Wuxia

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Not to be confused with Wuxi or Wu Xi.
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Wuxia
Chinese name
Simplified Chinese 武侠
Traditional Chinese 武俠
Literal meaning martial hero
Vietnamese name
Vietnamese võ hiệp

Wuxia, which literally means "martial hero", is a broad genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists. Although wuxia is traditionally a form of literature, its popularity has caused it to spread to diverse art forms such as Chinese opera, manhua, films, television series and video games. It is a component of popular culture in many Chinese-speaking communities around the world.

The word "wuxia" is a compound word composed of the words wu (lit. "martial", "military", or "armed") and xia (lit. "honourable", "chivalrous", or "hero"). A martial artist who follows the code of xia is often referred to as a xiake (lit. "follower of xia") or youxia (lit. "wandering xia"). In some translated works of wuxia, the martial artist is sometimes termed as a "swordsman" or "swordswoman" even though he or she may not necessarily wield a sword.

Typically, the heroes in wuxia fiction do not serve a lord, wield military power or belong to the aristocratic class. They are often from the lower social classes of ancient Chinese society. Wuxia heroes are usually bound by a code of chivalry that requires them to right wrongs, fight for righteousness, remove an oppressor, redress wrongs and bring retribution for past misdeeds. The Chinese xia traditions can be compared to martial codes from other countries, such as the Japanese samurai's bushido tradition, the chivalry of medieval European knights and the gunslingers of America's Westerns.

History

Earlier precedents

Even though the term "wuxia", as the name of a genre, is a recent coinage, stories about xia date back more than 2,000 years. Wuxia stories have their roots in some early youxia tales from 300–200 BCE . The Legalist philosopher Han Fei spoke disparagingly of youxias in his book Han Feizi in the chapter On Five 'Maggot' Classes (韩非子·五蠹) about the five social classes in the Spring and Autumn Period.[1] Some well-known stories include Zhuan Zhu's assassination of King Liao of Wu, and most notably, Jing Ke's attempt on the life of the King of Qin (who became Qin Shi Huang later). In Volume 86 of the Records of the Grand Historian (Shi Ji), Sima Qian listed five notable assassins (Cao Mo, Zhuan Zhu, Yu Rang, Nie Zheng and Jing Ke) from the Warring States period, who undertook tasks of conducting political assassinations of aristocrats and nobles.[2][3]

These assassins were known as cike (刺客; lit. "stabbing guests"). They usually rendered their loyalties and services to feudal lords and nobles in return for rewards such as riches and women. In Volume 124 of the Shi Ji, Sima Qian detailed several embryonic features of xia culture from his period. These popular phenomena were also documented in other historical records such as the Book of Han and the Book of the Later Han.

Xiake stories made a turning point in the Tang dynasty and returned in the form of chuanqi (傳奇; lit. "legendary tales"). Stories from that era, such as Nie Yinniang (聶隱娘),[4] The Kunlun Slave, Thirteenth Madame Jing (荆十三娘),[5] Red String (紅線)[6] and The Bearded Warrior (虬髯客),[7] served as prototypes for modern wuxia stories.[8] They featured fantasies and isolated protagonists, usually loners, who performed daring heroic deeds. During the Song dynasty, similar stories circulated in the huaben, short works that were once thought to have served as prompt-books for shuochang (traditional Chinese storytelling).[9][10]

The genre of the martial or military romance also developed during the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Luo Guanzhong and Shi Nai'an wrote Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin respectively, which were later ranked among the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. The former is a romanticised historical retelling of the events in the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, while the latter criticises the deplorable socio-economic status of the late Northern Song dynasty. Water Margin is often seen as the first full-length wuxia novel: the portrayal of the 108 heroes, and their code of honour and willingness to become outlaws rather than serve a corrupt government, played an influential role in the development of jianghu culture in later centuries. Romance of the Three Kingdoms is also seen as a possible early antecedent, and contains classic close-combat descriptions that were later borrowed by wuxia writers in their works.[11][12]

