Jinn Yong: A Legendary Farewell
- When: Tuesday, Nov 13 – the day the world bade farewell
- Who: Louis Cha Leung Yung, better known as Jin Yong, a writer who could fill a shelf with tales faster than a fire‑cracker sparks
- Where: Started at North Point’s Funeral Parlour, ended at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
The Final Scene
Red‑rimmed eyes glistened as the ceremony began. The late author, who lived a full 94 years, had already left his mark on a poster‑girl of 90s Chinese politics, Deng Xiaoping.
Family, Friends, and the Tastes of Life
His loved ones, from the culinary critic Chua Lam to director Ann Hui, joined him in the solemn yet warm setting of North Point’s Funeral Parlour. They were all there to say goodbye and share stories of a man who mixed creativity with a dash of humor.
What Happened Next?
The hearse rolled toward Po Lin Monastery, a place that carries a quiet, spiritual vibe. There, Jin Yong’s life was honored with a ceremonial cremation, right next to the misty hills and serene lakes of Lantau.
Remembering a Legend
For those who grew up with his novels, his tales of martial arts, loyalty, and a splash of romance will linger on. Jin Yong’s words were more than stories; they were a bridge across generations, and his quiet passing leaves a roadmap for the next chapter of Chinese literature.
Cha: A Legend That Still Rocks the Pages
The ghostly truck turned the headlights on, setting out on the dragon‑shaped roads of Lantau Island toward Po Lin Monastery. That was the final journey of a man whose name is still whispered with excitement in every corner of the Chinese‑speaking world.
From Zhejiang to Hong Kong: The Early Years
Cha was born back in 1924 in Zhejiang province, a place that would later simmer into a hotbed of literary talent. When the world was still shaking from the Second World War, he packed his bags and sailed east to Hong Kong in 1948.
Making Headlines in the City of Lights
- In 1959, Cha launched Ming Pao Daily News, cementing his place as a media magnate.
- By 1967, he teamed up with Leung Yun Chee—founder of Axe Brand Universal Oil—to kick off Shin Min Daily News, first published in sunny Singapore.
Turning the Page on a Writing Career That Was Incomplete
Cha’s first novel, penned in 1955, hissed its way into readers’ hearts right away. The colorful characters and values of courage, integrity and honor—think kung‑fu bravado with a twist of human dignity—captivated every audience.
From that hit, he ferried readers through a total of 15 thrilling gong‑fu fantasies. Three of those stand out as marquee works: The Legend Of The Condor Heroes, a trilogy that turned “fighting” into poetry; The Deer And The Cauldron; and the capstone of his career. He put the pen down in 1972 and let the books’ echo hit ever louder.
A Legacy Behind 300 Million Copies
It’s not just the number of copies that counts—over 300 million fans worldwide have bought a copy of his stories. Their popularity is enshrined in TV series, films, comics, and even video games that keep the spirit alive long after the ink has dried.
Views Are Mixed, but the Heart Keeps ticking
While some critics have debated the literary heft of his works, one thing remains unquestioned: his narratives have become family lore, a staple for office desks, dorm walls, and pop‑up mini‑theaters.
This article was originally published in The Straits Times—a reminder that Cha’s story deserves to keep traveling, like his hearse on Lantau.
