Published on: 2026-10-31
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“To those who want to get acquainted with Chinese literature, I would advise starting with internet literature, specifically the fantasy genre,” says 17-year-old reader Anastasia from the city of Balabanovo (Russia).
Anastasia shares her own experience of getting acquainted with Chinese literature. For a long time, she wanted to read the classic Chinese novel “Dream of the Red Chamber,” but at first it was difficult for her. As Chinese internet novels are becoming increasingly popular in Russia, Anastasia started reading the internet novels “Legend of Fuyao” and “The Rise of Phoenixes.” She was drawn to the mythological motifs in these books, and out of interest in them, she took up the collection “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” (“Liao Zhai Zhi Yi”) by Pu Songling. Now Anastasia has returned to “Dream of the Red Chamber” — and notices that the novel now reads much more easily. She sincerely admires the depth of traditional Chinese culture reflected in this work.
Like Anastasia, many Russian readers, having started with Chinese internet novels, gradually become familiar with Chinese mythology, history, and philosophy, and then turn their attention to classical, modern, and contemporary Chinese works.
“Demand has unexpectedly increased. Chinese literature has turned from a niche interest into a real hit,” Russian publisher Freedom’s chief editor Maria Rudneva told journalists. “Practice shows that readers need these works; they are genuinely interested in discovering new internet novels.”
According to Rudneva, the interest of Russian readers in Chinese fiction has developed gradually. Fantasy novels, combining elements of romance, adventure, and traditional culture, gained popularity thanks to screen adaptations and other means, attracting many readers who previously might not have been interested in Chinese fiction. Today, more and more readers who have loved a Chinese TV series, cartoon, or film turn to the novels on which they are based.
Rudneva noted that after reading the novel, readers might become interested in the cultural factors underlying it, begin exploring historical plots, cultural symbols, and literary traditions, which, in turn, will open the door to the world of Chinese culture for them.
In China, internet novels are most often published chapter by chapter on digital internet platforms, whereas in Russia they are mainly presented to readers as printed books. Currently, Chinese internet novels are already available on the shelves of the well-known Russian bookstore chain “Chitai-gorod.” According to statistics, from January to September 2026, this chain sold a total of 86 thousand copies of Chinese books, including internet novels.
At the recently held 39th Moscow International Book Fair, China was the guest of honor, and the Chinese booth attracted the attention of many Russian readers. Xie Xiaocheng, director of the International Exhibition Center of the China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Corporation (CNPIEC), noted that Russian readers showed great interest in Chinese internet literature, particularly internet novels, as well as the traditional Chinese culture underlying them.
Chinese writer Tianxia Guiyuan, who recently met with readers in Moscow, noted that Russian readers are interested not only in the plot development but also in the cultural features underlying the characters’ actions, which helps them better understand the traditions and concepts reflected in Chinese literature.
“Thanks to books, we have become neighbors in spirit, and Russian readers have developed a strong desire to get to know this neighbor better. For me, this is the most valuable thing,” said Tiansya Guiyuan.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the information source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.