Chu Liuxiang is the fictional protagonist of the wuxia novel series Chu Liuxiang Series by Taiwanese writer Gu Long. His given name "Liuxiang" literally means "lingering fragrance". Nicknamed "Daoshuai" ("Bandit Chief") or "Xiangshuai" ("Chief Xiang"), he steals from the rich to help the poor and upholds justice in the jianghu (martial artists' community). He has been portrayed in numerous films and television series adapted from the novel series by notable actors such as Ti Lung, Adam Cheng, Michael Miu, Richie Ren, Ken Chu and Ken Chang.

Character description

Chu Liuxiang is a martial arts expert whose prowess in qinggong is one of the best – in the jianghu (martial artists' community). He wields a metal hand fan as his weapon and uses it only for self-defence. Despite his superb combat skills and impressive qinggong, one of his definitive traits is that he has never killed anyone in his whole life. Usually, he relies on his wit, experience and calm to solve mysteries and overcome enemies who are far more powerful than him. The identity of his martial arts master is unknown, and even the well-informed Shuimu Yinji could only deduce that he is an apprentice of Ye Di, a character from Daqi Yingxiong Zhuan, another of Gu Long's novels. Although his age is not mentioned in any of the novels, Chu Liuxiang is probably around 30 years old when the events of the novels take place. In Bianfu Chuanqi, his childhood friend, Hu Tiehua, is 33 years old. Chu Liuxiang is presumably around the same age as Hu Tiehua since they grew up together. Chu Liuxiang lives on a houseboat, called "Xiang's Pavilion", with three young beauties. They are the closest people to him apart from his best friends, Hu Tiehua and Ji Bingyan. They come from pitiful backgrounds and have been following Chu Liuxiang on his adventures since they were 11 or 12. The first, Su Rongrong, is kind and understanding and specialises in the art of disguise. The second, Li Hongxiu, is very clear and alert and has a good memory. The third one, Song Tian'er, is a good cook and is the most mischievous and adorable of the three. Chu Liuxiang also meets several other beautiful maidens on his adventures, such as Heizhenzhu, Shi Xiuyun , Hua Zhenzhen , Dong Sanniang and Xinyue. He eventually marries Zhang Jiejie, whom he meets in Taohua Chuanqi. A legendary and highly reputable figure in the jianghu, Chu Liuxiang has a wide network of friends, acquaintances and contacts. They include: Hu Tiehua, his childhood friend who has a penchant for alcoholic drinks; Ji Bingyan, who appears cold and indifferent but is actually very warm-hearted; Wuhua, a Buddhist monk who later turns out to be a villain; Zhongyuan Yidianhong , a powerful swordsman and contract killer; Zuo Qinghou , the hospitable master of Cup-Throwing Manor; "Swift Net" Zhang San , a marine expert and excellent chef of grilled fish.

Novels

Chu Liuxiang Chuanqi

Xuehai Piaoxiang Da Shamo Huameiniao

Chu Liuxiang Xinzhuan

Bianfu Chuanqi Guilian Xiaqing ; alternatively known as Guilian Chuanqi and Jieshi Huanhun Taohua Chuanqi Xinyue Chuanqi Wuye Lanhua

Adaptations

Films

Television

Video games