Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the Chinese classic Journey to the West, is a character deeply entrenched in Chinese mythology and folklore. His adventurous spirit, remarkable powers, and rebellious nature have captivated readers for centuries. However, beneath the layers of myth, there is a theory—held by some scholars and authors—that Sun Wukong’s character may have been inspired by the real-life figure of Zheng He, a prominent eunuch and admiral of the Ming Dynasty. Zheng He is known for leading seven grand maritime expeditions that extended China’s influence across Asia and Africa during the early 15th century.

Zheng He: From Captive to Admiral

Early Life and Background

Zheng He was born in 1371 in Kunyang, Yunnan Province, to a Muslim family originally named Ma. His early life took a dramatic turn when the Ming army captured him during a campaign against remnants of the Yuan Dynasty in Yunnan. At the age of 10, Ma He was taken prisoner and brought to the capital, where he was castrated and forced into the service of the Ming court. This was a common practice at the time, as eunuchs were seen as loyal servants who could not establish rival family lines.

Despite the traumatic beginning, Ma He quickly adapted to his new life in the imperial court. He became a trusted servant of Zhu Di, the future Yongle Emperor. Ma He’s intelligence, bravery, and loyalty earned him the favor of the prince, and he soon became one of Zhu Di’s closest confidants.

Rise to Prominence

During the Jingnan Campaign (1399-1402), a civil war that culminated in Zhu Di’s ascension to the throne, Ma He played a crucial role in the military strategies that led to Zhu Di’s victory. In recognition of his contributions, Zhu Di rewarded him with the surname “Zheng” and promoted him to high-ranking positions within the court. Zheng He, as he was now known, became one of the most powerful eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty, a man trusted with some of the empire’s most critical missions.

When Zhu Di became the Yongle Emperor, he embarked on an ambitious plan to establish China’s dominance over the seas and expand its influence to distant lands. Zheng He, with his exceptional leadership and strategic skills, was appointed as the admiral in charge of this grand endeavor.

The Seven Maritime Expeditions

Zheng He’s voyages were unprecedented in scope and ambition, involving hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of men. These expeditions were not only military endeavors but also diplomatic missions, aimed at establishing Chinese authority across the Indian Ocean and fostering trade relations with foreign nations.

First Voyage (1405-1407)

The first voyage of Zheng He’s fleet, launched in 1405, was a monumental undertaking. The fleet consisted of over 300 ships, including the massive treasure ships that were over 400 feet long, and carried around 27,000 men. These ships were marvels of engineering, equipped with advanced navigational tools, watertight compartments, and weaponry for defense.

The fleet set sail from Nanjing, traveled down the Yangtze River to the coast, and then proceeded to Southeast Asia. The first major stop was in the kingdom of Champa (present-day Vietnam). Zheng He’s fleet then moved on to Java, where they encountered internal conflicts between local rulers. Despite the volatile situation, Zheng He’s diplomacy ensured that the fleet was able to trade peacefully. The fleet then visited Sumatra, where Zheng He assisted in quelling a local rebellion and restoring order.

Zheng He’s fleet continued westward, visiting Sri Lanka, where they encountered resistance from the local ruler. However, Zheng He’s superior forces quickly subdued the opposition. The fleet then reached Calicut on the southwestern coast of India, where they established strong trading ties. The first voyage was a resounding success, bringing back a wealth of goods, including spices, precious stones, and exotic animals. These treasures were presented to the Yongle Emperor, solidifying Zheng He’s status as a favored servant.

Second Voyage (1407-1409)

The second expedition followed a similar route, with the fleet revisiting many of the kingdoms encountered during the first voyage. Zheng He’s primary mission was to reinforce the diplomatic relations established during the initial voyage and to assert China’s influence over the Indian Ocean trade routes. This voyage saw further engagements in the Indian subcontinent and the Arabian Peninsula, where Zheng He met with local rulers and exchanged gifts, further strengthening China’s presence in the region.

During this voyage, Zheng He’s fleet also made a significant impact in Southeast Asia. In Java, they encountered internal conflicts and worked to stabilize the region by supporting the legitimate rulers. The fleet’s presence helped to secure the trade routes, ensuring safe passage for merchants and reinforcing China’s role as the dominant power in the region.

Third Voyage (1409-1411)

The third voyage extended Zheng He’s reach even further, with the fleet traveling beyond the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. This expedition marked China’s first official contact with the African continent, with Zheng He’s fleet visiting the cities of Mogadishu and Malindi on the eastern coast of Africa. These encounters were marked by the exchange of gifts and the establishment of diplomatic relations.

In Sri Lanka, Zheng He’s fleet faced a significant challenge when the local ruler attempted to ambush the Chinese forces. However, Zheng He’s superior military strategy and naval power prevailed. He captured the king of Sri Lanka and brought him back to China as a prisoner, demonstrating the might of the Ming Dynasty.

The third voyage was notable for its extensive reach and the valuable knowledge it brought back to China about distant lands and cultures. Zheng He’s fleet also returned with more exotic goods, including animals such as giraffes and zebras, which fascinated the Chinese court.

Fourth Voyage (1413-1415)

The fourth voyage was one of the most significant in terms of diplomatic and cultural exchanges. Zheng He’s fleet traveled beyond the Arabian Peninsula, reaching the eastern coast of Africa. The fleet visited several key ports, including Mombasa and Kilwa, establishing diplomatic ties with local rulers. These interactions further solidified China’s influence in the region and opened new avenues for trade.

