Question about 'Hero of Swallow' (1995)

[DrNgor]

So the Chinese title for Hero of Swallow is 神偷燕子李三 (pinyin Shéntōu yànzi lǐ sān). The translation is "Thief Swallow Li San" (Li San refers to the name of Yuen Biao's character).

In 1972, there was a movie called Chivalrous Robber Lee San (aka Fury of Shaolin Fist).  The Chinese title is 燕子李三 (pinyin Yànzi lǐ sān), or "Swallow Li San". 

I believe we can assume that both films refer to the same character.

Question: Where does Li San hail from? Was he a folk hero who [might or might not have] actually existed? Is he a character from a popular old novel that gets adapted to screen from time to time?

[ShawAngela]

I just found this, I haven't read it as yet, but it seems that Li San is a real character.

https://daydaynews.cc/en/history/amp/295282.html

[Chu Liu Hsiang]

"The Royal Gazette and Colonist Daily" February 12, 1935

[DrNgor]

Thanks, @ShawAngela and @Chu Liu Hsiang! That was some great information the two of you provided.