Huang Yi (黄易, 1952–2017) was one of the most innovative wuxia authors of the late 20th century, known for blending traditional martial arts fiction with science fiction, historical fantasy, and time travel.
Innovations
Huang Yi broke new ground by introducing science fiction elements into wuxia — a genre that had been largely rooted in historical or pseudo-historical settings. His works feature time travel, alternate histories, and speculative technology alongside traditional martial arts and jianghu politics.
He also pioneered the “historical fantasy” sub-genre in Chinese popular fiction, weaving real historical events and figures into elaborate fictional narratives that often span hundreds of chapters.
Major series
Xun Qin Ji (寻秦记)
Huang Yi’s most famous work — a time travel novel about a modern Chinese special forces soldier transported to the Warring States period. Widely considered one of the finest Chinese time travel novels.
- Xun Qin Ji 《寻秦记》 — 25 volumes Adapted into the 2001 TVB series starring Louis Koo, one of the most popular Hong Kong time travel dramas.
Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan (大唐双龙传)
An epic saga set during the fall of the Sui Dynasty, following two orphan brothers who become martial artists and influence the founding of the Tang Dynasty.
- Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan 《大唐双龙传》 — 63 volumes Adapted into the 2004 TV series starring Raymond Lam and Wu Yue.
Fu Yu Fan (覆雨翻云)
Set during the early Ming Dynasty, following martial artists navigating political upheaval and the transition from Yuan to Ming rule.
- Fu Yu Fan 《覆雨翻云》 — 30 volumes
Bian Huan Zhuan (边荒传说)
A sprawling epic set during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, featuring a diverse cast of warriors, strategists, and politicians.
- Bian Huan Zhuan 《边荒传说》 — 42 volumes Huang Yi’s longest single work.
Ling Du Zhuan (灵渡传)
- Ling Du Zhuan 《灵渡传》
Sun Yue Ling Jian (日月凌空)
- Sun Yue Ling Jian 《日月凌空》
Yuet Zhi Ge Wu (月之故乡)
- Yuet Zhi Ge Wu 《月之故乡》
Complete works
| Title | Chinese | Volumes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xun Qin Ji | 寻秦记 | 25 | Time travel masterpiece |
| Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan | 大唐双龙传 | 63 | Epic historical fantasy |
| Fu Yu Fan | 覆雨翻云 | 30 | Early Ming Dynasty setting |
| Bian Huan Zhuan | 边荒传说 | 42 | Longest single work |
| Ling Du Zhuan | 灵渡传 | — | |
| Sun Yue Ling Jian | 日月凌空 | — | |
| Yuet Zhi Ge Wu | 月之故乡 | — | |
| Huan Mo Zhi Ge | 幻魔之歌 | — | |
| Sheng Nu Zhi Zhan | 圣女之战 | — | |
| Yi Dao Chuan Qi | 异刀传奇 | — |
Adaptations
- A Step into the Past (2001) — TVB series based on Xun Qin Ji, starring Louis Koo
- Twin of Brothers (2004) — TV series based on Da Tang Shuang Long Zhuan
- Master of Destiny (2015) — TV series adaptation
- Multiple video game adaptations
See also
- Huang Yi — Author biography
- Jin Yong — Jin Yong’s novels
- Gu Long — Gu Long’s novels
- Wen Ruian — Wen Ruian’s novels