Top 10 Behind-the-Scenes Facts of the 'Journey to the West' TV Series

In the show, not only did the four protagonists face numerous challenges on their journey to the West, but the film crew also encountered their fair share of obstacles in real life.

First challenge: Floods damaged the roads

After wrapping up filming on Mount Changbai, the crew headed back to Jilin before heading to Beijing. However, when they asked locals, they discovered that a recent storm had caused severe flooding, damaging roads and bridges. The two only bridges leading to Jilin were destroyed, and repairs were underway, making it impossible for vehicles to pass. The crew faced a tough decision: stay or go. In the end, director Yang Jiet decided to take a mountain route. Three vehicles struggled through the muddy roads while the entire Jilin province lay submerged in floodwaters.

Second challenge: A collapsed bridge preventing river crossing

After much effort, the crew finally reached a small village, Erdaohezi, where houses were submerged in muddy water. Then, a wooden bridge that they had planned to use to cross was swept away by the flood. The locals eagerly assisted the crew, gathering sticks, wood, and rope to rebuild a temporary bridge. After hard work, the three trucks managed to cross the river, bringing immense joy and relief to the crew and villagers alike.

Third challenge: Lifting stones to repair the road

The crew continued their journey, only to encounter another challenge when a large river blocked their path. The only remaining bridge was a stone arch, but the section where it met the road had eroded under floodwaters. Crossing would be dangerous. Feeling defeated, everyone sighed in frustration. Suddenly, cameraman Gao Qiyang spotted a large stone nearby and shouted, "We can use that stone to block the gap!" Immediately, director Yang Jiet led the team, wading through the mud to position the stone. Despite being covered in mud, the crew worked tirelessly to restore the path, and after an hour of effort, the road was cleared, and the trucks continued safely, celebrating their success together.

Behind the unimaginable success and the dazzling glory that 'Journey to the West' achieved, there was a harsh reality: the actors' pay and the production budget were extremely tight. The actors worked primarily out of passion and dedication, not for financial gain. Liu Xiaolingtong, who played Sun Wukong, received only 70-80 yuan (about 230 to 260 Vietnamese dong) per episode, while other actors were paid even less.

In the 1980s, the conditions were very limited, with poor and outdated infrastructure. Even basic necessities like meals for the crew were a struggle. In high-cost areas like Guangzhou, there wasn't enough money for food, especially for those with more demanding roles. As a result, director Yang Jiet didn't hesitate to personally cover costs to ensure the crew had enough to eat.

Staffing was also a challenge. As mentioned earlier, many crew members doubled up on tasks, with some even stepping in as extras when necessary.

The budget for the film was extremely tight, but everyone worked with dedication and poured their heart into the project. Director Yang Jiet was meticulous with each shot. After filming, the crew would review the footage together, offering feedback and sometimes reshooting even the smallest details, like a glance or a head turn, to ensure it looked natural. The entire production, which lasted six years, cost under 6 million RMB (about 20 billion VND), a small budget for a multi-season television series.

Wang Chongchou, the cinematographer, and director Yang Jiet, who were married, worked together on the 'Journey to the West' film crew for about six years, traveling between the north and south of China. Due to their busy schedules, they had little time to care for their 12-year-old daughter. With the film's limited budget, they had to be resourceful, making the most of the equipment they had, including using ropes and cables to their fullest extent. These became some of the most hazardous tools on set. On one occasion, 'Sha Wujing' (Yan Huali), who weighed 85kg, was suspended mid-air when a cable suddenly snapped, causing him to fall onto the cameraman, Wang Chongchou, knocking him unconscious. The entire crew panicked in fear, adding even more tension to the already difficult production.

The main character in 'Journey to the West' was portrayed by the actor Lu Xiaolin in the first film adaptation. However, not many know that the first actor to play Sun Wukong was actually his older brother, Xiao Lu Xiaolin. The original Sun Wukong did a fantastic job until the episode 'Three Times Defeating the White Bone Demon,' when he suddenly fell ill with leukemia and passed away. At this point, their father, Lu Lingdong, suggested that his younger son, Lu Xiaolin, step in to take over the role. Despite the challenging circumstances, Lu Xiaolin excelled in the role, continuing the legacy of his older brother and leaving an indelible impression on audiences with his performance.

In the TV series 'Journey to the West,' viewers witness Sun Wukong (played by Lu Xiaolin) performing extraordinary feats, such as seeing through monsters and even looking through walls. However, what many might not realize is that, while Sun Wukong in the film possesses remarkable vision, in reality, the actor playing him has the complete opposite. During action scenes, there were numerous occasions where he accidentally struck his fellow actors with his staff, causing fear among the cast and crew. Director Yang Xie, growing suspicious, eventually learned that Sun Wukong’s actor suffered from severe myopia—6 diopters, to be exact—but was so passionate about the role that he kept it hidden. He also refused to wear contact lenses, as they were uncomfortable.

Another interesting behind-the-scenes secret from 'Journey to the West' is how the production team saved on costs by using the same actors for multiple roles. For instance, Ma Dehua, who portrayed the lead role of Zhu Bajie, also played seven other supporting characters, including a king, a demon, a commoner, and even a soldier.