Famed Chinese martial arts novelist Jin Yong dies, aged 94

Chinese martial arts novelist Jin Yong (Photo: Standark HK)

Jin Yong, a renowned Chinese martial arts novelist, passed away at the age of 94 on October 30.

Chinese media reported that the novelist, whose real name is Cha Leung-yung, died at a hospital in Hong Kong after a long illness. His family confirmed the news.

He released his first martial arts, or wuxia, fiction “The Book and the Sword” under the penname Jin Yong in 1955 and immediately gained a resounding success. He was one of the best-selling Chinese authors.

Some of his outstanding works include “The Legend of the Condor Heroes”, “The Return of the Condor Heroes”, “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber”, and “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”. The last novel “The Deer and the Cauldron” made debut in 1972.

Jin Yong, one of the best selling Chinese authors of all time, also co-founded the Hong Kong daily newspaper Ming Pao.

VNA