孙悟空与中国研究的全球未来：从青年文化重新思考“中华性”

My presentation explores how the figure of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West, becomes a key site for negotiating what Yang Zhiyi (2022) has described as “Chineseness”—a dynamic, relational, and often contested process of cultural identity-making. While rooted in the Chinese literary canon, Sun Wukong has in recent years re-emerged in contemporary media such as film, animation, and global digital gaming, gaining remarkable popularity well beyond China. These modern adaptations not only reframe classical heritage for new audiences but also invite young people worldwide to engage with Chinese cultural symbols in creative and playful ways. Building on Yang’s insight that “Chineseness” can extend beyond national boundaries, I suggest that Sun Wukong exemplifies how this concept becomes applicable in global contexts, precisely because of the character’s renewed resonance in the twenty-first century. In conclusion, I argue that the wide appeal of Sun Wukong may serve as an unexpected bridge for younger generations across the world, encouraging them to approach traditional Chinese culture. This perspective points to the future of China Studies, where classical legacies and youth cultures intersect in transformative ways.