Web literature draws crowds at Beijing book fair

The web literature pavilion was one of the liveliest corners at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair, which concluded on Sunday at the National Convention Center, drawing crowds of young Chinese readers to author signings.

The zone spotlighted Gen Z writers like Tianrui Shuofu and Zhilaohu to give a vivid glimpse into how online literature is capturing the hearts of China's youth.

Tianrui Shuofu, 29, is a sci-fi writer known for Dead on Mars. His acclaimed novel We Live in Nanjing won China's prestigious "Five-One Project" award and was archived by the British Library.

The author expressed hopes of expanding into the Japanese market, citing cultural similarities and a mature publishing industry.

"I'm deeply influenced by Japanese science fiction," he said. "To challenge myself, I study topics like general relativity for my writing."

Zhilaohu, also a Gen Z rising star, is best known for her fantasy romance that topped the domestic charts. Her signing on Saturday afternoon was met with eager readers, many of whom were young women, holding up fan signs and cheering her on.

"Her female characters save themselves," said Zheng Jie, a 21-year-old university senior majoring in education. "That inspires me to take charge of my own future," she said.

Online literature has become part of daily life for many young readers. Liu Quanrui, a 22-year-old engineering student from Tianjin, said, "I've read every book Tianrui Shuofu has written multiple times. I read for 30 minutes every night before bed." The depth and wisdom in some novels leave a lasting impression on him.

Another fan, Yang Ruolan, flew in from Chengdu to attend. "Online literature has been part of my reading life since middle school," she said. "It complements physical books."

According to the 2024 China Online Literature Blue Book released by the China Writers Association, the industry reached 44 billion yuan (approximately $6 billion) in revenue last year, with over 575 million users in China and 200 million abroad.

Gen Z now leads as creators and readers. As Chinese web literature continues to evolve into global IP, they are poised to tell stories that resonate far beyond China's borders.