Chinese Writing

To many Westerners, Chinese literature remains a hidden seam in the rich culture of Chinese literature. As a matter of fact, it is a treasure of a very considerable number of brilliant and profound works as each dynasty, in the long history of China, has passed down its legacy of magnificent events and works. For 3500 years, they have woven a variety of genres and forms encompassing poetry, essays, fiction and drama; each in its own way reflecting the social climate of its day through the high spirit of art. Chinese literature has its own values and tastes, its own reigning cultural tradition and its own critical system of theory.

Chronologically, it can be divided into four main periods: classical literature, modern literature, contemporary literature and the present-age literature