Jin Yong exhibition staged in Wuhan to celebrate charm of Jin Yong&apos;s world of martial arts heroes
9.9.2022

A themed exhibition on the veteran journalist and renowned writer, Dr Louis Cha (pen name Jin Yong), was officially opened today (September 9) at the Hubei Provincial Library in Wuhan. Delivering a pre-recorded speech at the opening ceremony of the Jin Yong exhibition, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, said, "The Jin Yong exhibition is one of signature events in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, and is also the first Jin Yong exhibition held outside Hong Kong. I hope that Mainland residents can have a deeper understanding of Dr Cha’s life, revisiting the making of the heroes and heroines of his martial arts novels, and have a better appreciation of the imperative of the true heroism and patriotism in his masterpieces." Mr Lee said the most distinctive feature of Jin Yong's works is his strong patriotic sentiments. Dr Cha expressed in his novels that the characters are heroes not only because of their peerless martial arts capabilities, but also because of their patriotism, gallant and kind deeds, and that they take the well-being of ordinary people as their responsibility. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan (WHETO), Mr Franco Kwok, said that Jin Yong's novels have a unique relationship with Hubei Province. "Xiangyang has been renowned for 'The Giant Eagle and its Companion' and the 'Legend of Condor Heroes'. The people of Xiangyang spontaneously lighting candles around the ancient city wall in memory of Dr Cha when he passed away was very touching. The Wudang discipline on Mount Wudang, as famous as the Shaolin discipline, is the pillar to uphold justice in the world of martial arts. Jiangling in Jingzhou is the treasure hunt place of 'Liancheng Jue'. Therefore, it carries a lot of special significance to hold the first Jin Yong exhibition in the Mainland in Wuhan, Hubei," he said. With rich content, the Jin Yong exhibition is themed "The Great Hero serving the Country and the People", and showcases a number of exhibits, including Dr Cha's manuscripts, his chessboard, books, documents and photographs as well as a special edition of stamps themed "characters in Jin Yong novels" and other personal items of Dr Cha. The paintings of Ms Edna Cha, Dr Cha's daughter, the illustration of Jin Yong characters by the renowned illustrator, Lee Chi-ching, and the thematic sculptures created by Simon Ma, the famous Hong Kong artist, are also displayed at the exhibition. In addition, as side programmes, Jin Yong literature sharing sessions and "Jin Yong and films" screening sessions will be held during the exhibition. The Jin Yong exhibition is co-organised by WHETO, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the Hubei Provincial People’s Government and the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism It issolely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It is a key event for Hong Kong and Hubei, following the establishment of the Hubei/Hong Kong Co-operation Mechanism in November 2021 to further strengthen and promote cultural co-operation and exchanges between the two places, echoing the National 14th Five-Year Plan which clearly supports Hong Kong positioning itself as a hub for arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world. Mr Kwok expressed his special gratitude to Dr Cha's family members for their full support for the exhibition and for providing valuable exhibits. He also thanked the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Central Library, the Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Ming Ho Publications Corporation Limited, the HKMAO of the Wuhan Municipal People's Government, the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Hubei Provincial Library. Other officiating guests included the Director General of the HKMAO of the Hubei Provincial People's Government, Ms Zhang Xiao-mei; the Director of the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Mr Li Shu-yong; the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of Wuhan, Ms Lei Qing-ping; the Deputy Director of the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Ms Yang Jing; and the Director of the Hubei Provincial Library, Mr Liu Wei-cheng. Representatives of government departments, Hong Kong businesspeople and students, as well as local students in Hubei Province also attended the opening ceremony. The Jin Yong exhibition is open from September 9 to October 8 at the Hubei Provincial Library. Members of the public can scan the QR code of WHETO's WeChat for advance bookings. For details of the exhibition and related activities, please refer to the dedicated website: www.wheto.gov.hk/tc/hksar25/index.html . Ends/Friday, September 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:06 NNNN