At 66, Zhang Jinlai — best known by his stage name Liu Xiao Ling Tong — remains the definitive performer of the Monkey King, the mythological hero immortalized in the iconic 1986 TV series Journey to the West.
Recently, the actor, clad in his classic Monkey King costume, joined 261 fans dressed as the legendary figure to demonstrate signature gestures at the Wulongkou Scenic Area in Jiyuan, Henan province. Known as China's "Monkey Mountain", the area is home to more than 3,000 macaques.
Amid waving flags, all the "Monkey Kings" wielded golden-hooped rods — the magical weapon from the legendary story — standing in neat formation and creating a majestic spectacle.
Following rigorous verification, a Guinness World Records official announced on site that the challenge for the "largest gathering of people dressed as the Monkey King" was successful and presented the certificate.
Zhang, who also serves as a cultural ambassador for Jiyuan, said: "The Monkey King is not only a classic character from Journey to the West, but also a symbol of wisdom and courage in Chinese culture. Gathering in this way reflects not only a love and inheritance of traditional culture, but also a vivid expression of cultural confidence."
The event was part of the 2025 China Monkey Mountain Monkey King Competition and the inaugural National Great Sage Cultural Arts Week, which was held in late September.
