The most recommended books about China

Who picked these books? Meet our 475 experts.

475 authors created a book list connected to China, and here are their favorite China books.
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Book cover of These Violent Delights

Lori Alden Holuta Author Of The Flight to Brassbright

From my list on teenage authors.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I was nine years old, my first poem was ‘published’ in my elementary school’s annual creative writing booklet. It was such a thrill to see my poem in print and to know lots of people would be reading it. I was hooked on writing, but it would be many, many years before I was published again. While I know it’s never too late to publish a book, I regret how long I waited. Young writers, don’t be afraid to go for it and don’t ever feel you’re not old enough for your words to matter. Readers need your unique, fresh vision.

Lori's book list on teenage authors

Lori Alden Holuta Why did Lori love this book?

I enjoy a new twist on an old story. Nineteen-year-old author Chloe Gong twisted Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet so tightly that it bled out an intense new version set in 1920s Shanghai. The sweet, tragic innocence of Shakespeare’s young lovers is chucked out the window in favor of two former sweethearts teaming up long after their days of young love are over.

I enjoy Gong’s writing style; her words practically jump off the page straight into my eyeballs. Gangsters? Blood feuds? Monsters? Yes, please! 

By Chloe Gong,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked These Violent Delights as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

'A deliciously dark twist on Romeo and Juliet' Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire

In glittering Shanghai, a monster awakens . . .

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city in chaos.

Juliette Cai is the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang - a network of criminals far above the law.

Roma Montagov is the prodigal son of her greatest rivals, the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. He is also Juliette's…


Book cover of The Rebellion Engines

Caroline Linden Author Of About a Rogue

From my list on historical romances starring independent women.

Why am I passionate about this?

It is a truth almost universally accepted that historically women had no way to support themselves except marriage…but it’s not true! I’m all-in on Happily-Ever-After, of course, but I absolutely love it when a heroine is smart, sensible, and able to support herself on her own. When she falls for someone, it’s got to be for real because she’s not afraid to take charge of her own life and make her own way, despite whatever obstacles are thrown at her. 

Caroline's book list on historical romances starring independent women

Caroline Linden Why did Caroline love this book?

This is about a mathematics prodigy in a steampunk version of 19th century China, who wants to study at the Imperial Academy in Peking….except that she’s a young woman and not allowed to enroll in the all-male academy. Needless to say, this does not stop Anlei, who disguises herself as a man, scores top marks on the exam, and falls in love with one of her fellow students at the same time. Brilliantly lush writing, inventive world-building, and a mathematical romance to make my nerdy heart sing.

By Jeannie Lin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Rebellion Engines as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

War looms on the horizon. Can a young woman caught between family and country keep her loved ones alive?

China, 1853. Jin Soling's divided loyalties rest on a knife's edge. Paired with Chen Chang-wei, her former betrothed, Soling works as a physician in a secret factory building automatons to march on the empire's battleground cities. Though Soling and Chang-wei's bond has grown stronger, the strain of serving a country in turmoil threatens to tear them apart.

From a dangerous smuggling run in pirate-infested waters to a dramatic confrontation in the winding streets of Shanghai, Soling learns that the greatest danger…


Book cover of Monkey King: Journey to the West

Sylvia Vetta Author Of Brushstrokes in Time

From my list on the heart and soul of China.

Why am I passionate about this?

I studied modern Chinese history so, when Qu Leilei told me the story of the Stars Art Movement, I couldn’t understand why I hadn't heard their courageous story. I spent three years interviewing Qu Leilei, researching and visiting China with him before writing the Stars story as a historical novel. I am a freelance writer, author, and speaker.

Sylvia's book list on the heart and soul of China

Sylvia Vetta Why did Sylvia love this book?

