When students begin to learn Mandarin online or with an online Chinese teacher, they often encounter more than just language—they step into one of the oldest literary traditions in the world. Chinese literature spans millennia, from mystical divination texts to refined philosophical prose, poetry, and powerful novels. These texts are deeply intertwined with the culture and thought systems of China, offering valuable context for learners seeking to truly understand the language in all its depth.
The roots of Chinese literature go as far back as the Yìjīng (《易经》), or Book of Changes, a foundational classic not just of literature but of cosmology and philosophy. Used as a divination manual during the Western Zhou dynasty, its cryptic hexagrams and layered meanings inspired centuries of commentary and interpretation. Though not “literary” in the narrative sense, its symbolic language formed a blueprint for later intellectual writing.
From this sprang the Five Classics (五经) and later the Four Books (四书), pillars of Confucian education. Among them, the Shījīng (《诗经》), or Book of Songs, holds special literary significance. It’s a collection of 305 poems, many of which date back to 1000 BCE. These range from folk songs to ceremonial odes and royal hymns, and include the famous “关关雎鸠” (guān guān jū jiū), known by nearly every Chinese speaker today.
Moving into the Warring States period, prose blossomed with the rise of the “Masters” (诸子), such as Kongzi (Confucius), Zhuangzi, and Mencius (Mengzi). Their writings—ethical dialogues, whimsical parables, or philosophical provocations—laid the groundwork for Confucianism, Daoism, and other schools of thought. These texts are concise, multilayered, and elegant in logic—offering advanced Mandarin learners deep yet challenging reading material.
During the Han and Tang dynasties, poetry reached its golden age. Poets like Li Bai, Du Fu, and Wang Wei crafted verses that remain beloved today. Their poems—on friendship, solitude, wine, nature, and war—combine lyrical elegance with philosophical insight. Many are taught in schools, such as 静夜思 (Jìng Yè Sī) by Li Bai, or 春望 (Chūn Wàng) by Du Fu. Their compact structure makes them ideal for memorization, which is why they’re often part of Chinese language curriculums.
One cannot skip the Four Great Classical Novels of China, written between the 14th and 18th centuries: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义), Journey to the West (西游记), Water Margin (水浒传), and Dream of the Red Chamber (红楼梦). These epics capture sprawling stories and timeless archetypes—rebellion, loyalty, magic, and romance—while also offering windows into the spoken and literary Chinese of their time.
Modern Chinese literature—from Lu Xun’s biting critiques in the early 20th century to Mo Yan, the 2012 Nobel Laureate—bridges tradition and transformation. Contemporary writers tackle politics, identity, urbanization, and memory. Authors like Eileen Chang (张爱玲) and Yu Hua (余华) have become favorites among Chinese readers and advanced learners alike.
Language, of course, evolves. In recent years, so has the vocabulary of daily life. New expressions like “打工人” (dǎgōng rén, meaning “working people”) or abbreviations like “YYDS” (永远的神, slang for “the GOAT”) reflect digital culture and generational voice shifts. That’s why GoEast Mandarin, a leading Chinese language school in Shanghai and online, brings together classical texts, modern slang, and functional fluency. Language schools like GoEast help learners connect to the living pulse of Chinese—whether you're deep-diving into Confucius or decoding WeChat memes!
Understanding Chinese literature is a way to trace the soul of the language—how it’s been used to express beauty, order, rebellion, and joy for thousands of years. And each book, from oracle bone script to digital novel, carries a rhythm, a worldview, and a unique voice. If you’re on the path of learning Mandarin, let these literary voices guide you. The characters will challenge you. The stories will inspire you!