In the Qing dynasty, further developments were the gong'an (公案; lit. "public case") and related detective novels, where xia and other heroes, working with a judge or magistrate, solved crimes and battled injustice. The Justice Bao stories from Sanxia Wuyi (三俠五義; later extended and renamed to Qixia Wuyi) and Xiaowuyi (小五義), incorporated much of social justice themes of later wuxia stories. Xiayi stories of chivalrous romance, which frequently featured female heroes and supernatural fighting abilities, also surfaced during the Qing dynasty. Novels such as Shi Gong'an Qiwen (施公案奇聞) and Ernü Yingxiong Zhuan (兒女英雄傳) have been cited as the clearest nascent wuxia novels.[13][14]

The term "wuxia" as a genre label itself first appeared at the end of the Qing dynasty, a calque of the Japanese "bukyō", a genre of oft-militaristic and bushido-influenced adventure fiction. The term was brought to China by writers and students who hoped that China would modernise its military and place emphasis on martial virtues, and it quickly became entrenched as the term used to refer to xiayi and other predecessors of wuxia proper, while in Japan itself, however, it faded into obscurity.[15][16]

Many wuxia works produced during the Ming and Qing dynasties were lost due to the governments' strong crackdown and banning of such works.[17] Wuxia works were deemed responsible for brewing anti-government sentiments, which led to rebellions during those eras.[citation needed] The departure from mainstream literature also meant that patronage of this genre was limited to the masses and not to the literati, which led to the stifling of the development of the wuxia genre. Nonetheless, the wuxia genre remained enormously popular with the common people.[18]

20th century

The modern wuxia genre rose to prominence in the early 20th century after the May Fourth Movement of 1919. A new literature evolved, calling for a break with Confucian values, and the xia emerged as a symbol of personal freedom, defiance to Confucian tradition, and rejection of the Chinese family system.[17]

The early 20th century and the period from the 1960s–80s were often regarded as the golden ages of the wuxia genre.[citation needed] Xiang Kairan (pen name Pingjiang Buxiaosheng) became the first notable wuxia writer, his maiden work being The Peculiar Knights-Errant of the Jianghu (江湖奇侠传).[19][20] It was serialised from 1921 to 1928 and was adapted into the first wuxia film, The Burning of the Red Lotus Temple (1928).[21] Zhao Huanting (趙煥亭), who wrote Chronicles of the Loyal Knights-Errant (奇俠精忠傳, serialised 1923–27), was another well-known wuxia writer who was based in Shanghai.[22] Starting from the 1930s, wuxia works proliferated and its centre shifted to Beijing and Tianjin in northern China. The most prolific writers there were collectively referred to as the Five Great Masters of the Northern School (北派五大家) — Huanzhu Louzhu (還珠樓主), who wrote The Swordspeople from Shu Mountains (蜀山剑侠传); Kenneth Lu (蘆葦草),[23] who wrote Tales of Terra Ocean (山海封神榜 前传);[24] Bai Yu, who wrote Twelve Coin Darts (十二钱镖); Wang Dulu, who wrote The Crane-Iron Pentalogy (鹤铁五部作); Zheng Zhengyin (郑证因), who wrote The King of Eagle Claws (鹰爪王); Zhu Zhenmu (朱贞木), who wrote The Seven-Killing Stele (七杀碑).[25][26]

Wuxia fiction was banned at various times during the Republican era and these restrictions stifled the growth of the genre.[17] In spite of this, wuxia writing prevailed in other Chinese-speaking regions, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong. Writers such as Liang Yusheng and Louis Cha (Jin Yong) spearheaded the founding of a "new school" of the wuxia genre that differed largely from its predecessors. They wrote serials for newspapers and magazines. They also incorporated several fictional themes such as mystery and romance from other cultures. In Taiwan, Wolong Sheng, Sima Ling, Zhuge Qingyun (诸葛青云), Xiao Yi (萧逸) and Gu Long became the region's most famous wuxia writers. After them, other writers such as Wen Rui'an and Huang Yi rose to prominence in a later period. Chen Yu-hui is a contemporary female wuxia novelist who made her debut with the novel The Tian-Guan Duo Heroes (天觀雙俠).[27]

