Wuxia

Wǔxiá (also Wu Xia) ({{zh-ts|t=武俠|s=武侠}}; pronounced "oo-shyah") literally meaning "martial arts chivalry" or "martial arts heroes", from Mandarin Chinese, is a distinct genre in Chinese literature and cinema. Wuxia figures prominently in the popular culture of all Chinese-speaking areas, and the most important writers have devoted followings.

Related Topics:
Mandarin Chinese - Genre - Chinese literature - Cinema

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The wuxia genre is confined and peculiar to Chinese culture, because it is a unique blend of the martial arts philosophy of xia (俠, "chivalry", "a chivalrous man or woman") developed down the centuries, as well as the country's long history in wushu. Samurai bushido traditions share some aspects with Chinese martial xia philosophy. Although the xia or "chivalry" concept is often translated as "knights", "chivalrous warriors" or "knights-errant", most xia aspects are so rooted in social and cultural milieu of ancient China that it is impossible to find an exact translation in the Western world.

Related Topics:
Chinese culture - Xia - Wushu - Samurai - Bushido

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