In addition to the novel's comedy and adventure, it has been enjoyed for its biting satire of society and Chinese bureaucracy and for its allegorical presentation of human striving and perseverance. Just as the stories of ancient Greece have left their mark on Western culture, so too do their traditional myths and legends deeply resonate in China. Monkey and Pigsy delight but they are accompanying Tang Sanzang who is based on the Buddhist monk Xuanzang ( 602-664CE) who travelled to India in the seventh century. I’m biased because I also use him in my Oxford /India novel Sculpting the Elephant but there is something of the modern superhero stories about Journey to the West. 

By Wu Cheng’en, Julia Lovell (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Monkey King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

One of the world's greatest fantasy novels and a rollicking classic of Chinese literature, in a sparkling new translation and published in a Clothbound Classics edition.

A shape-shifting trickster on a kung-fu quest for eternal life, Monkey King is one of the most memorable superheroes in world literature. High-spirited and omni-talented, he can transform himself into whatever he chooses and turn each of his body's 84,000 hairs into an army of clones. But his penchant for mischief repeatedly gets him into trouble, and when he raids Heaven's Orchard of Immortal Peaches, the Buddha pins him beneath a mountain. Five hundred…


Book cover of When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain

Samara Breger Author Of A Long Time Dead

From my list on queer monsters who need a little kiss.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a writer and performer born and raised in New York City. In my previous life, I was an Emmy-nominated journalist and digital media producer, covering sexual and reproductive health. In addition to writing, I love musical improv, opera, Olympic weightlifting, and spending time with my wife and dog.

Samara's book list on queer monsters who need a little kiss

Samara Breger Why did Samara love this book?

One appeal of falling in love with a monster is the knowledge that a creature more than capable of killing you has chosen to cherish you instead.

The tigers in this book are dangerous, as both Dieu, paramour of tiger Ho Thi Thau, and Chih, a cleric anxiously telling Dieu and Ho Thi Thau’s story to a trio of hungry tigers can attest. Luckily for Dieu, Ho Thi Thau finds her more interesting than appetizing, with the romantic impulse to see each of her moods—anger and joy and frustration—knowing she will adore them all.

While there may be quibbles over the details of the story, it is safe to say that tigers and humans alike will agree that Ho Thi Thau deserves a little kiss, and that Dieu is just the woman to deliver it.

By Nghi Vo,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From Locus and Ignyte finalist, Crawford Award winner, and bestselling author Nghi Vo comes the second installment in a Hugo Award-winning series

"A stunning gem of a novella that explores the complexity and layers of storytelling and celebrates the wonder of queer love. I could read about Chih recording tales forever."―Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree

"Nghi Vo is one of the most original writers we have today."―Taylor Jenkins Reid on Siren Queen

The cleric Chih finds themself and their companions at the mercy of a band of fierce tigers who ache…


Book cover of A Bond Undone

Alice Poon Author Of The Heavenly Sword

From my list on wuxia/xianxia fantasy books with strong-willed and free-spirited female leads.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for Chinese history took root when I began reading Jin Yong’s wuxia novels, which are all steeped in Chinese historical background. My fiction writing career began with historical fiction based on Chinese history. Through my earlier research work, I discovered that Chinese historians have always given short shrift to the influence of women on cultural, political, and social developments throughout the ages. That led me to decide to center my writing around inspiring Chinese female historical figures. After publishing The Green Phoenix and Tales of Ming Courtesans, I branched out to write wuxia fantasy novels, but with the same objective of featuring admirable female historical/fictional characters.

Alice's book list on wuxia/xianxia fantasy books with strong-willed and free-spirited female leads

Alice Poon Why did Alice love this book?

The carefree Lotus Huang comes into her own in this volume as she charms her way with wiles through problems and obstacles she and Guo Jing encounter as a couple, including two girls to whom Guo Jing is betrothed against his will. She is not as frivolous as she appears, and she always watches bumbling Guo Jing’s back.

This is the second English volume in Legends of the Condor Heroes, which is a popular novel by Jin Yong that I had read in Chinese as a child and which I recently re-read and still loved. I picked out this volume mainly because I adored the translation of one poetic passage describing the hallucinating “Ode to the Billowing Tide” flute melody played by Apothecary Huang. 

