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Not a lot of people know this, but I had an Asian drama blog in a past life. You guys, I’ve been watching Asian dramas for as long as I can remember.
Just like many other people, I started with telenovelas, moved to Korean dramas, then Asian dramas, Turkish dramas, and at this point, I’ve basically run through the entire Asian peninsula.
But there was a reason I was never really able to get into Chinese dramas – I used to watch the ones on television when I was a kid, and they were dubbed.
And if there’s one thing I hate, it’s dubbed shows.
So I gave them another chance two years ago, and let me tell you, it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I just wrapped up my university everything, and to say these past few years have been stressful is a massive understatement.
But I’ll tell you for free that watching Chinese dramas and all of that has really made a difference.
One thing I realized very quickly is that I gravitate toward a lot of historical Chinese dramas, which isn’t a surprise because – not to brag or anything – but I’ve always been called an old soul.
Anyway, I love historical Chinese dramas, so it’s only natural that I would also love a lot of historical fiction books set in China.
When I noticed I was reading more and more of them, I decided to compile this list.
It includes several historical fiction books set in China that I’ve read, as well as ones on my TBR.
I’ll be updating it regularly to add new releases or anything else I stumble upon.
So basically, if you’ve been thinking about reading historical fiction books set in China, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.
1. Dragon Springs Road by Janie Chang
This novel takes us to early 20th-century Shanghai, where a young Eurasian orphan named Jialing is searching for her long-lost mother.
Abandoned at the age of seven, Jialing faces prejudice and struggles to survive in a world divided by race.
What I love about this book is how it combines the mystical with reality, with Jialing finding an unlikely friend in Fox, an animal spirit.
She goes through so much – betrayal, jealousy, love – but it’s her courage and strength that shine through as she searches for answers and a new path in life.
2. Peony in Love by Lisa See
In 17th-century China, Peony, a young girl, falls under the spell of an opera called The Peony Pavilion.
It’s said to cause lovesickness, and Peony gets so caught up in the emotions that she dies but that’s not the end for her.
She comes back as a hungry ghost to haunt her former fiancé.
This one is filled with passion, love, and loss, and I think it’s a beautiful exploration of how love can transcend even death.
3. War Trash by Ha Jin
This novel is based on the experiences of Chinese soldiers in U.S. POW camps during the Korean War.
Ha Jin gives a deep look into the lives of these soldiers through Yu Yuan, a scholarly man who becomes an intermediary between his fellow prisoners and American captors.
The book touches on the harshness of the camp and the complexities of survival.
I found this a very thought-provoking and emotional story of endurance, human kindness, and the brutality of war.
4. Forbidden City by Vanessa Hua
Mei, a young girl from a poor village in 1960s China, dreams of becoming a model revolutionary.
When she gets the chance to move to Beijing, she ends up becoming the confidante and lover of Mao Zedong.
This novel explores power, manipulation, and disillusionment as Mei realizes the price of her ambitions.
It’s so poignant and personal to see her struggle with the political game and question everything she thought she believed in.
5. The Water Outlaws by S. L. Huang
Lin Chong, a skilled arms instructor, is framed and forced to run from the law.
She ends up joining a group of bandits who fight against the oppressive empire.
This one’s filled with action and adventure as Lin Chong finds herself in a band of outlaws who are determined to bring justice to a corrupt system.
It’s a thrilling ride with lots of twists, and the mix of martial arts, rebellion, and fierce independence really made it stand out to me.
6. The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan
This book spans decades, following the lives of two women in China – one a courtesan and the other her daughter, caught in a world of love, deception, and family ties.
It’s a poignant and beautifully written story that captures both the personal and the political sides of life in Shanghai.
I love how Amy Tan dives into the bond between mother and daughter, and shows how their fates intertwine despite the different paths they take in life.
This book is full of heart, history, and rich emotions and is one I’m definitely going to read once again.
7. A Hero Born by Jin Yong
Set in 1200s China, A Hero Born is about Guo Jing, a humble young man who gets caught up in the conflicts of the time.
Growing up among warriors, he learns to fight and train in martial arts.
As he faces betrayal, war, and the challenge of loyalty, he’s pushed toward a destiny that feels almost impossible.
The adventure is full of twists and turns, with epic battles and intense characters.
If you love martial arts stories, this one’s a classic you should totally check out.
8. The Last Rose of Shanghai by Weina Dai Randel
This novel takes place in Japanese-occupied Shanghai during World War II.
Aiyi, a young heiress who runs a nightclub, meets Ernest, a Jewish refugee who is hired to play piano there.
Together, they share a passion for music and a growing connection, but their love is complicated by the war and Aiyi’s engagement to another man.
This is a story of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
I love how it combines romance with the harsh realities of history – it’s truly a beautiful and emotional read.
9. To Live by Yu Hua
This one follows Fugui, a spoiled young man who loses everything after making some terrible life choices.
The story shows how he changes, becoming a humble farmer and learning to appreciate life through the tough times.
With everything he goes through – wars, loss, and suffering – Fugui’s story is so moving.
It’s about redemption, the unpredictability of life, and learning what truly matters.
You’ll feel everything he goes through, and it really stays with you.
10. Descendant of the Crane by Joan He
Princess Hesina is determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s death.
She believes he was murdered, and her investigation leads her down a dangerous path full of deception and political intrigue.
This is such a twisty, emotional read with complex characters and plenty of drama.
I really loved how Hesina tries to balance her ideals with the brutal realities of ruling a kingdom.
It’s got a lot of mystery, action, and plenty of surprises.
11. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh
Set just before the Opium Wars, this novel takes us on a journey across the Indian Ocean, and it follows a diverse group of characters.
The story centers around the Ibis, an old ship with a crew of Indians and Westerners.
There’s a lot of tension between the different cultures and characters, and their stories are full of hope, betrayal, and survival.
It’s a sweeping saga, rich in history and emotion, with a focus on the connections between these people from different walks of life.
12. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
This is a gritty, military fantasy inspired by China’s 20th-century history and it features one of the most amazing fictional female leads ever.
Rin, an orphan from a poor family, surprises everyone when she aces an elite military test.
But Sinegard, the school she attends, is full of challenges – especially for someone like her.
As she discovers her shamanic powers and the political turmoil around her, Rin’s life becomes increasingly dangerous.
This book is action-packed and full of twists.
Rin’s journey from an outsider to someone with immense power is intense, and the themes of war, power, and magic are so gripping.
Do you think you’re going to check out any of these historical fiction books set in China?
Let me know in the comment section below!
And if you want more historical fiction book recommendations, why not start with this list of the best historical fiction books featuring the most amazing women ever?
