Representatives of China’s seven major Wuxia sects gather in Yuanhua, Zhejiang province, on October 7, 2024, to recall Jin Yong’s contributions to promoting Chinese martial arts. Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Martial Hero Literature Studies

As this year marks the 100th birthday of famous Wuxia novelist Jin Yong (Louis Cha), representatives of the seven major Wuxia sects in China (Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Qingcheng, Kunlun, Kongtong and Mount Hua) gathered on Thursday evening to recall Jin’s contributions to the promotion of Chinese martial arts and discuss the development and future direction of Wuxia literature.

The fourth Wuxia Literature Golden Sword Prize ceremony will also be held in Jin’s hometown of Yuanhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Friday.

Representatives of the seven major Wuxia sects said the popularity of Chinese martial arts culture should be integrated into efforts to return martial arts to its roots, achieving a fusion of culture and tourism. Jin’s influence spans a generation or two and his legacy continues to endure and inspire.

“Wuxia “The culture, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, not only contains legendary ancient martial arts skills, but also contains profound philosophical wisdom, moral values ​​and humanistic spirit,” said You Xuande, a heir to tai chi Zhang Sanfeng of the Wudang sect. the Global Times.

“Through strategic thinking, Wuxia Culture can form a unique cultural brand, become an important component of national cultural soft power, and thus promote the dissemination and recognition of Chinese culture on the world stage,” he noted.

Recalling his interactions with Jin Yong, You shared that when the Wudang Sect introduced the traditional Wudang sword to Jin, he later wrote, “If there is a chance, I would like to be an apprentice” in the Wudang Sect. . This gesture reflected Jin’s deep respect and admiration for the Wudang martial arts, as well as his deep understanding and recognition of the martial spirit.

“Jin Yong’s works have not only shaped countless classic characters and captivating stories of the Jianghu (martial world), but they also subtly spread profound traditional Chinese culture to the world,” Liu Suibin, the 36th generation leader of the Qingcheng sect, told the Global Times.

“Many people first learned about the Qingcheng Sect through Jin Yong’s portrayal of the antagonist Yu Canghai in his Wuxia novel The Smile, Proud wanderer“Liu explained. “Even though I don’t sympathize with Yu Canghai’s character, I am deeply grateful for Jin Yong’s creative work. “

“Jin Yong brought the martial arts of the Qingcheng sect to the world’s attention. His novels played a key role in promoting the Qingcheng martial arts. His works are not only popular in China but also spread to the “Jin’s contribution to Chinese martial arts deserves great respect,” Liu added.

Jin’s hometown is currently planning to establish a cultural industrial park with a forward-looking vision to boost local tourism through martial arts culture.