An international cultural exchange event retracing the historic journey of Tang (618-907) Buddhist monk Xuanzang was launched in Beijing on Aug 14, with organizers aiming to promote cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and countries along the ancient Silk Road.
The 2026 Journey to the West — Retracing Xuanzang's Journey was held at the China National Convention Center and organized by China Arts and Entertainment Group. Diplomats from several countries, representatives of local cultural and tourism authorities, scholars, industry experts and media attended the launch.
The journey will follow Xuanzang's historical route from China to India, beginning in Luoyang, Henan province and officially setting out from Xi'an, Shaanxi province. The expedition will travel through the Hexi Corridor and Silk Road sites in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It will then pass through Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nepal, before reaching Nalanda Monastery in India.
According to the organizers, the expedition will bring together researchers, cultural and tourism professionals, route surveyors and content creators. Along the way, participants will document historical sites and local cultures, conduct exchanges on cross-border tourism and produce documentary content.
Guo Liqun, chairman of China Arts and Entertainment Group, said Xuanzang's journey more than 1,300 years ago, undertaken in pursuit of knowledge and peace despite considerable hardships, reflected the ancient Silk Road's spirit of peace, openness and inclusiveness.
"Following in Xuanzang's footsteps is a journey of peace and friendship," Guo said, adding that the project seeks to use cultural and tourism exchanges to strengthen people-to-people connections and contribute cultural impetus to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Representatives from the embassies of Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Nepal and India in China expressed support for the initiative.
The event also featured an immersive performance combining imagery from the classic 1986 television adaptation of Journey to the West with stories from Xuanzang's historical journey, marking the 40th anniversary of the series' broadcast.
