Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed condolences over the passing of renowned martial arts writer Louis Cha Leung-yung, popularly known as Jin Yong, according to the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Xi also extended condolences to his bereaved family members. 

Jin Yong, China's most celebrated martial arts novelist and essayist, died on Tuesday at 94 in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital after a prolonged illness.