The following are the birth dates of the authors of the Four Great Classics: Cao Xueqin: Born in Beijing on January 17, 1818. 2 Shi Naian: Born in Nanjing on January 31, 1830. 3 Luo Guanzhong: Born in Beijing on January 23, 1880. 4. Wu Chengen, author of Journey to the West: Born in Nanjing on November 29, 1840.