In a groundbreaking cultural collaboration, the British Library and Chinese online publishing company Yuewen are launching a three-year partnership to explore and celebrate the rise of internet literature in the digital age
The British Library x Yuewen partnership reflects the dynamic and growing world of Chinese internet literature, which has redefined the relationship between authors and readers, attracted hundreds of millions of devotees, and produced countless adaptations across various media. This collaboration promises to provide a unique platform for cross-cultural exchange, combining the British Library’s rich literary heritage with Yuewen’s influential position in China’s booming online literature industry.
The Rapid Growth of Chinese Internet Literature
Chinese internet literature has become a mainstream cultural force, with Yuewen, a subsidiary of Tencent Group, leading the way. Yuewen operates numerous online literature platforms with over 537 million readers and an incredible 24 million authors, many of whom are young, part-time writers with non-literary backgrounds. These writers, often born in the late 1990s and early 2000s, contribute to a diverse and rapidly expanding literary ecosystem, with 36 million literary works published online and two million new works added in 2023 alone.
Popular genres such as xianxia (immortal heroes), xuanhuan (Chinese fantasy), historical fiction and romance dominate the scene, though reality-based, sci-fi, suspense, and urban themes are also gaining traction. This literary world, rich with uniquely Chinese cultural elements, has attracted international attention, with works translated into more than 20 languages reaching audiences in over 40 countries and regions.
The commercial impact of Chinese internet literature is substantial. In 2023, this industry generated RMB 40 billion (approximately £4.3 billion), with adaptations into comics, animations, films, TV series, games, audio and books. About 60% of the top 20 most popular Chinese TV series are adaptations from online novels, reflecting the demand for these stories across different media formats. Yuewen’s platforms alone have seen 72,600 works adapted into other forms, showing how internet literature has become a fertile ground for commercial and creative opportunities.
A New Era of Cross-Cultural Collaboration
This partnership with the British Library aims to build on the success of Yuewen’s storytelling model and expand its reach to a wider, more global audience. The three-year project is structured in phases, with the official launch event set for 21 November 2024, featuring an industry-focused panel discussion. This event, supported by the China-Britain Business Council, will highlight the growing importance of intellectual property (IP) commercialisation, the unique elements of digital literature, and how writers in China and the UK are engaging with readers in innovative ways.
Kai-Chuan Chao, the British Library’s Head of Cultural and Commercial Partnerships and its East Asia lead, has emphasised the importance of the partnership for increasing the British Library’s visibility in China. “It’s challenging to reach Chinese audiences solely through traditional channels,” Chao noted, “but by partnering with Yuewen, which has a massive readership and a robust online ecosystem, we hope to engage a wider audience in a fun, accessible way.” This initiative not only aims to introduce the British Library’s collections to Chinese audiences but also foster a lively exchange between British and Chinese literary traditions.
The British Library × Yuewen Writers’ Programme
Central to this collaboration is the British Library × Yuewen Writers’ Programme, which will bring three to five prominent Chinese web novelists to the British Library each year. During their visit, these writers will participate in curated tours and exclusive workshops designed to expose them to the British Library’s vast English literature collections. The programme includes interactive sessions where the writers can draw inspiration from historical manuscripts, such as Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes works, to inform their own storytelling.
Rather than instructing these accomplished authors, the workshops aim to encourage a creative exchange where they can draw on the inspiration of classic British literature and reinterpret it in new and culturally resonant ways. According to Chao, this approach is intended to “enable [Chinese writers] to create something inspired by what they see in the Library.” This process is a meeting of literary traditions, where contemporary Chinese authors can blend their unique styles and themes with elements from classic English literature.
Engaging Readers in the UK and China
In addition to fostering a dialogue among writers, the project is also designed to involve readers in creative and interactive ways. Yuewen will host a creative writing campaign, encouraging Chinese readers to merge characters and settings from British literary classics – like Frankenstein or Pride and Prejudice. Through this initiative, readers from both countries will engage in “co-curation,” mixing protagonists from different eras, backgrounds, and cultures to create fresh, imaginative stories. This interactive approach mirrors the British Library’s mission to engage with young people and introduce them to the world of literature in a way that feels both relevant and exciting.
The Future of Literary IP Commercialisation
At the November event, experts from the IP sector, including representatives from the Conan Doyle estate, will discuss the challenges and opportunities of IP commercialisation in the UK and China, underscoring the potential for Chinese IPs to reach global audiences, and highlighting the British Library’s role in facilitating this international literary exchange.
A New Chapter in British and Chinese Cultural Relations
The British Library × Yuewen collaboration exemplifies the potential of cross-cultural partnerships to reshape literary landscapes and expand the horizons of both creators and audiences. This three-year initiative offers Chinese writers and readers access to the British Library’s prestigious resources while introducing British literary culture to China’s vast online readership. The event on 21 November is just the beginning of an exciting journey where digital literature, cultural heritage, and global readership converge.
As Kai-Chuan Chao puts it, “We can do lectures, talks, and research projects, but we want to engage with young people in a fun way.” Through this collaboration, the British Library and Yuewen are indeed reaching new audiences in an age where literature is no longer confined to the printed page but lives on screens, in communities, and across borders. This partnership promises to shape the future of literature in the digital age, fostering a rich dialogue that celebrates diversity and innovation.
Click here to register for the event on 21 November
