As overseas readers look beyond traditional images of China and seek stories that reflect its contemporary culture, history and imagination, Chinese genre fiction is finding growing opportunities on the international stage.
That trend was in focus at a literary promotion event held on May 28 at Beijing International Bookstore, where writers, publishers, translators, scholars and industry professionals from more than 20 countries and regions gathered in person or online to discuss the global prospects of Chinese historical fantasy, online literature, mystery and suspense fiction.
Co-organized by the China Writers Association and the China International Book Trading Corporation, the event featured discussions on "Historical Imagination and Eastern Fantasy" and "Mystery Narratives and the Enigma of Human Nature."
In the online literature session, writers including Ma Boyong, Tang Jia San Shao and I Eat Tomatoes joined discussions on the growing influence of Chinese web novels abroad. Works such as Lord of the Mysteries and Joy of Life have attracted significant international attention in recent years, demonstrating the appeal of Chinese storytelling.
Wang Zhixiang, deputy director of the China Writers Association's Online Literature Center, said traditional cultural resources are being revitalized through contemporary narratives, helping overseas readers gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture.
Tao Yunfei, head of publishing operations at Yuewen Group, said the overseas spread of Chinese online literature has evolved into a complete ecosystem spanning literature, film, animation, games and multilingual publishing. The industry hopes to promote a model of "Chinese storytelling, global cocreation."
Charles-Emmanuel Dewees, co-founder of the French online literature platform Chireads, said what most captivates international readers is the authenticity of the characters and the creativity of the authors. "Online literature has become a universal language connecting readers from different countries and cultures," he said.
In a video address, screenwriter Richard Krevolin said Chinese online literature's rich historical imagination and adventurous spirit provide abundant material for global publishing and screen adaptations. "Literary works serve as an important bridge for cultural exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations," he said.
On the mystery and suspense side, Xie Gang, founder of Midnight Library — China's first mystery-fiction imprint — traced the genre's evolution over two decades from a niche market to a mature literary category. Scholar Zhang Yifei of Beijing Normal University said contemporary Chinese mystery fiction blends traditional legal case narratives with modern detective fiction, developing a style that combines Chinese cultural characteristics with universal appeal.
International publishing professionals expressed enthusiasm. Best-selling author Douglas Preston said Chinese crime and suspense novels are attracting growing attention in Europe and North America. Tom Chalmers, managing director of British publishing group Legend Times, said stronger international partnerships could help bring more Chinese titles to readers worldwide.
Zheng Lei of the China Writers Association's International Department said genre fiction has become one of the brightest areas in the overseas promotion of contemporary Chinese literature.