Legends of the Condor Heroes (Photo/Beijing Morning Post)

Compared with previous generations, foreign readers now have more channels to get translated versions of Chinese novels online, thanks to the Internet and translation apps. 

For example, the English versions of Legends of the Condor Heroes, The Message, and The Three Body Problem, have all ranked on bestseller lists in both Europe and the US.

How do these novels full of Chinese elements gain the affection of foreign readers? Zhang Xiaoming, a famous scholar and a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said what matters is that the writing style, as well as the perspectives, values, and preferences of the Chinese writers, are accepted by foreign readers. 

Young people all over the world share similar reading preferences, Zhang said, adding that the Internet has further mitigated the differences between countries and cultures through the efficient spread of information and available channels for communication.

Before the Internet became a popular platform for the spread of novels, a book was ready for readers only after going through complex procedures involving the author, the publication house and bookstores.

For foreign readers the process would take even longer because the book had to be copyrighted and translated before it reached them, Zhang noted.

However, the creation of network literature, especially novels, is dynamic and the writer can interact with the readers and make timely adjustments to meet the satisfaction of the readers.

Network novels have satisfied the needs of both Chinese and foreign readers, Zhang explained.

Additionally, some voluntary foreign translators are creating English and French versions of Chinese novels. Some readers even teach themselves Chinese so that they can read Chinese stories on their own.

With the use of tool apps, translation has become easier, especially when the original novels themselves are easy to understand, Zhang said.

Compared with classic works, network novels are easier to read, and we can experience the charm of Chinese culture through them, said a foreign user.