The temple of the two Great Sages in Shunchang county was reconstructed in 1391, a full 201 years before the completion of Journey to the West. [Photo/WeChat ID: fjta12301]

Meanwhile, along with rising popularity of Black Myth: Wukong in the wake of its launch, the 2024 annual Great Sage folk culture event in Shunchang county – in Nanping city, Fujian – is currently underway.

Dating back over 200 years before the Journey to the West, Shunchang showcases traces of the Great Sage culture. Originating from the worship of the spiritual monkey, this cultural phenomenon has evolved into a significant cultural bridge – fostering exchanges between the regions across the Taiwan Strait and Southeast Asia.

Renowned for its ancient origins, rich heritage and profound influence, Shunchang is revered as the ancestral homeland of the Great Sage.

Among its notable events, the annual celebration of the Great Sage's birthday on the 17th day of the seventh lunar month in Shunchang stands out – drawing devotees from both home and abroad.