Representatives of the Seven Great Wuxia Sects in China gather in Yuanhua, Zhejiang Province, on October 7, 2024, to recall Jin Yong’s contributions to promoting Chinese martial arts. Photo: Courtesy of Chinese Studies of Literature on Martial Heroes

As this year marks the 100th birthday of renowned wuxia novelist Jin Yong (Louis Cha), representatives of the Seven Great Wuxia Sects in China (Shaolin, Wudang, Emei, Qingcheng, Kunlun, Kongtong, and Mount Hua) gathered on Thursday evening to recall Jin's contributions to promoting Chinese martial arts and discuss the development and future direction of wuxia literature.

The Fourth Wuxia Literature Golden Sword Award ceremony is also set to be held in Jin's hometown, Yuanhua Town in East China's Zhejiang Province, on Friday.

Representatives of the Seven Great Wuxia Sects said the popularity of Chinese martial arts culture should be integrated with efforts to bring martial arts back to its roots, achieving a fusion of culture and tourism. Jin's influence spans beyond one or two generations and his legacy continues to endure and inspire.

"Wuxia culture, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, not only carries ancient legendary martial arts skills but also contains profound philosophical wisdom, moral values, and humanistic spirit," You Xuande, an inheritor of Zhang Sanfeng tai chi from the Wudang Sect, told the Global Times.