Online Literature – A Cultural Bridge Between China and the World
Chinese online literature, once a niche form of entertainment, is now becoming a cultural bridge between China and the world. Thanks to adaptations in film, animation, and gaming, millions of international readers are discovering modern China through vivid and emotional stories. This was reported by People's Daily.
According to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the overseas market for Chinese online literature exceeded 5 billion yuan ($695 million) in 2024, encompassing more than 460,000 authors and over 350 million readers across more than 200 countries and regions.
In France, Canada, South Korea, and other countries, web novels inspire readers not only to explore Chinese culture but also to engage in translations and culinary experiments. For example, in Cannes, a mother made “ice-skin baozi” based on a description from the fantasy novel Release That Witch, while in Quebec, a kindergarten teacher translates her favorite books into French.
“Chinese online literature touches on real emotions and moral values,” said Charles Dewees, head of Chireads, the largest French-speaking community for Chinese novel translations. The platform attracts about one million active users per month, mainly from France, Belgium, and Canada.
In South Korea, Chinese literature has become popular thanks to TV adaptations. Translator Park Nu Lee noted that many viewers return to the original works after watching the series. “This cycle is a distinctive feature of Chinese literature,” she said.
Bangladeshi student Andeez Ziauddin, who has been reading Chinese novels since childhood, believes that themes of perseverance, destiny, and justice resonate deeply with South Asian audiences.
According to experts, the genre diversity — ranging from fantasy and martial arts to science fiction and romance — makes Chinese online literature universally appealing.
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