By Jin Yong, Gigi Chang (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Bond Undone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Bond Undone is the second book in Jin Yong's epic Chinese classic and phenomenon Legends of Condor Heroes, published in the US for the first time!

In the Jin capital of Zhongdu, Guo Jing learns the truth of his father’s death and finds he is now betrothed, against his will, to two women. Neither of them is his sweetheart Lotus Huang.

Torn between following his heart and fulfilling his filial duty, Guo Jing journeys through the country of his parents with Lotus, encountering mysterious martial heroes and becoming drawn into the struggle for the supreme martial text, the Nine…


Book cover of He Who Drowned the World

Eleanor Glewwe Author Of Sparkers

From Eleanor's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Linguist Musician Folk dancer Professor Speculative fiction reader

Eleanor's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Eleanor Glewwe Why did Eleanor love this book?

This is the second and final volume in Parker-Chan’s breathtaking Radiant Emperor duology.

I love the alternate, 14th-century China setting and the fact that, while this is a fantasy, the focus is much more on the characters’ emotions, inner lives, and relationships than on the speculative elements. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of high-stakes plot developments, because there are!

But each character’s arc is a detailed study of how past suffering can set people on horribly destructive paths. Some of these characters cannot help hurting themselves in their commitment to achieving things they’d probably be better off letting go of.

The ways in which their paths cross make for incredibly interesting character dynamics. This novel is engrossing and gorgeously written.

By Shelley Parker-Chan,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked He Who Drowned the World as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The sequel and series conclusion to She Who Became the Sun, the accomplished, poetic debut of war and destiny, sweeping across an epic alternate China. Mulan meets The Song of Achilles.

How much would you give to win the world?

Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.

But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions. Her neighbor in the south, the courtesan Madam Zhang, wants the throne for her husband―and she’s strong…


Book cover of The Husky and His White Cat Shizun Vol. 1

Alice Poon Author Of The Heavenly Sword

From Alice's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Storyteller Reader Wuxia fiction nut Chinese history fan Chinese mythology fan

Alice's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Alice Poon Why did Alice love this book?

On the surface, the novel is basically a tale of personal vendetta a sect disciple takes up against his master, whom he deems impossibly haughty and cruel. But in reality, it is a xianxia (Daoist cultivation) story with a sensual twist centered on the tortured gay romance between a morally gray disciple and his sorely misunderstood cultivation master.

Emotions of jealousy, rage, thwarted desire, hatred, and addiction run deep throughout the story. It’s a type of story that’s meant to unsettle your soul, and it did have that effect on me. The portrayal of the lead couple Mo Ran and Chu Wanning, is done with exceptional brilliance. The novel left me pining for more.

By Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou, St (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Husky and His White Cat Shizun Vol. 1 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Also known as 2ha, the wildly popular danmei/Boys' Love novel series from China that inspired a multimedia franchise!

A historical fantasy epic about a tyrant's second chance at life and the powerful cultivation teacher he can't get out of his mind.

Massacring his way to the top to become emperor of the cultivation world, Mo Ran's cruel reign left him with little satisfaction. Now, upon suffering his greatest loss, he takes his own life...

To his surprise, Mo Ran awakens in his own body at age sixteen, years before he ever began his bloody conquests. Now, as a novice disciple…


Book cover of The Good, The Bad and The History

L. Darby Gibbs Author Of Dragon-Eyed Dream

From L.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Romantic Wordsmith Tandem rider Devourer of books Devotee of fitness

L.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023

L. Darby Gibbs Why did L. love this book?

The St. Mary’s series is an outstanding time travel series that drags a reader willingly through hill and dale, fire and flood, laughter, and tears, often concurrently.

This fourteenth book in the series is no different. Maxwell and her adventures through time and trouble make me giggle and grip my seat. I’m certain she’s coming to the last of her repeated nine lives. Somehow, she makes landing in excrement, on fire or not, the just right approach to survival and victory, even when it frequently comes with profound loss. Any book that can make my heart race with worry and laugh at the same time is worth a read, more than once.

