What Are Chinese Web Novels?
Chinese web novels (网络小说, wǎngluò xiǎoshuō) are serialized fiction published on online platforms like Qidian (起点中文网). Many have been translated to English, creating a massive global readership. These novels often span thousands of chapters and feature unique genre conventions unfamiliar to Western readers.
Cultivation (修仙 / 修炼)
The most popular genre. Characters practice martial arts or spiritual techniques to become more powerful, progressing through defined "realms" of strength. Think of it as a spiritual progression fantasy where the goal is often immortality.
Key features: Power levels/realms, qi (spiritual energy), meditation, pill refining, spirit beasts
Readers who like: Progression fantasy, power scaling, tournament arcs
Top picks: Martial Peak, Against the Gods, A Will Eternal
Xianxia (仙侠)
A subgenre of cultivation focused on Chinese mythology and Daoist themes. Characters cultivate to become immortals (仙人). Worlds feature heavenly tribulations, divine artifacts, and celestial hierarchies.
Key features: Daoist philosophy, tribulations, immortal realms, heavenly dao
Readers who like: Eastern mythology, spiritual themes, cosmic scale stories
Top picks: I Shall Seal the Heavens, Renegade Immortal, Desolate Era
Wuxia (武侠)
Classical martial arts fiction. Unlike cultivation novels, wuxia stays grounded — no flying on swords or destroying mountains. Think of it as Chinese equivalent of samurai epics.
Key features: Martial arts sects, jianghu (martial arts world), honor codes, revenge plots
Readers who like: Historical fiction, martial arts films, grounded combat
Top picks: Legend of the Condor Heroes, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils
Xuanhuan (玄幻)
"Mysterious fantasy" — a broad genre that mixes Chinese elements with Western fantasy concepts. Less strict about Daoist mythology than xianxia. Often includes game-like elements.
Key features: Mixed mythology, unique magic systems, diverse world-building
Readers who like: Creative world-building, hybrid fantasy, less traditional settings
Top picks: Coiling Dragon, Battle Through the Heavens, Tales of Demons and Gods
Urban (都市)
Modern-day settings. The protagonist gains powers or knowledge in contemporary China. Business empires, hidden martial arts in the real world, or system-enhanced daily life.
Key features: Modern setting, business/wealth, hidden powers, face-slapping
Readers who like: Wish fulfillment, modern settings, business/power fantasy
System / LitRPG (系统)
Novels where characters receive a game-like system — status screens, level-ups, skill trees, inventory. Similar to Korean web novels like Solo Leveling.
Key features: Status windows, quests, level-ups, skill acquisition
Readers who like: Solo Leveling, The Gamer, progression mechanics
Romance (言情 / 古代言情)
Love stories in ancient or modern Chinese settings. Can overlap with cultivation or historical genres. Danmei (耽美) refers specifically to boys' love romance.
Key features: Slow-burn romance, ancient palace settings, arranged marriages, strong female leads
Readers who like: Romance novels, historical dramas, K-dramas
Historical (历史)
Set in real or fictionalized Chinese dynasties. Kingdom building, political intrigue, war strategy. Often features a protagonist with modern knowledge in an ancient setting.
Key features: Dynastic politics, military strategy, court intrigue
Readers who like: Historical fiction, political drama, strategy
Getting Started
If you're completely new to Chinese novels, start with:
1. Coiling Dragon — accessible xuanhuan, excellent translation
2. I Shall Seal the Heavens — peak xianxia, funny MC
3. The King's Avatar — modern setting, gaming, no cultivation barrier
These are all completed, well-translated, and represent the best of their genres.