China picks 'Xuan Zang' for 2017 Oscars

China Film Group Corp. announced Saturday that "Xuan Zang" has been entered for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards scheduled for February.

The film, directed by Huo Jianqi, tells the historical adventure of Chinese Buddhist monk Xuan Zang and his 17-year overland journey to India during the 7th century.

The Sino-Indian co-production was released in both countries in April and won best visual effects at the 2016 China Britain Film Festival.

More than 80 countries and regions have entered works for the Best Foreign Language Film category so far.

Hong Kong submitted the crime thriller "Port of Call", the biggest winner at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards. "Lokah Laqi", a story of three kids and their handicapped teacher in a secluded indigenous tribe in Taiwan will represent the island.