In recent weeks, a series of fan-made videos depicting a romantic relationship between Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West," and Lin Daiyu, a central character from "Dream of the Red Chamber," have gained significant popularity in China. These videos, created through artificial intelligence and by editing together footage from 1980s television adaptations of the novels, show the unlikely couple engaging in modern activities such as riding roller coasters and enjoying street food.

Despite their viral appeal, Chinese authorities have taken issue with the videos, arguing that they distort the original classical works and undermine their cultural and historical significance. A recent editorial by People’s Daily, the official Communist Party newspaper, acknowledged the public’s interest in reimagining these characters but warned against what it described as “malicious alterations” that ridicule revered heroes. The editorial emphasized the need to maintain strict boundaries when using creative license with such important cultural touchstones.

In line with government directives aimed at protecting the integrity of classical literature, social media and video platforms including Kuishou, WeChat, and Douyin announced in October that they had removed thousands of AI-generated videos featuring the fictional couple. Kuishou specifically cited concerns about “improper romantic associations” between the characters, labeling the content as inconsistent with approved narratives.

Sun Wukong and Lin Daiyu are both iconic figures in Chinese culture, deeply embedded in the national literary canon and widely recognized among millennials who grew up watching the televised versions of these novels. Sun Wukong is known as a mischievous, powerful figure who accompanied a monk on a spiritual journey, often challenging divine authority. Lin Daiyu is a tragic and delicate figure, whose story in "Dream of the Red Chamber" ends with her death from heartbreak. The juxtaposition of these two figures—one mythical and rebellious, the other sensitive and sorrowful—has resonated with many viewers, who see the fan-created romance as a form of emotional catharsis, providing Lin Daiyu with a happier fate.

Academics observing the controversy note that the Chinese government promotes a reverential treatment of classical texts, interpreting their content in ways that align with state ideology. Liang Ge, a sociology lecturer at the University of Manchester, described the government's position as reflecting unease over “unauthorized authorship of intimacy at scale” in these reinterpretations. Similarly, Yucong Hao, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, pointed out that creative retellings in China remain subject to ideological scrutiny, with the boundary between cultural storytelling and perceived subversion often unclear.

This stance forms part of broader efforts under President Xi Jinping’s administration to revitalize traditional Chinese culture as a core component of national identity. The government has supported some adaptations of classical works, such as the praised video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” which has been leveraged for cultural promotion and tourism marketing.

Public reaction to the censorship has been largely critical, with many internet users mocking the restrictions and expressing sympathy for the fans’ desire to reimagine beloved characters. Cultural observers argue that reinterpretation of classical literature has long been a political and cultural practice in China, dating back to at least the early years of the People’s Republic. As scholar Eileen Chengyin Chow of Duke University noted, fans’ wish to find happiness for characters like Lin Daiyu reflects a deeply felt connection to the stories and their relevance to contemporary audiences.

The government’s campaign to remove AI-generated content deemed to distort revolutionary heroes or classical narratives is ongoing, reflecting broader regulatory priorities surrounding digital media and cultural expression in China.