A foreign student (left) learns martial arts from instructor Wang Chengkui (middle) in Mapeng village, Quzhou. [Photo/IC]

The Jin Yong Cultural and Art Week kicked off in Mapeng village, Shiliang town, Kecheng district, Quzhou on March 10, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the renowned martial arts writer.

Louis Cha Leung-yung (1924-2018), widely known by his pen name Jin Yong, shares a deep bond with Quzhou. In 1940, he pursued his studies at the Quzhou No. 1 High School.

"Louis Cha is our schoolmate. Through today's visit, I have gained a deeper understanding of his world of ancient Chinese chivalry," said Chen Xinlan, a student from the school.

Louis Cha's literary works reference Shiliang over 40 times, incorporating elements such as the "Shiliang School" and the "Thirteen Guardsmen Fist," originating from the town.

Visitors to Mapeng village are fully immersed in an interactive experience of Louis Cha's martial arts world, feeling as though they have stepped into the adventurous setting of ancient China, replete with sword fights and heroic deeds.

The event's goal is to evoke memories of Louis Cha's student life and experiences in Quzhou through themed activities such as park visits, sharing sessions, and creative workshops. It seeks to uphold Louis Cha's spirit of chivalry and enable visitors to intimately experience the unique allure of Louis Cha's martial arts culture.