Louis Cha (1924-2018), also known by his pen name Jin Yong, was a renowned Chinese author, martial artist, and journalist. He is widely considered one of the greatest wuxia (martial arts fiction) writers of all time.

Key Facts:

• Birth Name: Zha Liangyong
• Pen Name: Jin Yong (meaning "Golden Eagle")
• Birth Date: February 10, 1924
• Birthplace: Haining, Zhejiang, China
• Death Date: October 30, 2018
• Nationality: Chinese

Literary Career:

• Wrote 15 wuxia novels, including:
  • The Legend of the Condor Heroes
  • The Return of the Condor Heroes
  • The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre
  • The Deer and the Cauldron
  • The Smiling, Proud Wanderer
• His novels are characterized by intricate plots, memorable characters, and philosophical themes.
• They have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold over 300 million copies worldwide.

Other Contributions:

• Co-founded the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao in 1959.
• Served as its editor-in-chief for over 30 years.
• Was a renowned calligrapher and painter.
• Established the Jin Yong Foundation to promote Chinese culture and education.

Legacy:

• Louis Cha's wuxia novels have had a profound impact on Chinese literature and popular culture.
• They have inspired numerous adaptations into films, television series, and video games.
• He is considered one of the most influential Chinese writers of the 20th century.