Wang Qingfeng, a 27-year-old performer known by his stage name Tie Zhu, has gained national recognition for his portrayal of the Monkey King at the Changchun Zoological and Botanical Park in Jilin province. Wang’s unique take on the character, which departs from the traditional fierce warrior image of the legendary figure from the classic novel *Journey to the West*, has attracted a large following. His performances, conducted behind a silicone mask and in a colorful red-and-yellow costume, blend physical acrobatics, comedy, and stand-up style banter performed from within his enclosure. Videos of his humorous complaints about dry snacks fed by visitors have gone viral on Chinese social media, resulting in more than 4.6 million followers on Douyin and drawing tourists nationwide to the zoo.

Wang’s artistic journey began in childhood. At age 11, he was enrolled by his father, a fan of the northeast Chinese folk art form errenzhuan, in an art school dedicated to traditional song and dance. Despite early recognition and television appearances, Wang faced personal hardships after his father’s death in 2011 and the destruction of his family home. He credits intensive practice of errenzhuan, especially the signature “red handkerchief” technique he inherited from his father, for helping him cope and advance in his craft. Wang later earned admission to Jilin University of the Arts, further honing his skills.

In 2023, drawn by his admiration for the *Journey to the West* story, Wang applied for a role in a zoo-themed theatrical production and won the part by demonstrating his monkey-style kung fu through a series of somersaults during the audition. His performances quickly gained popularity amid a growing online audience appreciating his blend of physicality and humor.

Expanding beyond his role at the zoo, Wang recently participated in season four of the reality program *Memories Beyond Horizon*, where he stepped away from his Monkey King persona to perform without his mask and costume. The show challenges young actors to recreate classic film and television scenes under the guidance of established industry professionals. Wang described the shift as both daunting and transformative, citing the exposure of his micro-expressions and the need for more subtle, natural acting as a significant departure from his previous stylized performances.

His standout moment came when he portrayed an intimate scene in which the Monkey King removes his makeup and video calls his mother, a performance that impressed mentors including renowned actors Liu Tao and Hao Lei. The praise gave Wang confidence and a renewed determination to pursue broader opportunities in film and television acting beyond the confines of his established character.

Wang said the experience taught him the importance of nuanced, collaborative acting—listening and responding to scene partners rather than performing alone. Looking ahead, he hopes to refine his screen acting skills, take on diverse roles, and contribute to the cultural vitality of his hometown by inspiring younger generations to preserve traditional performing arts.