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A large number of visitors take part in the exhibition commemorating the centenary of Jin Yong's birth, which commenced in Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/cyol.com]

On March 10, an exhibition commemorating the centenary of Jin Yong's birth commenced at the Kangqiao 1924 Chinese Silk Cultural and Creative Park in Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province.

Louis Cha Leung-yung, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, was born in Yuanhua town, Haining, on March 10, 1924. Renowned for his martial arts novels, he has expressed a deep longing for his hometown, visiting six times between 1992 and 2008.

The exhibition, part of a series of activities in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Jin's birth, showcases over 800 precious items, including manuscripts, photographs, books, calligraphy, and digital exhibits, making it the most comprehensive collection of Jin's archival materials to date.

Featured exhibits include the serialized manuscript of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer and the gifted manuscript of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. Contributions from Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao Media Group and Ming Pao Group add depth to the exhibition with original articles spanning from 1948 to 2009.

Notably, Hong Kong artist Lei Chi-ching's creation, the Haining Tidal Viewing Map, captures Jin's creative genesis and his emotional connection to his hometown through the lens of his literary world.

Preparation for the exhibition received widespread support from schools, archives, media, and individuals across Jiaxing, Hangzhou, Quzhou, Suzhou, and Hong Kong, resulting in the collection of over 1,200 archival materials related to Jin.