There have also been works created after the 1980s which attempt to create a post-wuxia genre. Yu Hua, one of the more notable writers from this period, published a counter-genre short story titled Blood and Plum Blossoms, in which the protagonist goes on a quest to avenge his murdered father.

Themes, plots and settings

A 17th-century woodblock print of a scene from a play on the Kunlun Nu story.

Modern wuxia stories are largely set in ancient or premodern China. The historical setting can range from being quite specific and important to the story, to being vaguely-defined, anachronistic, or is only used as a backdrop for the action. Fantasy elements, ranging from fantastic martial arts to ghosts and monsters, are common elements of a wuxia story but not a prerequisite. However, the martial arts element is a definite part of a wuxia tale, as its characters must know some form of martial arts. Themes of romance are also strongly featured in some wuxia tales.

A typical wuxia story features a young male protagonist who experiences a tragedy, such as losing his loved ones, and goes on to undertake several trials and tribulations throughout his adventures in order to learn several forms of martial arts from various fighters. At the end of the story, the protagonist emerges as a powerful fighter whom few can equal. He uses his abilities to follow the code of xia and mends the ills of the jianghu. For instance, the opening chapters of some of Louis Cha's works follow a certain pattern: a tragic event occurs, usually one that costs the lives of the newly introduced characters, and then it sets events into motion that will culminate in the primary action of the story.[28]

Other stories use different structures. For instance, the protagonist is denied being accepted into a martial arts sect. He experiences hardships and trains secretly and waits until there is an opportunity for him to show off his skills and surprise those who initially looked down on him.[citation needed] Some stories feature a mature hero with powerful martial arts abilities confronting an equally powerful antagonist as his nemesis. The plot will gradually meander to a final dramatic showdown between the protagonist and his nemesis. These types of stories were prevalent during the era of anti-Qing revolutionaries.[citation needed]

Certain stories have unique plots, such as those by Gu Long and Huang Yi. Gu Long's works have an element of mystery and are written like detective stories. The protagonist, usually a formidable martial artist and intelligent problem-solver, embarks on a quest to solve a mystery such as a murder case. Huang Yi's stories are blended with science fiction.

Despite these genre-blending elements, wuxia is primarily a historical genre of fiction. Notwithstanding this, wuxia writers openly admit that they are unable to capture the entire history of a course of events and instead choose to structure their stories along the pattern of the protagonist's progression from childhood to adulthood instead.[citation needed] The progression may be symbolic rather than literal, as observed in Louis Cha's The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, where the young Linghu Chong progresses from childish concerns and dalliances into much more adult ones as his unwavering loyalty repeatedly thrusts him into the rocks of betrayal at the hands of his inhumane master.[28]

Code of xia

Eight common attributes of the xia are listed as benevolence, justice, individualism, loyalty, courage, truthfulness, disregard for wealth and desire for glory. Apart from individualism, these characteristics are similar to Confucian values such as ren (仁; "benevolence", "kindness"), zhong (忠; "loyalty"), yong (勇; "courage", "bravery") and yi (義; "righteousness").[17] The code of xia also emphasises the importance of repaying benefactors after having received deeds of en (恩; "grace", "favour") from others, as well as seeking chou (仇; "vengeance", "revenge") to bring villains to justice. However, the importance of vengeance is controversial, as a number of wuxia works stress Buddhist ideals, which include forgiveness, compassion and a prohibition on killing.

