Wu Cheng'en was a Chinese novelist and poet, best known for his classic work, Journey to the West. Born in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, he is believed to have lived in the Jiangsu province. His writing reflects a blend of folklore, mythology, and Buddhist philosophy, making his stories both entertaining and thought-provoking. Journey to the West follows the adventures of the monk Xuanzang and his three companions, including the famous monkey king, Sun Wukong. The novel explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the quest for enlightenment, and it remains one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.