'Monkey King' Liu Xiao Ling Tong at nearly 70 years old

Liu Xiao Ling Tong in the present

PHOTO: WEIBO NV

Nearly 40 years since the first release of Journey to the West directed by Yang Jie, the lives of the legendary cast members of the past have always received attention from the media and the public. While many of his co-stars have moved on to other fields or retired, Liu Xiao Ling Tong is still working hard in the arts at the age of 66.

He actively participates in artistic and entertainment activities, focusing on projects that honor folk culture and art. In particular, he puts a lot of effort into honoring the "culture of Journey to the West", the "spirit of Journey to the West", and promoting the art of monkey theater. Last year, he filmed the long-running TV series Van Tuoc Khieu Thien Luc with young actor Truong Nhat Son, playing the role of a master who helps him learn monkey circus moves. In addition, the veteran artist also participated in the animated film project Journey to the West: The Real and Fake Monkey King (tentative translation) with "Tru Bat Gioi" Ma Duc Hoa.

PHOTO: YOUKU

In April 2025, Chinese media reported that Liu Xiao Ling Tong was appointed honorary dean of a prestigious university in his hometown of Shaoxing (Zhejiang, China). The U.70 star also revealed plans to publish a new book in 2025.

Recently, Liu Xiao Ling Tong also participated in the program My Journey to the West (tentative translation), appearing with young faces. He emotionally said at the end of the program: "Once again, I feel the warmth and power of the culture of Journey to the West in this program. I hope everyone will always cherish the spirit of effort, perseverance, diligently practicing 72 magical powers, bravely facing 81 challenges of Sun Wukong and courageously pursuing the aspirations in their hearts. I hope each friend will firmly grasp the 'golden stick' of faith, be courageous and fearless in their own world and become their own 'Sun Wukong'".

PHOTO: WEIBO NV

Last May, Liu Xiao Ling Tong opened the Sun Wukong Library in Shaanxi (China). He attracted attention when he appeared in his familiar red outfit, with a lively and agile demeanor and bright eyes like Sun Wukong on screen once, and brightly greeted the crowd of audiences surrounding him. The library has a cultural theme of Journey to the West , displaying works related to this classic masterpiece along with many children's books, documents on traditional culture...

However, despite being an idol of many generations of audiences thanks to his role as Sun Wukong in Journey to the West , Liu Xiao Ling Tong still cannot avoid being criticized by many people for living in the shadow of this classic character. Over the years, he has been ridiculed for constantly "making money" from the image of "The Great Sage Equaling Heaven", "begging for the past", and always clinging to the old image instead of bringing new roles... In the face of negative comments, Liu Xiao Ling Tong still maintains an optimistic attitude and passionately pursues his lifelong passion.

PHOTO: WEIBO NV

Happy marriage with Vu Hong

Journey to the West brought Liu Xiao Ling Tong's career to the peak and also quietly brought him a relationship with his wife - Yu Hong. During the filming of the work, Yu Hong took on the role of a studio secretary and played a number of small roles in the film such as a foreign female envoy, the queen of India... The process of working together and understanding each other's hardships made them fall in love with each other and become a couple. In 1988, Liu Xiao Ling Tong and Yu Hong got married, quietly and firmly attached to each other until now.

PHOTO: WEIBO NV

For the past 37 years, Vu Hong has quietly stood behind Luc Tieu Linh Dong's career, focusing on taking care of and building a family so that her husband can focus on pursuing his passion for art. Currently, the couple lives a private life, occasionally sharing a few simple, happy moments on social media. Their daughter, Truong Dong Dong, is 34 years old, graduated abroad and has her own life.

The actor once shared that his happy and long-lasting marriage is thanks to his wife's understanding and sacrifice. Vu Hong knows when to let him develop his career and when to remind him to fulfill his responsibilities as the pillar of the family. "My wife is one of the most important people in my life. I will always cherish and take good care of her," Liu Xiao Ling Tong once expressed.