1. Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhang
This book is set in the years near the end of the Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history. Even though the book follows over a hundred different characters, it is mainly about the three blocs that eventually become the three states of Cao Wei, Shu Han and Eastern Wu. In short, it is a romanticized and dramatized story about the feudal lords who tried to replace the Han dynasty or bring it back.
2. Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en
The extended and slightly fictionalized account of a Tang dynasty Buddhist monk Xuangzang as he travels West to collect ancient texts, over many highs and lows. In the novel, the monk goes by the name Tan Sanzang and features several references to Chinese folklore and mythology.
3. Water Margin by Shi Nai’an
Some people attribute this book to be the “Chinese Robin Hood” story. The story is about 108 outlaws who gather on Mount Liang. Eventually, they are granted amnesty by the government and sent on campaigns to beat back foreign invaders and crush rebel forces.
4. Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin
This book is believed to be semi-autobiographical as it chronicles a family’s rise and fall, mirroring that of the Qing dynasty. Sporting a large cast of characters, the book is also thought highly for it’s psychological scope and it’s observations on the social structures of 18th century Chinese life. Fun fact: “Redology” is actually the study of this specific book!
