China/Japan: Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang, c. 602  664) was a famous Chinese Buddhist monk, scholar, traveler and translator who travelled to India seeking Buddhist knowledge during the early Tang Dynasty. Hanging scroll painting, Kamakura Period (14th century). Born in Henan province of China in 602 or 603, from boyhood Xuanzang took to reading sacred books, including the Chinese Classics and the writings of the ancient sages. While residing in the city of Luoyang, he entered Buddhist monkhood at the age of thirteen. He travelled throughout China in search of sacred books of Buddhism.