Chinese Web Novels: 10 Authors and Their Bestselling Works

The world of Chinese web novels has exploded in popularity over the past two decades, creating a vast and dynamic literary ecosystem. Within this landscape, countless talented Chinese authors have emerged, captivating readers with their imaginative stories. Many of these works have transcended the digital realm, becoming successful adaptations in film, animation, and games, deeply impacting mainstream culture.

This article highlights ten of the most influential authors in the Chinese web novel scene, individuals who have either pioneered new genres, constructed expansive and immersive worldviews, or touched the hearts of countless readers with their profound storytelling. Let’s delve into the works of these literary giants and explore some of their most celebrated masterpieces, from epic cultivation stories to intricate isekai books.

Tang Jia San Shao (唐家三少)

Tang Jia San Shao is a legendary figure in the history of online literature, renowned for his prolific output, consistency, and dedication. His “Douluo Dalu” (Soul Land) series, with its well-developed world-building and rich cast of characters, has become a cornerstone of many readers’ formative years. This series isn’t just a classic web novel; it has also achieved immense success through its adaptations into animation, comics, and games, demonstrating the power of a successful IP.

Representative Works:

• Douluo Dalu (斗罗大陆): The first book in the sprawling “Soul Land” universe.
• Douluo Dalu 2: The Unrivaled Tang Sect (斗罗大陆II绝世唐门): The direct sequel, expanding the world and its power systems.
• Douluo Dalu 3: The Legend of the Dragon King (斗罗大陆III龙王传说): The third major installment in the series.

I Eat Tomatoes (我吃西红柿)

I Eat Tomatoes is a leading figure in the xuanhuan (high fantasy) genre. His works are characterized by grand cosmic settings, rigorous cultivation systems, and exhilarating fight sequences. Readers are drawn into the epic journeys of his protagonists as they ascend from humble beginnings to become the strongest beings in the universe. His novels, including the famous Coiling Dragon, have defined the genre for many.

Representative Works:

• Coiling Dragon (盘龙): A classic in the genre, following a young noble’s quest for power.
• Stellar Transformations (星辰变): An epic tale of a disabled young man who defies fate.
• Swallowed Star (吞噬星空): A sci-fi xuanhuan novel set in a futuristic Earth facing cosmic threats.

Tiancan Tudou (天蚕土豆)

Tiancan Tudou rose to fame with his novel Battle Through the Heavens, a story that resonated deeply with readers through its theme of perseverance and the famous line, “Don’t underestimate a youth’s ambition.” His works are known for their fast-paced narratives, frequent climaxes, and compelling portrayals of protagonists overcoming adversity, making them highly popular among younger audiences.

Representative Works:

• Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹): A true classic of the underdog hero genre.
• Wu Dong Qian Kun (武动乾坤): An action-packed novel about a young man’s journey to become a master martial artist.
• The Great Ruler (大主宰): The third installment in a shared universe with his other popular works.

Chen Dong (辰东)

Chen Dong is celebrated for his unique storytelling style, often involving intricate plot threads and a masterful way of building suspense and revealing mysteries. His works typically feature vast and enigmatic worlds, seamlessly blending mythology, xuanhuan, and xianxia elements. Covering the Sky and Perfect World form the core of his acclaimed trilogy, establishing him as a leading figure in the xianxia novels genre.

Representative Works:

• Covering the Sky (遮天): A landmark novel where a group of students is transported to another world.
• Perfect World (完美世界): A prequel to Covering the Sky, detailing the journey of a legendary figure.
• Shrouding the Heavens (圣墟): The third book in the epic trilogy.

Mao Ni (猫腻)

Mao Ni’s works stand out for their refined prose, profound thematic exploration, and captivating plots. Joy of Life, in particular, achieved mainstream success with its adaptation into a critically acclaimed television series, showcasing its intricate political maneuvering and insightful examination of human nature. His novels are considered to possess a higher level of literary merit within the web novel sphere.