In the jianghu, martial artists are expected to be loyal to their master (sifu). This gives rise to the formation of several complex trees of master-apprentice relations as well as the various sects such as Shaolin and Wudang.[citation needed] If there are any disputes between fighters, they will choose the honourable way of settling their issues through fighting in duels.[citation needed]

Skills and abilities

The martial arts in wuxia stories are based on wushu techniques and other real life Chinese martial arts. In wuxia tales, however, the mastery of such skills are highly exaggerated to superhuman levels of achievement and prowess.

The following is a list of skills and abilities a typical fighter or martial artist in a wuxia story possesses:

  • Martial arts (武功): Fighting techniques in a codified sequence called zhaoshi (招式), which are based on real life Chinese martial arts.
  • Weapons and objects: Combatants use a wide range of weapons in combat. The most commonly used ones are the dao (broadsword or saber), jian (sword), gun (staff), and qiang (spear). Everyday objects such as abaci, benches, fans, ink brushes, smoking pipes, sewing needles, or various musical instruments, are also used as weapons as well.
  • Qinggong: A form of real Chinese martial arts. In wuxia stories and films, however, its use is highly exaggerated to the point that characters can circumvent gravity to fly, cover tremendous distances in a single stride, glide across surfaces of water, scale high walls and mount trees.
  • Neili (内力; lit "internal force" or "internal strength") / Neigong (內功; lit. "internal skill" or "internal function"): The ability to build up and cultivate inner energy known as qi and utilise it for attack and defensive purposes. Characters use this energy to attain skills such as superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability and healing as well as the ability to project energy beams and/or elemental forces from their bodies.
  • Dianxue (點穴; lit. "touching acupuncture points"): Characters use various acupuncture techniques to kill, paralyse, immobilise or control opponents by attacking their acupressure points with their bare hands or weapons. Such techniques can also be used for healing purposes, such as halting excessive bleeding. Real life martial artists do use such techniques to paralyse or stun their opponents, however, their effectiveness is highly exaggerated in wuxia stories.

In wuxia stories, characters attain the above skills and abilities by devoting themselves to years of diligent study and exercise, but can also have such power conferred upon them by a master who transfers his inner energy to them. The instructions to mastering these skills through training are found in secret manuals known as miji (秘笈). In some stories, specific skills can be learned by spending several years in seclusion with a master or training with a group of fighters.

Jianghu

"Jianghu" redirects here. For other uses, see Jianghu (disambiguation).

The "jianghu" (江湖; lit. "rivers and lakes") refers to a community of martial artists. The term "wulin" (武林; lit. "martial forest") is another commonly used term which refers to this community. The jianghu is made up of several martial artists who are usually congregated in sects, clans, disciplines and various schools of martial arts. It is also inhabited by others such as youxia ("wandering martial artists"), nobles, thieves, beggars, priests, healers, merchants and craftsmen.

A common aspect of the jianghu is that the courts of law are dysfunctional and that all disputes and differences can only be resolved by use of force, predicating the need for the code of xia and acts of chivalry. Law and order within the jianghu are maintained by the various orthodox and righteous sects and heroes. Sometimes these sects may gather to form an alliance against a powerful evil organisation in the jianghu.

A leader, called the "wulin mengzhu" (武林盟主; lit. "master of the wulin alliance"), is elected from among the sects in order to lead them and ensure law and order within the jianghu. The leader is usually someone with a high level of mastery in martial arts and a great reputation for righteousness who is often involved in some conspiracy and/or killed. In some cases, the leader may not be the greatest martial artist in the jianghu while in others, the position of the leader is hereditary. The leader is an arbiter who presides and adjudicates over all inequities and disputes. The leader is a de jure chief justice of the affairs of the jianghu.

The term "jianghu" is linked to cultures other than those pertaining to martial arts in wuxia stories. It is also applied to anarchic societies. For instance, the triads and other Chinese secret societies use the term "jianghu" to describe their world of organised crime. Sometimes, the term "jianghu" may be replaced by the term "underworld", with reference to the "criminal underworld".

