Jingubang, or the golden cudgel, is the Monkey King's magic weapon. He is able to manipulate its size, making it so small that he can keep it in his ear, or as big and long as he needs to defeat an enemy. In the dance piece, Niu Dongyan, who plays the role of Sun Wukong, performs with a wooden stick, which resembles the Monkey King's golden cudgel.

Wang started to dance as a child, and her talent was recognized at 9 years old when she was enrolled to study at the Beijing Dance Academy, where she received training in classical Chinese dance, ballet and contemporary dance. She has won national dance competitions, including a first prize at the seventh Taoli Cup National Dancing Competition in 2003, the year she graduated from Beijing Dance Academy and started teaching at the university. She is still a member of the Youth Dance Company of the Beijing Dance Academy.

Following its premiere in Tianjin, Journey to the West will be staged at the Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center with five shows in August. The composer will also come to watch the dance piece in Beijing.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn