Do I need background knowledge to watch this?

As the title says.

I would like to know too.

*bumps*

Only read the manga, but if it works as a standalone.

No.
But it is better if you watch this first.

For the sake of future reference , as a person who have watched the series , this is the following orders:

1.Saiyuki Gaiden
2.Saiyuki Reload Burial
3.Saiyuki
3.1 Saiyuki Requiem
4. Saiyuki Reload
5.Saiyuki Reload Gunlock

and the latest one this year(2017) 6. Saiyuki Reload Blast (which I haven't watch it yet) and I'm glad it finally adapted haha

@Sebastian333 thanks fam u da best