In modern terminology, "jianghu" may mean any circle of interest, ranging from the entertainment industry to sports. Colloquially, retirement is also referred to as "leaving the jianghu" (退出江湖). In wuxia stories, when a reputable fighter decides to retire from the jianghu, he will do so in a ceremony known as "washing hands in the golden basin" (金盆洗手). He washes his hands in a golden basin filled with water, signifying that he will no longer be involved in the affairs of the jianghu. When a reclusive fighter who has retired from the jianghu reappears, his return is described as "re-entering the jianghu" (重出江湖).

Books and writers

Notable modern wuxia writers include:

Name Pen name Active years Some works Brief description
Louis Cha Leung-yung /
Zha Liangyong
查良鏞		 Jin Yong
金庸		 1955–1973 The Book and the Sword, Condor Trilogy, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, The Smiling, Proud Wanderer, The Deer and the Cauldron The most popular, and regarded by some as the most accomplished, writer to date. His works have been adapted into films and television series numerous times.
Chen Wentong
陳文統		 Liang Yusheng
梁羽生		 1955–1984 Qijian Xia Tianshan, Datang Youxia Zhuan, Baifa Monü Zhuan, Saiwai Qixia Zhuan, Yunhai Yugong Yuan, Xiagu Danxin The pioneer of the "new school" wuxia genre. Some of his works were adapted into films and television series.
Xiong Yaohua
熊耀華		 Gu Long
古龍		 1960–1984 Chu Liuxiang Series, Juedai Shuangjiao, Xiao Shiyi Lang, Xiaoli Feidao Series, Lu Xiaofeng Series A writer who blends elements of mystery in his works. He writes in short paragraphs and is influenced stylistically by Western and Japanese writers. Some of his works were adapted into films and television series.
Wen Liangyu
溫涼玉		 Wen Ruian
溫瑞安		 1973–present Si Da Ming Bu, Buyi Shenxiang, Jingyan Yi Qiang His works were adapted into the television series The Four and Face to Fate, and the film The Four.
Huang Zuqiang
黃祖強		 Huang Yi
黃易		 1987–present Xunqin Ji, Fuyu Fanyun, Datang Shuanglong Zhuan Combines wuxia with science fiction in his works. His works were adapted into the television series A Step into the Past, Lethal Weapons of Love and Passion and Twin of Brothers.

Comics

New and original wuxia writings have dwindled significantly in the last 25 years,[citation needed] particularly so as patronage and readerships of the genre decimated due to readily available alternatives in entertainment such as DVDs, affordable gaming consoles and so forth. The genre has proliferated in manhua (Chinese comics) in places like Hong Kong and Taiwan, with the core essentials of the wuxia genre living on in weekly editions equivalent to the Japanese manga.[citation needed]

Some notable comic artists are listed as follows:

Name Pseudonym Active years Some works Brief description
Ma Wing-shing /
Ma Rongcheng
馬榮城		 Ma Wing-shing /
Ma Rongcheng
馬榮成		 1980s–present Fung Wan, Chinese Hero, Black Leopard Some of his works were adapted into films and television series such as The Storm Riders, Wind and Cloud, The Blood Sword, and A Man Called Hero.
Wong Jan-lung /
Huang Zhenlong
黃振隆		 Wong Yuk-long /
Huang Yulang
黃玉郎		 1980s–present Oriental Heroes, Weapons of the Gods, Legend of Emperors, Buddha's Palm Some of his works were adapted into films and television series like Dragon Tiger Gate, Kung Fu VS Acrobatic, and The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back.
Khoo Fuk-lung /
Qiu Fulong
邱福龍		 1990s–present Saint, Solar Lord

Films

The earliest wuxia films date back to the 1920s. Films produced by King Hu and the Shaw Brothers Studio featured sophisticated action choreography using wire and trampoline assisted acrobatics combined with sped-up camera techniques. The storylines in the early films were loosely adapted from existing literature.[citation needed]

