Chinese audiences and actors paid tribute to Yang Jie, the renowned director of the hit TV adaptation of Journey to the West, whose work influenced generations.

Yang died of heart failure on Saturday at the age of 88, Beijing News reported on Monday, citing confirmation from Yang's husband, Wang Chongqiu.

With a tight budget and poor logistical support, Yang and her production team began shooting in 1982. The series was adapted from the classic novel by Wu Cheng'en that fictionalizes the travel adventures of Tang Dynasty (618-907) monk Xuan Zang.