Advertisement

How wuxia martial arts novelists Jin Yong and Liang Yusheng became legends

  • A century after both were born in 1924, their influence on martial arts culture – from TV series and movies to books – continues unabated

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
1
Louis Cha in March 1994. Also known as Jin Yong, Cha is one of the most popular writers of Chinese wuxia martial arts fiction of all time, together with Chen Wentong (also known as Liang Yusheng). Their books have inspired countless TV series, movies, radio dramas, even video games. Photo: SCMP
From ancient Shaolin techniques to iconic movie stars like Bruce Lee, delve into the history, philosophy, and cinematic impact of kung fu with our martial arts series.
Advertisement

Standing in his “18 dragon subduing palms” stance, a large sculpture of Guo Jing – one of the best-known protagonists in Chinese wuxia martial arts fiction – has welcomed new arrivals at Hong Kong International Airport since March.

The 3.5-metre-tall (11-foot) statue commemorates 100 years since the birth of the character’s creator, Jin Yong (real name Louis Cha Leung-yung), one of the most popular wuxia novelists of all time.

Another of those novelists – Chen Wentong, better known by his pseudonym Liang Yusheng – is also having the centenary of his birth celebrated this year.

The statue of Guo Jing at the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Instagram / @hongkongairport
The statue of Guo Jing at the Terminal 1 Arrivals Hall at Hong Kong International Airport. Photo: Instagram / @hongkongairport
Few writers captured the spirit, philosophy and beauty of Chinese martial arts in text as vividly and brilliantly as Jin Yong and Liang. Their legacy has inspired countless TV series, movies, radio dramas, even video games, and continues to do so years after their deaths.
Advertisement
SCMP Series
[ 9 of 12 ]
Advertisement