CHINESE author Jin Yong has died at the age of 94.

The famed novelist passed away in Hong Kong today after suffering from a long illness, according to local media.

3 Chinese novelist Jin Yong has passed away aged 94 after a long illness Credit: MacLehose Press

His son-in-law, Dr Ng Wai-cheong, confirmed the tragic news to the South China Morning Post this morning.

Real name Louis Cha the former newspaper man was widely considered the grandfather of Chinese martial arts fiction.

His best known series of books was the Legends Of The Condor Heroes.

Most of his stories were set in the warlike society of the jianghu where martial artists roamed China trading blows and upholding honour.

3 The novelist, who was born Louis Cha, died this morning in a Hong Kong Hospital Credit: MacLehose Press

3 The literary titan sold more than 300 million copies of his books during his career Credit: MacLehose Press

In a glittering career he sold more than 300 million books worldwide making him one of China's best read authors.

His novels also inspired television series, movies and even video games in a glittering career.

Jin was born on the Chinese mainland but moved to Hong Kong in the 1950s.

After an early career as journalist he published his first novel The Book and the Sword in 1955.

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In 1959, he co-founded the Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao with his high school classmate Shen Baoxin.

He served as its editor-in-chief for years, writing both serialised novels and editorials.

The author was married three times during his life and had four children.