NR | 1h 36m | Animated Children’s Series | 2026
I’ve studied Chinese history over the years, usually with more enthusiasm than success. The farther back I go, the more bewildering it becomes. Dynasties rise and vanish; emperors’ names seem to blur together.
Stories offer another way into China’s past. “Journey to the West,” one of China’s great literary classics, dates to the 16th century. The story draws upon older legends and the travels of Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk who journeyed to India in the 7th century.
History, religion, and folklore mingle in its pages, with the mischievous monkey Sun Wukong, along for the journey, making the process considerably more entertaining.
This monkey’s appetite for praise is almost as large as his considerable ambitions. He’s delightful company, provided you aren’t the one responsible for keeping him out of trouble.
His mischievous behavior and habit of challenging authority have entertained audiences for centuries, although the heavenly officials who have to deal with him probably wish he’d find another hobby.
Gan Jing World’s “Monkey King Adventures: The Rise of the King,” written and directed by Jian Lun Lu, brings Wukong’s early adventures to life across 12 short computer-animated episodes. The first two are available to watch for free on the GJW+ platform.
The cartoon series is intended primarily for children, with colorful characters and lively adventures. Adults unfamiliar with Chinese folklore might find themselves doing a little independent reading afterward, perhaps discovering how much more there is to the character and his place in Chinese literature.
Being King
For a creature born from a stone, Wukong develops a remarkable collection of human ambitions. His first great accomplishment comes when he leaps through a waterfall on Flower Fruit Mountain.
There, he discovers a hidden cavern that becomes home to the local monkeys. They reward him with the title of king, which suits his enormous ego perfectly. Unfortunately, ruling over his furry subjects brings an unpleasant realization. Eventually, everyone dies, kings included. Wukong finds the entire arrangement unacceptable and sets off to discover the secret of immortality.
His travels eventually bring him to Master Bodhi, a spiritual teacher whose students spend years studying mystical disciplines. Wukong wants magical powers, preferably yesterday; his early lessons involve household chores and lots of patience. He’s an enthusiastic student, although his tendencies to show off and question authority occasionally get him into trouble.
As Wukong’s abilities grow, so does his appetite for adventure. His travels bring him into contact with magical creatures, powerful rulers, and the elaborate heavenly bureaucracy that oversees the celestial realm.
Along the way, his cleverness and considerable bravery frequently serve him well, while his impatience and huge conceit create problems that even his newfound abilities can’t always resolve.
World of Wonder
One of the pleasures of the series is watching the supporting characters attempt to cope with Wukong’s endless enthusiasm. His fellow monkeys have their own amusing personalities, while teachers and other authority figures frequently discover that dealing with their troublesome pupil requires superhuman levels of patience.
The dialogue has a playful quality. There’s a fair amount of comedy involving Wukong’s determination to demonstrate his abilities whenever he can.
Visually, the production makes good use of its computer-generated animation. The colorful forests, mountain scenery, magical creatures, and elaborate celestial surroundings create an inviting fantasy world.
Wukong himself is an engaging little character whose facial expressions and energetic behavior make him especially appealing. The short episodes (around 11 to 14 minutes long on average) are also conveniently paced for younger audiences, with enough activity to keep the adventures moving.
The writing retains the ethical teachings associated with the original story. Children encounter questions about unselfishness, honesty, discipline, and treating others properly. These are all presented through the mistakes and adventures of a particular monkey who frequently has to learn things the hard way. Parents may even recognize a few familiar household arguments, particularly when Wukong insists that he knows best.
It’s encouraging to see Gan Jing World put this much care into a beloved piece of Chinese literary heritage, while making it so accessible to younger audiences.
Wukong can be selfish, boastful, and a complete nuisance, but viewers still want to see what he’ll do next. With its colorful adventures, good humor, and worthwhile lessons, “Monkey King Adventures: The Rise of the King” is an enjoyable family series that deserves an enthusiastic recommendation.
“Monkey King Adventures: The Rise of the King” is available on GanJingWorld. GJW is a U.S.-based digital platform dedicated to revitalizing traditional connections.
‘Monkey King Adventures: The Rise of the King’
Writer/Director: Jian Lun Lu
Running Time: 12 episodes (approximately 11–14 minutes each)
TV Rating: Not rated
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2026
Rated: 4 1/2 stars out of 5
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