Jin Yong ​

Jin Yong, whose real name is Louis Cha Leung-yung, was a Chinese wuxia (martial arts and chivalry) novelist and essayist who co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao Daily News and acted as its first editor-in-chief. His fiction, which is of the wuxia ("martial arts and chivalry") genre, has a widespread following in Chinese-speaking areas, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the United States. His 15 work series is known as the Condor Trilogy.

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote popular wuxia novels, including the Condor Trilogy, considered as his greatest works.
• His works have been adapted into many films and TV series.
• Received a Lifetime Achievement Award at Hong Kong Book Fair in 2018.
• His works have been translated into many languages including English, Japanese, Korean, French, and Vietnamese.
• Over 300 million copies of his works have been sold worldwide.
• Known as "the J.R.R. Tolkien of Chinese literature."

Background ​

Jin Yong, whose real name is Louis Cha, was born in 1924 in Haining, Zhejiang, China. He received his early education from his mother and private tutors before enrolling in the Jiaxing No.1 Middle School. In 1948, Cha moved to Hong Kong and worked at Ta Kung Pao newspaper as a journalist and editor.

He published his first novel, The Book and the Sword, in the newspaper as a serial from 1955 to 1956, which was very well received. The serialised novels continued on Ta Kung Pao and another newspaper Ming Pao, which he co-founded in 1959. He earned widespread fame in the Chinese-speaking world for his wuxia novels. Some of his notable works include Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, Return of the Condor Heroes, and The Heaven Sword and the Dragon Saber. Several of his works have been turned into films and television series. He passed away in 2018.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Jin Yong's novels are marked by epic narratives, well-constructed plot lines, and richly depicted scenes. He combines elements of martial arts, mythology, history, and social commentary in his works, and his writing style is full of symbolism and cultural references, reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese society. His novels have had a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature and popular culture.

Notable Works ​

• The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1957-1959)
• The Return of the Condor Heroes (1959-1961)
• The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (1961-1963)
• Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1963-1966)
• The Deer and the Cauldron (1969-1972)