Designed to Feel by Peter Burchardt
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
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Literary Canon

Best Books from China

Chinese literature stretches back three millennia, from the Confucian classics and the Tang poets through the great vernacular novels of the Ming dynasty — Dream of the Red Chamber, Journey to the West, Water Margin — to the 20th century's convulsions of modernisation, revolution, and repression. Mo Yan's Nobel Prize in 2012 brought international attention to a tradition that had been reshaping itself through censorship and exile since 1949. Contemporary Chinese-language fiction — by writers from the mainland, Taiwan, and the diaspora — is among the most formally various and politically charged in the world.

#1
Cover of Waiting
literary-fiction

Waiting

Ha Jin· 1999
★National Book Award
Editorial Score67/100
#2
Cover of The Three-Body Problem
science-fiction

The Three-Body Problem

Liu Cixin· 2015
★Hugo Award
Editorial Score62/100
#3
Cover of A Q zheng zhuan
politics-society

A Q zheng zhuan

Lu Xun· 1926
Library Journal
Editorial Score35/100
#4
Cover of Shifu, you'll do anything for a laugh
short-stories

Shifu, you'll do anything for a laugh

Mo Yan· 2001
Library Journal
Editorial Score30/100
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Your Evolutionary Guide to Joy, Purpose, and Lasting Well-Being
Happiness isn’t a destination — it’s a blueprint written in your DNA.
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Genres

Literary Fiction1Historical Fiction1Science Fiction1Politics & Society1Short Stories1

Notable Authors

Ha Jin1 bookLiu Cixin1 book

China Literature — FAQ

What are the best books from China?

The top-ranked books from China include Waiting, The Three-Body Problem, A Q zheng zhuan — all highly scored by international editorial consensus.

Which China authors have won the Nobel Prize in Literature?

China has produced several Nobel Prize laureates. Our rankings highlight these winners alongside other critically acclaimed authors from the country.

How many books from China are ranked on 50 Best Books?

We currently rank 4 books from China, spanning fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and more.

What literary traditions is China known for?

China's literary tradition includes Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction — genres where the country has produced world-class authors.

Where can I read more about China literature?

Explore our dedicated guide at /best-books-in/china for a comprehensive overview of China's literary landscape, key authors, and recommended reading order.