Representative Works:

• Joy of Life (庆余年): A brilliant tale of a man with modern memories navigating a fantastical kingdom.
• Ze Tian Ji (择天记): A story of destiny and defying the heavens.
• Jiang Ye (将夜): An epic journey of revenge and discovery in a magical world.

Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou (烽火戏诸侯)

Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou’s writing style is distinctly his own, characterized by its rich depiction of jianghu (martial arts world) elements and strong emphasis on human relationships and camaraderie. Snow Sword Stride is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the “jianghu xiaoshuo” genre, captivating readers with its sweeping narrative of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of the martial world.

Representative Works:

• Snow Sword Stride (雪中悍刀行): An epic tale of a young master’s journey through a turbulent martial world.
• Sword Dynasty (剑来): A story centered on a young boy’s pursuit of becoming a sword immortal.
• The King of Blaze (太荒雪原刀): An alternate title sometimes used for Snow Sword Stride in translations.

Wang Yu (忘语)

Wang Yu is highly influential for pioneering the “fanren liu” (commoner flow) subgenre of xianxia novels. A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality broke away from the traditional trope of protagonists with exceptional talent, instead portraying a protagonist with ordinary talent who struggles and survives in the harsh world of cultivation through his own efforts and cunning. This grounded approach resonated with many readers.

Representative Works:

• A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传): The quintessential commoner-to-immortal tale.
• The Great Ruler (大梦主): A novel that blends elements of different genres into one cohesive fantasy world.
• Xuanjie Zhi Men (玄界之门): Another popular work that focuses on a protagonist’s challenging journey.

Er Gen (耳根)

Er Gen is known for his unique humor and philosophical undertones woven into his xianxia narratives. His protagonists often possess unconventional personalities and encounter bizarre situations, setting his work apart. Renegade Immortal is considered one of his most iconic works, exploring themes of identity, destiny, and the pursuit of true freedom in a world of complex cultivation stories.

Representative Works:

• Renegade Immortal (仙逆): A dark and complex journey of revenge and defiance.
• I Shall Seal the Heavens (我欲封天): A more lighthearted but still deeply meaningful story of an underdog’s rise.
• A Will Eternal (一念永恒): A comedic and heartwarming story of a young man seeking eternal life.

Cuttlefish That Loves Diving (爱潜水的乌贼)

Cuttlefish That Loves Diving is celebrated for his innovative genre-blending and meticulous world-building. His works often combine elements of Western fantasy, steampunk, and cosmic horror with traditional cultivation themes. Lord of the Mysteries is a landmark novel in this regard, captivating a massive global audience with its intricate power system, rich lore, and deeply immersive atmosphere. For fans of intricate fantasy books, this is a must-read.

Representative Works:

• Lord of the Mysteries (诡秘之主): A unique blend of Cthulhu mythos and fantasy.
• Throne of Magical Arcana (奥术神座): A story about a musician’s journey in a world of magic.
• Embers Ad Infinitum (长夜余火): A post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel.

The Speaking Pork Trotter (会说话的肘子)

The Speaking Pork Trotter has gained immense popularity with his humorous, lighthearted, and often meta-commentary style. His novels are known for their witty dialogue, creative power systems, and focus on character growth and relationships. The Spare-time Master became a huge hit for its comedic take on a protagonist gaining power through others’ negative emotions, a fresh and entertaining concept.

Representative Works:

• The Spare-time Master (大王饶命): A comedy-fantasy novel that became a massive hit.
• Night’s Beginning (夜的命名术): A modern urban fantasy story with a compelling narrative.
• The First Order (第一序列): A post-apocalyptic story that is both comedic and emotional.

Conclusion

The ten authors highlighted above represent the pinnacle of modern Chinese web novels. Their immense talent and boundless imagination have not only entertained millions of readers but have also laid the foundation for a global literary phenomenon. Whether you are new to the genre or a seasoned fan, diving into the works of these prolific creators is an excellent way to experience the depth and creativity that define this vibrant literary world.

For more information and to explore a wider range of these incredible novels, you can visit popular platforms and communities. A great place to start is on Webnovel.com or Wuxiaworld, which host many of these masterpieces and their English translations. Happy reading!