By Jodi Taylor,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Good, The Bad and The History as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

BOOK 14 IN THE CHRONICLES OF ST MARY'S SERIES, FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER JODI TAYLOR.



'Brilliant, hilarious, keeps you on your toes' Reader review
'The characters make me come back time and time again' Reader review
'I have not found another author who can tell a story involving time travel as well' Reader review



St Mary's is under investigation. Their director has been shot and Max is Number One Suspect. Can things get any worse? We all know the answer to that one.

Max needs to get away - fast - and a Brilliant Idea soon leads her to a…


Book cover of A Hero Born

Laurie Dennis Author Of The Lacquered Talisman

From my list on entering the world of imperial China.

Why am I passionate about this?

My background is in journalism, and I have traveled widely in China, including visits to Fengyang, Anhui Province, and other sites important to the Ming founding, though I currently reside in Wisconsin. The Lacquered Talisman is the first in a planned series on the Ming founding, one of the most thrilling and dramatic dynastic transitions in China’s long history. I became addicted long ago to this 14th-century tale, in part because it is such a key moment in Chinese history and yet is so unknown in the English-speaking world. Since I write historical fiction, I have curated a list of both history and fiction about imperial China for you to enjoy.

Laurie's book list on entering the world of imperial China

Laurie Dennis Why did Laurie love this book?

Jin Yong’s characters move in the gritty village lanes or wander China’s remote mountains, seeking vengeance, escaping persecution, forming alliances. The launch of a martial arts series, A Hero Born was first serialized in a Hong Kong newspaper in the 1950s and is about a young hero who ends up in the Mongol camp of the future Genghis Khan. It’s a thrilling read and proved an immediate sensation, spawning movies, video games, comic books, etc.  Holmgren’s new translation offers a window into the gallant world of martial men and women who will fight to the death to defend their honor. It also gives a Chinese perspective on the rise of the Mongols.

By Jin Yong, Anna Holmwood (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Hero Born as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE CHINESE "LORD OF THE RINGS" - NOW IN ENGLISH FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THE SERIES EVERY CHINESE READER HAS BEEN ENJOYING FOR DECADES - 300 MILLION COPIES SOLD.
.
ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST FANTASY NOVELS OF ALL TIME.

"Jin Yong's work, in the Chinese-speaking world, has a cultural currency roughly equal to that of "Harry Potter" and "Star Wars" combined" Nick Frisch, New Yorker

"Like every fairy tale you're ever loved, imbued with jokes and epic grandeur. Prepare to be swept along." Jamie Buxton, Daily Mail

China: 1200 A.D.

The Song Empire has been invaded by its…


Book cover of Babel

J. Anthony Allen Author Of Before You Write a Note

From J.'s 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Musician Entrepreneur Educator Runner Professor

J.'s 3 favorite reads in 2024

J. Anthony Allen Why did J. love this book?

Babel was a very different kind of book. It's kind of like Harry Potter, but instead of a school for magic, they are all actually at Oxford studying languages. And instead of becoming wizards they become sort of ninja-linguists that can build explosives through congnates. So I guess it's nothing like Harry Potter. But it was a really fun ride.

By R. F. Kuang,

Why should I read it?

23 authors picked Babel as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE #2 SUNDAY TIMES AND #1 NYT BESTSELLER

'One for Philip Pullman fans'
THE TIMES

'An ingenious fantasy about empire'
GUARDIAN

'Fans of THE SECRET HISTORY, this one is an automatic buy'
GLAMOUR

'Ambitious, sweeping and epic'
EVENING STANDARD

Traduttore, traditore: An act of translation is always an act of betrayal.

Oxford, 1836.

The city of dreaming spires.

It is the centre of all knowledge and progress in the world.

And at its centre is Babel, the Royal Institute of Translation. The tower from which all the power of the Empire flows.

Orphaned in Canton and brought to England by…


Book cover of These Violent Delights
Book cover of The Rebellion Engines
Book cover of Monkey King: Journey to the West

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