VietNamNet Bridge - Chinese actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong, known for his portrayal of the monkey king in a very popular Chinese TV series in the 1980s ‘Journey to the West’, was warmly welcomed in Hanoi on December 25.

At the meeting with students from the Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities, he answered Vietnamese students’ questions  about his role in the movie “Journey to the West”. The 51-year-old kung-fu master also mimicked the Monkey King’s martial art performances, which had earned him international popularity.

He also appeared in a special show at the Hanoi Opera House the same day and performed a stick-dance which he performed in the “Journey to the West” movie.

His visit – jointly organized by Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and China Radio International - will be part of a series of cultural events to celebrate 60 years of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations.This is his second visit after 1998.

The movie “Journey to the west” is adapted from a novel of the same name that is considered one of the four Chinese classics.

Liu Xiao Ling Tong, 51, was born Zhang Jinlai into a renowned artistic family in Shanghai. He has been considered "The best actor of Monkey King", "Monkey of China". He had several other acting jobs and is currently running a company selling food and provides educational services for children. He started to learn kung-fu and Chinese opera with his father at the age of six. In 1972, he passed the exam and went to Opera School.

At the beginning of 1982, he played the Monkey King in the TV series Journey to the West directed by Yangjie and produced by CCTV and China Television Production Center. The film was awarded the special prize of “Flying Sky Prize”, the first prize of “Golden Eagle Prize” in 1998.

Schedule of Liu Xiao Ling Tong in Vietnam

December 26: Visit to Ha Long Bay and voting for it to become a natural wonder of the world; meeting the press and photographers

December 27: signature session at Fahasa in Hanoi, 338 Xa Dan Street, Kim Lien District; interview with televisions; a tour around Hanoi including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; meeting with Hoang Tuan Anh, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism

December 28: Flying to Ho Chi Minh City; holding a press briefing; signing books at Fahasa Tan Dinh, Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3

December 29: Talking with students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City; online chat with fans; visiting Galaxy Nguyen Du cinema and meeting fans in District 1

December 30: Returning home

Some pictures of Liu Xiao Ling Tong in Vietnam:

Source: Tuoi Tre/VNE