Guizhou, Fujian, Hebei, Hunan & Sichuan — Following the First Steps of the Monkey King: A Springtime Journey Through the Filming Locations of the 1986
As spring unfolds across China, mountains grow greener, waterfalls swell with fresh energy, and coastal winds carry the scent of the sea. For many travelers, this season is also a perfect time to revisit a beloved television classic: the 1986 adaptation of Journey to the West. The very first episode, "The Monkey King Is Born," introduces audiences to the legendary moment when the stone monkey emerges from a rock and begins his adventurous path toward immortality.
To bring this mythical story to life, the production team traveled across many parts of China, carefully selecting landscapes that could embody the magical world of Flower-Fruit Mountain and the Monkey King's early adventures. From thundering waterfalls in Guizhou to quiet seaside rocks in Fujian, from hidden caves in Hunan to misty Taoist mountains in Sichuan, these filming locations remain beautiful travel destinations today.
Following the footsteps of the Monkey King has become a charming way for travelers to explore China's landscapes while reconnecting with one of the most iconic stories in Chinese culture.
Guizhou — Huaguo Mountain Exterior at Huangguoshu Waterfall
One of the most memorable images in the first episode appears when the camera reveals the magnificent landscape of Huaguo Mountain, the mythical home of the monkey tribe. To represent this legendary mountain paradise, the film crew selected the spectacular Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou Province.
Huangguoshu is one of the largest waterfalls in Asia, plunging dramatically from a height of more than seventy meters into a mist-filled valley. The wide curtain of water creates a powerful and magical atmosphere that perfectly matched the mythical setting of Flower-Fruit Mountain.
During filming, wide-angle shots captured the vast waterfall and the surrounding forested cliffs, creating the illusion of a grand monkey kingdom hidden deep within nature. The roaring sound of the waterfall added a sense of untamed energy, emphasizing that this was a wild and magical landscape where the Monkey King could grow and explore freely.
Today, visitors walking along the viewing paths can easily recognize the scenery from the show. Mist rises gently from the waterfall, rainbows occasionally appear in the sunlight, and the lush forest surroundings still feel like a place where legends might quietly begin.
Sichuan — The Immortal Master's Cave on Qingcheng Mountain
Sun Wukong eventually finds his master, the mysterious Patriarch Subhuti, at the legendary Xieyue Sanxing Cave. The filming location chosen for this sacred place was Mount Qingcheng in Sichuan Province, one of the most important Taoist mountains in China.
Mount Qingcheng is famous for its quiet temples, misty forests, and winding mountain paths. Its serene atmosphere perfectly reflects the spiritual environment where the Monkey King begins his journey of learning and self-cultivation.
The production team filmed among Taoist temples and lush green valleys, capturing the tranquil beauty of the mountain. The scenery communicates a sense of wisdom and timelessness, suggesting that ancient knowledge resides quietly in these hidden mountain sanctuaries.
Today, visitors hiking along Qingcheng Mountain's forested trails can encounter traditional Taoist temples, peaceful courtyards, and mountain streams flowing gently through the valleys. The calm atmosphere makes it easy to imagine the young Monkey King studying martial arts and mystical techniques under the guidance of his master.
Fujian — The Stone Monkey's Birth on Dongshan Island
The unforgettable moment when the Stone Monkey emerges from a magical rock was filmed on Dongshan Island in Fujian Province. This coastal island offers rugged seaside cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and sweeping ocean views that perfectly captured the mysterious birth of the Monkey King.
The production team chose a large weathered rock near the shoreline, surrounded by wind-shaped stones and the endless blue sea. With clever camera angles and editing, the scene transforms the quiet coastal landscape into the mythical birthplace of Sun Wukong.
The crashing waves behind the rock symbolized the powerful natural forces that gave life to the stone monkey. The scene feels both mystical and playful, reflecting the beginning of a mischievous yet heroic character.
Today, Dongshan Island remains a peaceful coastal destination. Visitors can walk along the rocky shorelines, watch fishing boats on the horizon, and imagine the moment when the legendary Monkey King first opened his eyes to the world.
Hebei — Setting Sail for Immortality at Beidaihe
After becoming the leader of the monkey tribe, Sun Wukong decides to search for immortality and sets out across the sea to find a master. The scenes of the Monkey King sailing into the unknown were filmed along the coast of Beidaihe in Hebei Province.
Beidaihe is known for its long sandy beaches, calm ocean waters, and gentle coastal landscapes. The production crew used the open sea horizon to represent the vast and mysterious journey that awaited the young monkey.
In the filming scenes, the wide coastal views give a feeling of adventure and curiosity. The Monkey King's small boat appears tiny against the vast ocean, emphasizing the courage needed to leave home in search of knowledge and enlightenment.
Today, Beidaihe remains one of northern China's most relaxing seaside resorts. Visitors can enjoy quiet beaches, sunrise views over the Bohai Sea, and fresh coastal air while imagining the Monkey King beginning his legendary quest.
Hunan — The Interior of the Water Curtain Cave at Boyue Cave
Behind the great waterfall of Flower-Fruit Mountain lies the famous Water Curtain Cave, the secret home of the monkey tribe. While the exterior waterfall scenes were filmed in Guizhou, the interior cave scenes were created inside Boyue Cave in Hunan Province.
Boyue Cave is a vast natural limestone cave filled with dramatic rock formations, underground chambers, and mysterious lighting conditions. These natural features made it an ideal location for filming the magical interior of the Water Curtain Cave.
Inside the cave, stalactites hang from the ceiling like stone curtains, while wide caverns create the impression of a hidden underground palace. With the addition of simple set designs and lighting, the cave became the cozy yet mysterious home of the Monkey King and his companions.
Today, visitors exploring Boyue Cave can walk through illuminated pathways and admire the extraordinary shapes formed by millions of years of geological activity. The cave feels both ancient and imaginative, much like the legendary world depicted in the television series.
Muslim-Friendly Travel Along the Journey
Travelers exploring these filming locations will also find Muslim-friendly facilities across many regions of China. Cities near these scenic areas often have historic mosques and halal restaurants serving regional specialties.
In many urban centers near the filming sites, Muslim visitors can enjoy dishes such as Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles, cumin-spiced lamb skewers, beef noodle soup, and Xinjiang-style rice pilaf. Coastal regions like Fujian and Hebei also offer seafood dishes prepared in halal-friendly restaurants.
Large tourist cities often provide mosques or quiet prayer spaces where travelers can observe daily prayers during their journey. Many hotels and restaurants are also familiar with halal dietary needs and can help guide visitors toward suitable dining options.
These thoughtful facilities make it possible for Muslim travelers to comfortably explore China's cultural landscapes while enjoying both spiritual and culinary experiences.
A Playful Journey Through Myth and Landscape
The first episode of the 1986 Journey to the West captured something magical: the moment when mythology met real landscapes. By carefully choosing waterfalls, islands, caves, and mountains across China, the filmmakers created a world that felt both fantastical and believable.
Today, these locations continue to welcome visitors who wish to follow the early adventures of the Monkey King. Each place offers its own unique charm—thundering waterfalls, quiet coastal rocks, mysterious caves, and mist-covered mountains.
Traveling through these landscapes feels a little like stepping into the opening chapter of a legendary story, where a curious stone monkey once began his long journey toward wisdom, adventure, and immortality.
Contact us today to craft your dream China adventure!
great wall of china tour, great wall of china trip, beijing great wall tour, china travel, chinese travel,
Comments
Post a Comment