Xuánzàng was a Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, and translator who lived during the Tang dynasty (602–664 CE). He is best known for his pilgrimage to India, where he sought to obtain original Buddhist texts and deepen his understanding of Buddhism. His journey, which lasted 17 years, covered thousands of miles and involved traversing difficult terrains. Upon returning to China, Xuánzàng translated many important Buddhist scriptures into Chinese, significantly influencing the spread of Buddhism in China. His adventures and experiences were later immortalized in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, where he is depicted as the character Tang Seng.