Monkey King Contest held in nature reserve

50 contestants join a competition to imitate The Monkey King, Macaca Nature Reserve, Henan Province, June 22, 2019. [Photo: chinanews.com]

A contest designed to spark more interest in traditional Chinese culture, 50 contestants from across China have taken part in a competition to imitate the Monkey King from the classic tale "The Journey to the West" in a nature reserve for Macaca in Henan Province.

Contestants were able to qualify for the final round of competition by showing what they've learned from the Monkey King in film and TV shows.

A contestant perform as the Monkey King on stage, Macaca Nature Reserve, Henan Province, June 22, 2019. [Photo: chinanews.com]

"I grew up watching the 1986 TV drama 'The Journey to the West,' and I admired for Sun Wukong. Later, when I was studying drama, I specialized in performing the Monkey King. I was lucky enough to win the championship. I also met two veteran actors from that TV drama, and benefited a lot from their guidance," said Guo Luzhen, the champion of this event.

Xu Shaohua, the actor who plays the Buddhist Monk, along with actor Ma Dehua, who plays the Monk Pig, have recommended the contestants read the novel in addition to watching film and TV adaptations to better understand the traditional Chinese culture.

Two veteran actors from the TV drama "The Journey to the West" judge a Monkey King Contest, Macaca Nature Reserve, Henan Province, June 22, 2019. [Photo: chinanews.com]