday, 24 October 2026 10:00 AM–6:00.

    Sunday, 25 October 2026, 10:00AM-closing time tbc.

  • Address: BW Monastery, Level 4 Hall

    [Full address to be verified][Nearest MRT, bus, parking and map link to be added]

  • The programme will be run in English and Mandarin.

  • Wheelchair- and stroller-accessible

  • Register your interest

    Receive the confirmed exhibition schedule, programme details and event updates.

    [Registration link to be added]

    Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is encouraged.

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Presented by bw monastery

Email: [Event email to be added]

WhatsApp: [Event WhatsApp number to be added]

You’ve seen the legend. Now meet the person.

Bring your parents, your children or the friends who grew up watching Journey to the West with you. The exhibition is open for one weekend only.

The Monkey King made the journey famous. Discover what made Xuanzang take it.

Commonly asked questions

  • It shares the true story of Master Xuanzang beyond Journey to the West—why he travelled in search of Buddhist teachings, how he helped translate and preserve them, and why this work still matters today.

  • It will be held at BW Monastery, Level 4 Hall, on Saturday, 24 October 2026, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday, 25 October 2026, from 1:00 PM. Sunday’s closing time is TBC.

    [Full address, directions and map link to be added after verification]

  • Yes. Admission is free.

  • Walk-ins are welcome. Advance registration is encouraged so you can receive the confirmed schedule and programme updates.

    [Registration link to be added]

  • Yes. Preschoolers can participate under parental supervision, and older children can enjoy the displays and activities with their families.

  • Your family can compare the real Xuanzang with the 唐三藏 of Journey to the West, try interactive activities and a simple translation challenge, and explore a small-scale replica of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda (大雁塔). A few surprises are being saved for the exhibition itself.

  • Most visitors can expect to spend around 30–60 minutes, depending on how long they spend with the displays and activities.

  • It is a bilingual experience, with information available in English and Mandarin.

  • No. The exhibition welcomes the general public as well as Buddhist and Lamrim families. Anyone interested in Xuanzang, Journey to the West, history, culture or translation can enjoy it. No prior knowledge is needed.

  • Yes. The venue is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Please contact the event team if you need specific assistance.

  • Yes, where an exhibit is marked as interactive. Please avoid touching display objects unless indicated.

  • Yes. Personal photography and short personal videos are welcome unless otherwise indicated at a specific exhibit.

  • Guided tours or special programmes may be available at selected times. Please check the exhibition schedule (TBC) for details.

  • Yes. You are welcome to return during the exhibition’s opening hours.

  • Please approach an exhibition team member during your visit.

    Email: [Event email to be added]
    WhatsApp: [Event WhatsApp number to be added]