Jin Yong, the Legend of Martial‑Art Novels, Passes Away at 94
Hong Kong’s proud author of classic wuxia tales, the one known as Jin Yong (real name Louis Cha), has left us. The veteran storyteller died in the afternoon of Tuesday, October 30, at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, as reported by Apple Daily News and confirmed by Ming Pao Daily News. A quiet, uneventful farewell – no last words, no drama – only the gentle whimper of a life that has stretched a full 94 years.
Health Decline
- In 1997 he suffered a debilitating stroke that left him frail.
- By 2014, The New Yorker noted he could no longer walk or write, and his speech was rough, relying on a small entourage to communicate.
- His older friend, writer Chip Tsao, told Apply Daily the “grandfather of wuxia” had been in poor shape that year, with failing organs and slurred speech.
Legacy of a Wushu Wizard
Louis Cha was a force of nature in Chinese literature, best known for his sprawling saga Legends of The Condor Heroes. His stories are set inside the jianghu – a pirate‑like underworld where fighters travel the land, spar, schmooze, and honor the sacred code.
With over 300 million copies worldwide, his words have roared through generations of readers, making his name a household one for lovers of sword‑and‑spirit literature.
Stars Send Their Condolences
Entertainment icons lost a friend:
- Andy Lau, the Hong Kong aficionado who became famed as Yang Guo in the 1983 TV drama Return Of The Condor Heroes, spoke at iQiyi about the “genius” that “moved” him.
- The Taiwan star Alec Su and super‑Singer Wang Leehom both posted heartfelt messages.
- Hong Kong actor Jordan Chan, who had played Wei Xiaobao in The Deer And The Cauldron, said “Xiaobao bids farewell, swordsman Cha, may you leave in peace.”
- Even Bollywood’s Aamir Khan – the man behind Three Idiots – expressed admiration for Cha and his books on Weibo, calling them a source of joy for many.
In Short
Jin Yong’s death is a heavy blow to the world of wuxia, but his tales will live on – on page, on screen, and in the hearts of millions who rode the waves of his imagination.
