7 of the best Chinese romance novels in English for the romantic in you

Synopsis: Li Lan belongs to a landed gentry family that has gone bankrupt. Her fate turns when she receives an unusual proposal from the wealthy and powerful Lim family. They want her to become a ghost bride for their only son, who recently died mysteriously. This is a rarely practised ancient custom where ghost brides are used to placate restless spirits. When she arrives at the Lim house, not only does the spirit of her would-be suitor haunt her, but the girl is also torn by her desire for the Lims’ handsome new heir, Tian Bai.

Why you should read this: A quirky take on the age-old concept with a romantic spin makes this suspenseful story quite an intriguing read. It was also adapted into a Netflix drama in 2020 with the same title.

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Synopsis: Ximen Qing is a wealthy and immoral businessman who takes in the beautiful and ambitious widow Pan Jinlian as his fifth wife. However, the married woman is not content with her position in the harem. She uses her position and pretence of love to climb the social ladder. As Ximen embarks on a series of sexual conquests, Pan takes advantage of her husband’s lust, causing the downfall of the entire family.

Why you should read this: This historical romance and erotic novel has been regarded as the fifth Great Classical Novel in Chinese literature, joining the Four Great Classics: Journey to the West, The Water Margin, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Dream of the Red Chamber (also known as The Story of the Stone), states Penguin Bookshop. It is also considered one of the four masterworks of the Ming novel series.

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Check out our list of the best historical Chinese romance dramas to watch

Synopsis: Handong, a rich and ruthless businessman, is infatuated with the innocent architecture student, Lan Yu. The arrogant and privileged man is driven by his passion and desire while Lan submits meekly. They spend nights together, but when the question of loyalty comes up, Handong must deal with his secrets and even his identity and make certain choices.

Why you should read this: The torrid love story is set against the backdrop of 1980s China, marred by socio-political unrest. Its depiction of a homosexual relationship and a critique of the then-totalitarian government created a lot of controversy. However, it was later circulated across China and became a literary cult favourite within the LGBTQ+ community.

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Synopsis: A devout Daoist priest, Shen Qiao has spent his life nurturing his martial arts skills. Through his dedication, he became the leader of his sect with his talent, beauty and a big heart. On the other hand, Yan Wushi stands in complete contrast. He heads a powerful demonic sect and possesses unhinged strength and a very cunning mind. When a bloody fight leaves Shen Qiao injured and blind with hazy memories, the latter takes him in with a diabolic plan. But will he be successful or will the two warriors develop a special connection?

Why you should read this: If you enjoy romance fantasy novels with drama and action, you will love this book. There are a total of five books in the collection which continue the story.

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Synopsis: Presently, Mo Xi is a feared general of Chonghua, known for his ruthlessness and temper. In his prime, he was one of the promising young commanders of the empire. His comrade, Gu Mang, was Mo’s brother-in-arms, best friend and secret lover. But their equation changed when Gu betrayed and joined forces with the nation’s greatest nemesis. When Gu returns to the empire, the public demands his death, and so does Mo Xi. But before that, he must seek answers — Why did the man he loved betray him? And what secrets hide behind Gu Mang’s tortured eyes?

Why you should read this: A boy love novel with underlying themes of vengeance, parted lovers and a warring state, this book will intrigue those who enjoy unravelling the layers of things that are left unsaid. The novel collection of five books carries the story forward.

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Synopsis: Magistrate Li Chen’s duty and service to his family and the Emperor should be above all, including his feelings for courtesan Song Yi. For her, his gentlemanly nature and late-night conversations are a welcome departure from the shrewd courtships she sees daily. However, when another courtesan goes missing and a stranger is found dead near the House of Heavenly Peaches, where Song is enslaved, their equation changes. Li and Song begin an investigation, but the things they discover can shake their relationship forever.

Why you should read this: Lin is a USA Today bestselling author, and this love story infuses all the classic motifs of a romance novel — lovers from different strata of society, a murder case, and shocking revelations.

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Synopsis: After mercilessly killing all foes on his way to the throne, tyrant Taxian-jun is now left abandoned, alone and unsatisfied as the first Emperor of the mortal realm. In a desperate move, he takes his life only to be reborn as a young Mo Ran, a disciple of the Sisheng Peak cultivation sect. He learns to reinvent his life, but his greatest fury is the beautiful and distant cultivation teacher, Chu Wanning, who had betrayed him in their last life. Yet, as Mo Ran continues to pursue his goals, he can’t help but wonder if there is something between him and his teacher.

Why you should read this: If you enjoy a bitter-sweet story where the protagonist learns his lessons and rediscovers his love, then this can be an interesting book. The Chinese novel has four books in the collection.

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