Xuan Zang was a Chinese Buddhist monk and scholar who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). He is best known for his 17-year pilgrimage to India, where he sought to obtain sacred Buddhist texts. His journey, which began in 629 CE, covered thousands of miles and included various regions, such as Central Asia. Upon returning to China in 645 CE, Xuan Zang translated many of the texts he had collected, significantly contributing to the spread of Buddhism in China. His travels and experiences were later documented in the famous Chinese novel, Journey to the West, which fictionalizes his adventures and highlights his dedication to the faith.