Liu Xiao Ling Tong performs as the Monkey King in Changzhou city, Jiangsu province, on Sept 28, 2004. [Photo/Asianews Photo]

Liu Xiao Ling Tong, who immortalized the role of the Monkey King in the Chinese TV series "Journey to the West," held a public lecture in Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province, on Aug 24 to share the story of Journey to the West, as well as his personal experiences.

The 1982 Monkey King production was regarded as a milestone in the history of Chinese TV series. According to rough estimates, China Central Television and local TV stations have been re-telecasting the series more than 3,000 times since its debut in 1988. Liu Xiao Ling Tong also won many awards, including the Best Actor at the Golden Eagle Awards and one of the Chinese Top 10 Film and Television Stars.

During his speech, he stressed the importance of dreaming and spirits of optimism and persistence. He encouraged Zhangjiagang's children to be more independent and learn from the Monkey King who practiced hard and faced challenges in a positive way.

The origin of Journey to the West is one of the "Four Great Classical Novels" of Chinese literature. The other three great novels include Outlaws of the Marshes, Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Dream of the Red Mansion. Journey to the West, written by Wu Cheng'en in the 16th century, is a creative and extended interpretation of the trials and tribulations of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) monk Xuanzang during his journey (with his three disciples, including the Monkey King) to India to obtain the sacred Buddhist texts (sutras).