The monkey king was a powerful Chinese hero who could fly through the air and defeat armies with his magic staff. A character from one of the classics of Chinese literature, Journey to the West, the Monkey King has been a superhero to Chinese children for centuries. Find out why he continues to feature in TV shows, movies, music and other entertainment.

China Readers learn about China through its history, people, places, and culture. Supported by original material developed by People’s Education Press and National Geographic Learning, China Readers present non-fiction reading selections on a variety of fascinating topics.