In my dual-time odyssey series (Echoes over Stormy Sea, Thunders over Idle Land, and Rebellion in Heaven (to be released in 2026), Kung Fu plays an important role. Some readers who are not familiar with Kung Fu novels asked me: Are they fantasy?
Kung Fu novels, often known as wuxia (武侠) novels in Chinese literature, frequently contain fantasy elements, but they are not pure fantasy in the sense of Tolkien or high fantasy genres. Instead, they belong to a genre of Chinese fiction focusing on martial artists (侠, “xia”) set in historical or quasi-historical China. The protagonists often follow a chivalric code, living outside normal society, and mastering martial arts (武, “wu”).
Examples include works by Jin Yong (Louis Cha) and Gu Long, many of whose books have been adapted into movies. Perhaps the most well-known Kung-fu story is “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” directed by Ang Lee. Released in 2000, the film brought global attention to the genre with its elegant choreography, breathtaking cinematography, and complex characters. Other iconic Kung-fu and wuxia films include Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon,” Jackie Chan’s “Drunken Master,” and Zhang Yimou’s stunning epics like “Hero” and “House of Flying Daggers.” These works, whether in film or literature, exemplify the enduring appeal and cultural significance of martial arts storytelling in Chinese popular culture and its influence worldwide.
Are They Fantasy?
Kung-fu novels often feature elements that can be considered fantastical, including:
- Superhuman martial arts abilities: Characters leap over rooftops, deflect arrows, or kill at a distance with their inner power (qi).
- Secret manuals, poisons, and mystical medicines.
- Semi-mythological settings and legendary sects.
However, these novels usually do not feature gods, elves, or classical Western “fantasy races”. The world remains recognizably human and often sticks to historical or pseudo-historical settings.
Although most kung fu novels are not pure fantasy, they can be considered a subgenre of fantasy because of their fantasy-like elements. Perhaps “magical realism” is a more suitable term to describe them.
Dr. Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.
She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.
In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she’s active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.
The Minnesota Anoka County Library has chosen her as a 2025 Featured Author. One of her books, Echoes over Stormy Sea, won several awards, including being chosen by readers as a winner in the HOLT Medallion Contest.
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