Cheng Pei-pei and Jimmy Wang are among the notable wuxia movie stars of the 1960s-70s, when films made by the Shaw Brothers Studio and King Hu were most prominent. Cantonese screen idol Connie Chan grew up starring in wuxia films and was famous for her male roles. Jet Li is a more recent star of wuxia films, having appeared in Swordsman II and Hero, as are Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, and Brigitte Lin. Yuen Woo-ping is a choreographer who achieved fame by crafting action-sequences in films of the genre.[citation needed] Mainland Chinese director Zhang Yimou's foray into wuxia films, Hero, was distinguished by the imaginative use of vivid colours and breathtaking background settings.

Wuxia was introduced to the Hollywood studios in 2000 by Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Following Ang Lee's footsteps, Zhang Yimou made Hero, targeted for the international market in 2003, and House of Flying Daggers in 2004. American audiences are also being introduced to wuxia through Asian television stations in larger cities, which feature miniseries such as Warriors of the Yang Clan and Paradise, often with English subtitles.

Western attempts at the genre have been limited, such as the 2008 film, The Forbidden Kingdom, starring Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Michael Angarano. However, a major exception is DreamWorks Animation's media franchise Kung Fu Panda. Created as an earnest, if humorous, emulation by producers who were knowledgeable admirers of the genre, the series has been particularly hailed in China as an excellent contribution to the form.[29][30]

Video games

Some notable wuxia video games of the action RPG genre include The Legend of Sword and Fairy, Sword of Xuan Yuan, Jade Empire, and Kingdom of Paradise, all of which blend wuxia with elements of Chinese mythology and fantasy. The Legend of Sword and Fairy, in particular, expanded into a franchise of eight video games, two of which were adapted into the television series Chinese Paladin (2005) and Chinese Paladin 3 (2009).

There are also MMORPGs such as Heroes of Kung Fu[31] and Age of Wulin,[32] as well as hack and slash games such as Bujingai and Heavenly Sword.

Games adapted from the works of wuxia writers include Heroes of Jin Yong, an RPG based on characters in Jin Yong's novels; Dragon Oath, an MMORPG inspired by Jin Yong's Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils; Martial Kingdoms, a strategy game featuring several martial arts sects which commonly appear in wuxia fiction.

