Born in 1924, Zha Liangyong, known by the pen name Jin Yong, authored 15 novels between 1955 and 1972 that sold over 100 million copies globally. Operating from British Hong Kong, he established himself as a central figure in literature and journalism, ultimately shaping the wuxia genre through his prolific serialised storytelling.
Early Life and Education
Born in Haining, China, Zha was the second of seven children in the scholarly Zha clan. His formal education included studies at the Central University of Political Affairs and the Faculty of Law at Soochow University. He later pursued advanced studies at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a doctorate in Asian Studies in 2010. His secondary education was marked by disruption due to the Japanese invasion of Zhejiang in 1938, forcing him to trek long distances to continue schooling.
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Zha began his career in 1947 as a journalist and translator for the Ta Kung Pao newspaper in Shanghai, moving to the Hong Kong office in 1948. In 1959, he co-founded the newspaper Ming Pao with Shen Baoxin, serving as editor-in-chief for many years. His daily output often reached 10,000 Chinese characters, encompassing both editorials and his serialised novels. He sold his shares in Ming Pao in 1993.
Literary Contributions
Starting with The Book and the Sword in 1955, Zha completed his last wuxia novel in 1972, followed by extensive revision work that culminated in a definitive edition in 1979. His bibliography includes notable titles such as The Return of the Condor Heroes, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. His works have been adapted into numerous films, television dramas, and video games across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China.
Political Engagement
In the late 1970s, Zha entered the political sphere, becoming the first non-Communist Hong Konger to meet with Deng Xiaoping. He served on the Hong Kong Basic Law drafting committee but resigned following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. He was later appointed to the 1996 Preparatory Committee tasked with overseeing the 1997 transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, Haining
- Died: 2018, Happy Valley
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China, British Hong Kong
- Notable Works: The Return of the Condor Heroes, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (1981), Grand Bauhinia Medal
- Education: University of Cambridge, Soochow University
- Burial Site: Ngong Ping
Questions readers ask
When did Jin Yong retire from writing novels?
He completed his final wuxia novel in 1972 and subsequently retired from writing fiction.
What was his primary career outside of literature?
He was a career journalist and newspaper proprietor, most notably as the editor-in-chief and co-founder of the Ming Pao newspaper.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Grand Bauhinia Medal
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire — 1981
- Notable work: Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
- Notable work: The Return of the Condor Heroes
- Notable work: The Smiling, Proud Wanderer
- Notable work: The Legend of the Condor Heroes
- Genres: fantasy