During this voyage, Zheng He’s fleet also engaged in military action against pirates and rebellious states that threatened the stability of the trade routes. In one notable encounter, Zheng He captured a notorious pirate leader, Chen Zuyi, who had been terrorizing the waters around Sumatra. Zheng He’s victory ensured the safety of the maritime routes, which were vital for the continued prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

The fourth voyage also saw the arrival of envoys from distant lands to the Chinese court, eager to establish relations with the powerful empire. These envoys brought tribute in the form of precious goods and rare animals, further enriching the Ming court.

Fifth Voyage (1417-1419)

The fifth voyage continued the pattern of expanding Chinese influence and securing trade routes. Zheng He’s fleet revisited many of the regions encountered in previous voyages, with a focus on consolidating China’s presence in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Peninsula. The fleet also made further inroads into East Africa, strengthening diplomatic ties with local rulers.

This voyage was marked by the construction of monuments and the erection of inscriptions commemorating Zheng He’s visits. These inscriptions, written in multiple languages, served as a testament to the far-reaching impact of Zheng He’s expeditions and China’s role as a global power.

Sixth Voyage (1421-1422)

The sixth voyage was launched with the aim of reinforcing China’s influence in the regions visited during previous expeditions. Zheng He’s fleet traveled to the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Gulf, and East Africa, where they conducted diplomatic missions and engaged in trade. The fleet’s presence in these regions helped to stabilize the political landscape and ensure the security of the maritime routes.

During this voyage, Zheng He’s fleet also played a crucial role in resolving conflicts between local rulers, using a combination of diplomacy and military force. The success of these missions further cemented China’s reputation as a formidable maritime power.

Seventh Voyage (1431-1433)

The final voyage was the most extensive and ambitious of all. Zheng He’s fleet reached as far as the east coast of Africa, visiting cities such as Mogadishu, Mombasa, and Malindi. The fleet also ventured into the Red Sea, reaching the port of Jeddah, close to the holy city of Mecca. This voyage marked the height of China’s maritime exploration and its influence on global trade.

The seventh voyage was also significant for the construction of more commemorative inscriptions and the establishment of permanent Chinese outposts in some of the regions visited. However, it also marked the end of China’s age of exploration, as the succeeding Ming emperors turned their focus inward, ceasing further naval expeditions.

Zheng He’s Death and Legacy

Zheng He’s health began to decline during the final voyage, and it is widely believed that he died in 1433 during the return journey, likely in Calicut (present-day Kozhikode, India). According to some accounts, Zheng He was buried at sea, while others suggest that his remains were brought back to China and interred in a tomb in Nanjing, where a memorial to him still stands today.

Zheng He’s voyages had a profound impact on the world, demonstrating China’s naval capabilities and establishing trade routes that connected Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. His expeditions brought back valuable knowledge, goods, and cultural exchanges that enriched the Ming Dynasty. However, after his death, China’s maritime ambitions waned, and the fleet was gradually dismantled, marking the end of China’s brief era as a global naval power.

Sun Wukong: The Allegorical Connection to Zheng He

Speculative Symbolism in Sun Wukong’s Character

The character of Sun Wukong in Journey to the West bears several symbolic elements that some scholars and authors speculate might be references to Zheng He:

• The Journey and Exploration: Just as Sun Wukong embarks on a journey to the West to retrieve sacred scriptures, Zheng He’s voyages were a quest for knowledge, trade, and diplomatic relations. Both figures undertook long and perilous journeys that expanded their realms’ horizons and brought them into contact with foreign lands and cultures.
• The Number Seven: Sun Wukong’s journey is marked by numerous challenges and transformations, much like Zheng He’s seven voyages, which were filled with both diplomatic successes and military engagements. The number seven is significant in both contexts, symbolizing completion and the fulfillment of a grand mission.
• Transformation and Identity: Sun Wukong’s ability to transform into various beings and objects can be seen as a metaphor for Zheng He’s adaptability in navigating different cultures and political environments. Additionally, Sun Wukong’s status as a non-human entity who serves humanity reflects Zheng He’s unique position as a eunuch—neither fully part of the imperial family nor the common people, yet crucial to the empire’s success.
• The Ruyi Jingu Bang (Golden Hoop Cudgel): Sun Wukong’s magical staff, which can change size and defeat any opponent, can be seen as a symbol of the formidable fleet Zheng He commanded. The staff’s ability to stretch across great distances is reminiscent of Zheng He’s ships, which traversed vast oceans and reached lands far from China.

Interpretative Hints in Sun Wukong’s Story

In Journey to the West, there is a significant conversation between Sun Wukong and his master, Subhuti, where Sun Wukong claims he has «no surname» and «no gender,» which some scholars interpret as a subtle reference to Zheng He’s status as a eunuch. Sun Wukong’s response indicates a departure from traditional roles, much like Zheng He, who was not bound by the conventional expectations of men in his time.

Furthermore, the reference to Sun Wukong’s «ten thousand eight hundred miles» journey could be a poetic exaggeration of the vast distances Zheng He traveled during his expeditions. The hidden meanings within Sun Wukong’s story suggest that the character may have been inspired by Zheng He’s extraordinary life and achievements. However, it is important to note that these interpretations are speculative and not universally accepted.

Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy

Just as Sun Wukong is revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of strength, rebellion, and wit, Zheng He’s legacy endures as a testament to China’s historical maritime prowess and diplomatic ingenuity. His voyages opened up new horizons for China, establishing it as a significant player on the global stage during the 15th century. Though Zheng He’s maritime expeditions were eventually halted, his impact on the world is still recognized today.

Zheng He’s achievements have been celebrated in various forms of Chinese literature, art, and folklore. His story has been told and retold, often intertwined with the mythical and allegorical elements found in Journey to the West. Sun Wukong’s character, with his boundless energy, ingenuity, and indomitable spirit, can be seen as an embodiment of the same qualities that made Zheng He one of the most remarkable figures in Chinese history.