See also

References

  1. ^ Quote from the chapter in Han Feizi: (侠以武犯禁，而人主兼礼之，此所以乱也。夫离法者罪，而诸先生，以文学取；犯禁者诛，而群侠以私剑养。)
  2. ^ Teo, Stephen (2009). Chinese Martial Arts Cinema: The Wuxia Tradition. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 17–19. ISBN 978-0-7486-3286-2. 
  3. ^ "史記/卷086 - 維基文庫，自由的圖書館" (in (Chinese)). Zh.wikisource.org. 2013-12-06. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  4. ^ "唐傳奇 : 聶隱娘". Edu.ocac.gov.tw. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  5. ^ See Chapter 8 in Trivial Matters, Northern Dreams《北夢瑣言》editor Sun Guangxian (孫光憲)
  6. ^ See 《甘泽谣》editor 袁郊
  7. ^ 「《虬髯客传》一文虎虎有生气，或者可以说是我国武侠小说的鼻祖。」金庸,《卅三剑客图》
  8. ^ 「唐代著名的武侠小说有《红线传》、《虬髯客传》、《刘无双传》、《昆仑奴传》、《聂隐娘传》，等等（空空儿、精精儿则是附在《聂隐娘传》中）。」梁羽生：“风尘三侠”, 一九六五年五月
  9. ^ Teo (2009), pp. 19-20
  10. ^ Liu Damu (1981). "From Chivalric Fiction to Martial Arts Film". In Lau Shing-hon; Leong Mo-Ling. A Study of the Hong Kong Swordplay Film (1945-1980). Urban Council of Hong Kong. pp. 47–48. 
  11. ^ Hamm, John Christopher (2006). Paper Swordsmen: Jin Yong and the Modern Chinese Martial Arts Novel. University of Hawai'i Press. pp. 17, 263. ISBN 0-8248-2895-X. 
  12. ^ Teo (2009), p. 20
  13. ^ Teo (2009), pp. 20-21
  14. ^ Hamm (2006), p. 19
  15. ^ Teo (2009), pp. 2–3
  16. ^ Hamm (2006), pp.11, 262
  17. ^ a b c d "An Introduction to the Wuxia Genre". Heroic-cinema.com. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  18. ^ Liu (1981), pp. 49-50
  19. ^ A selective guide to Chinese literature: 1900–1949. The novel, Volume 1. 1988, E.J. Brill, Leiden, ed. Milena Doleželová-Velingerová, p 176–7. Biography by John Ma
  20. ^ Liu, James J.Y. The Chinese Knight Errant. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1976, pp 135–6.
  21. ^ "中国国学网- 平江不肖生的传奇生涯(二)". Confucianism.com.cn. 2010-12-30. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  22. ^ "趙煥亭". Edu.ocac.gov.tw. Retrieved 2012-12-07. 
  23. ^ "Kenneth Lu: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  24. ^ "Tales of Terra Ocean: Rise of the Imperial Guardians (Simplified Chinese Edition): Kenneth Lu: 978-1494883256: Amazon.com: Books". Amazon.com. 2014-01-07. Retrieved 2013-10-18. 
  25. ^ "民國舊派武俠小說". Edu.ocac.gov.tw. Retrieved 2012-12-07. 
  26. ^ "民国"北派五大家"的武侠小说-武侠小说网". Wuxia.net.cn. 2011-03-06. Retrieved 2012-12-07. 
  27. ^ "台湾“女金庸”坐月子写巨著 - 世界新闻报 - 国际在线". Gb.cri.cn. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  28. ^ a b [1][dead link]
  29. ^ Downes, Lawrence. "The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia". International Herald Tribune. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  30. ^ Lee, Min (2008-07-03). "'Kung Fu Panda' reaches Chinese box office milestone". Usatoday.Com. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 
  31. ^ Official site of Heroes of Kung Fu[dead link]
  32. ^ "Age of Wulin – Legend of the Nine Scrolls is set in medieval China and based on the lore surrounding martial arts". Wulin.gpotato.eu. Retrieved 2013-12-28. 

Further reading

  • Liu, James J.Y. The Chinese Knight Errant. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1967 (ISBN 0-226-48688-5)
  • Hamm, John Christopher. Paper Swordsmen: Jin Yong and the modern Chinese martial arts novel. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 2005 (ISBN 0-8248-2763-5)
  • WJF Jenner, "Tough Guys, Mateship and Honour: Another Chinese Tradition," East Asian History 12 (1996): 1-34. [2]
  • (Chinese) 汪涌豪 《中国游侠史》 上海：上海文化出版社，1994 [Wang, Yonghao: "History of Chinese Knight-errantry". Shanghai: Shanghai Wenhua Chubanshe, 1994]
  • McCloud, Aaron Matthew Gordon. 2010. "Papercuts: The Literary and the Martial in the Genre of Wuxia Fiction". Thesis (B.A.) -- Reed College, 2010.
  • Liu, Petrus. Stateless Subjects: Chinese Martial Arts Fiction and Postcolonial History. Ithaca: Cornell University East Asia Series. (ISBN 978-1933947624)
  • Lu, Kenneth. Tales of Terra Ocean 山海封神榜 第一部. CS Publish: CCWA (Chinese Canadian Writers' Association), 2014 (ISBN 978-1495459474)
  • Lu, Kenneth. Tales of Terra Ocean: Rise of the Imperial Guardians 山海封神榜 前传. CCWA (Chinese Canadian Writers' Association), 2014 (ISBN 978-1494854911)

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