Best novels to learn Chinese
Reading Chinese novels is a great way to learn Chinese. You rapidly expand your vocabulary, and immerse yourself in the language. It can be hard to know what to read though, so in this blog we outline all our best recommendations!
Most novels will be at intermediate or advanced level, but we've included some great books for beginners here too!
Beginner Level (HSK 1-3)
At this stage, focus on graded readers or simple stories specifically designed for learners.
- Mandarin Companion Series: These are simplified versions of classic stories (like Sherlock Holmes or The Secret Garden) adapted for learners using limited HSK character sets, making them very accessible for beginners.
- Chinese Breeze Series: This series offers original short stories written specifically for different HSK levels, providing engaging plots with controlled vocabulary.
- Rainbow Bridge Graded Chinese Reader: This book series adapts myths, legends, and literary classics into simplified stories, categorized by HSK levels, offering rich cultural context alongside language practice.
Intermediate Level (HSK 4-5)
You can start tackling simpler native materials or more complex graded readers.
- 《活着》(Huózhe - To Live) by Yu Hua: This is a poignant modern classic that recounts the tumultuous events of 20th-century Chinese history through the eyes of one family. The language is relatively straightforward for native material.
- 《圈子圈套》(Quānzi Quāntào - Snares and Pitfalls) by Wang Qiang: If you're interested in modern business culture, this popular novel offers insights into the corporate world and is useful for learning contemporary vocabulary.
- Graded Reader versions of Wuxia novels: Wuxia, the genre of martial arts heroes and adventure in ancient China, is incredibly popular. While original texts can be dense, several publishers offer simplified Wuxia stories, allowing intermediate learners to experience the excitement of this genre without being overwhelmed.
Advanced Level (HSK 6+)
Dive into native novels! Choose genres you enjoy.
- 《三体》(Sān Tǐ - The Three-Body Problem) by Liu Cixin: This is a must-read for science fiction fans. It's an award-winning, thought-provoking novel with complex themes and vocabulary. There's also a popular Netflix adaptation you can watch alongside it for deeper immersion!
- 《围城》(Wéichéng - Fortress Besieged) by Qian Zhongshu: A witty and satirical classic set in the 1930s, this novel explores the lives of Chinese intellectuals with rich vocabulary and insightful cultural references.
- 《撒哈拉的故事》(Sāhālā de Gùshì - Stories of the Sahara) by Sanmao: Experience the author's life in the Sahara Desert through this beloved collection of autobiographical essays. It offers engaging storytelling with accessible contemporary language, perfect for advanced learners wanting a taste of modern Taiwanese literature.
How to learn by reading novels
Reading Chinese novels can be a time-consuming experience, especially if you buy a physical book. Looking up words and adding new vocab to your flashcards takes a long time. That's why we built Readly, which makes this effortless!
Just snap a picture of the page you are reading. Readly loads the text in-app, then you can translate, add words to flashcards, or ask AI questions about your text, all in a single tap! To learn more about how to read Chinese novels using Readly, we have a guide here.
You can try Readly for free on iOS or Android here:
