Historical Fiction Recommendations 历史好书推荐

1. 1 从 From Warlord to Empire 从诸侯到帝国 Wang Wei王伟Historical185k WordsCompleted Following The First Book on Understanding the World Order, author Wang Wei turns his distinctive perspective toward China. This book, The Book on Understanding China’s Power Structure, recounts the historical events from the wars among the feudal lords to the Qin Empire’s unification of China. Taking a broad view of history and using strategic thinking, it analyzes the subtle power struggles among the regional states, the Qin conquest of the Six Kingdoms, and the founding of the Qin Empire, pres 41Reads9.4Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   This book can be used to understand Chinese history, and in doing so, you can understand the history of other countries.

2. 2 满 The Secret History of Manchuria, Part One 满洲秘史（上部） Ma Jinping马金萍Historical263k WordsCompleted [Bandits + Northeast China + Local life + War + Japanese spies + Manchukuo + Republican era + Romance] A woman's turbulent journey through a chaotic age, a blood-soaked epic of Northeast China. From bandit chieftain's wife to a secret pawn of the Japanese, she witnesses every secret behind Manchuria's birth, caught between love and hate, home and country… The story takes place in Northeast China in the early twentieth century, spanning the period from the Russo-Japanese War to the establishment 15.7kReads9.5Score1.7kShelves

   Reader note

   Historical novels and true historical texts

3. 3 暗 The Assassination Storm: Wang Yaqiao 暗杀风云王亚樵 Poetry, Wine, and Arrogant Laughter诗酒啸傲Historical139k WordsCompleted During the Republic of China era, the Qing dynasty had been overthrown, but warlords ruled in their stead, locked in an unending struggle for supremacy. It was as if the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods had returned. Alongside the fierce open conflicts among the various factions, brutal, bloody assassinations between social forces raged unchecked, epitomizing the lawlessness of the era. At the time, Shanghai, China's most prosperous economic center, also became a grand stage where ri 4kReads9.5Score287Shelves

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   Republican Era Storytelling

4. 4 华 The Chinese Labor Corps: A Coppersmith’s First World War 华工军团：一名铜匠的第一次世界大战 Li Tiejun李铁君Historical527k WordsCompleted [Cross-border romance + an underdog's rise + a hero of World War I + rural life + bandits] From a wedding hall in Shandong to the trenches of Europe, an epic expedition by an ordinary man! On the day of his wedding, Shandong coppersmith Li Zhongfu discovers that soldiers and bandits have joined forces to massacre Wuji Town, where his fiancée Su Huizhen lives. At the brink of life and death, Li Zhongfu saves the townspeople, but Su Huizhen disappears. After accidentally uncovering the secret behi 531Reads9.5Score—Shelves
5. 5 满 The Secret History of Manchuria, Part Two 满洲秘史（中部） Ma Jinping马金萍Historical224k WordsCompleted [Bandits + Northeast China + War + Japanese spies + Manchukuo + Republican era + Romance + Collaborators] A woman's turbulent journey through a chaotic age, a blood-soaked epic of Northeast China. From bandit chieftain's wife to a secret pawn of the Japanese, she witnesses every secret behind Manchuria's birth, caught between love and hate, home and country… Manchurian Secret History, Part Two continues the first volume. Set against the real historical background of Northeast China from late 193 3.1kReads9.5Score490Shelves
6. 6 国 Pillars of the Nation: A Century of Chinese Business Rivalries, Parts One and Two 国之重器：百年中国商战传奇（上下部） Li Tiejun李铁君Historical699k WordsCompleted [Grand historical saga + Self-Strengthening Movement + coastal and frontier defense + Sino-French War + China Merchants' Steam Navigation Company] The late Qing business world is rocked by turbulent waves, and a tycoon of his generation turns the tide! See how pioneers of industry build an economic Great Wall in the face of despair! In the final years of the Qing dynasty, Western powers force the Qing government to open treaty ports, while Western steamships monopolize China's shipping. Chinese 201Reads9.6Score—Shelves
7. 7 中 The Prequel to the Chinese Empire: The Hegemony of the Spring and Autumn Period 中华帝国前传之春秋争霸 Cheng Xueyi程雪衣Historical215k WordsCompleted [History + Chinese orthodoxy + the transformation from Zhou to Qin + institutional reform] After two hundred years of rival powers rising, see how a hegemon rewrites history. Based on historical works such as the Zuo Zhuan, the Records of the Grand Historian, and the Discourses of the States, this book tells the stories and introduces the figures of more than two centuries of Spring and Autumn history in vivid detail. Centered on the struggle for supremacy, it weaves together the major events an 58Reads9.3Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Good historical books

8. 8 岳 The Old Grandmother of Yue Family Village 岳家庄的老祖母 Mountainside Man in the Rain雨落山人Historical107k WordsCompleted [A grandmother builds a business + Yue Fei's family teachings + brotherhood] A mother's love makes her strong, and she becomes the soul of her clan. One mother's thirty-year flight lays the foundation for her family's six-hundred-year legacy. During the Hongwu reign of the Ming dynasty, Yue Guangyong, the thirteenth-generation descendant of Yue Fei, dies young in Tangyin County, Henan Province, where his family has lived for generations. He leaves behind his widowed wife, Yue Yushi, and their tw 563Reads9.3Score104Shelves
9. 9 瓦 The Saga of Wagang Stronghold 瓦岗寨演义 Liang Langchuan梁朗川Historical74k WordsCompleted The Tale of Wagang Stronghold is set amid the chaos of the late Sui dynasty and vividly recounts how the heroes of Wagang rise up to resist tyranny. The story follows bold outlaws such as Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, Shan Xiongxin, and Xu Maogong, chronicling their legendary exploits: gathering at Wagang, seizing the imperial tribute, rebelling in Shandong, and joining forces with eighteen rebel kings to fight the Sui court. The book features both bloody battles amid flashing blades and clashes of w 845Reads9.5Score107Shelves

   Reader note

   A super classic, a must-read! [Makes face]

10. 10 举 Unrivaled Throughout the Song Dynasty 举宋无双 Mu Yi Yanyu木易言语Historical760k WordsCompleted [Political intrigue] + [Reform] + [Unification] + [Conquest] + [No System] Reborn in the Southern Song Dynasty, he takes over the body of Emperor Gaozong of Song, Zhao Gou. He pardons Yue Fei, executes treacherous ministers, appoints the worthy, and quells internal unrest, turning history on its head. At last, he gives full rein to his ambitions, marches north into the Central Plains, recaptures Kaifeng, and presses on toward Huanglong... If you can't stomach the humiliating history of the South 769Reads8.4Score102Shelves

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    Reborn in the Southern Song Dynasty, possessing the body of Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou, you pardon Yue Fei, punish treacherous officials, appoint virtuous and capable men, and quell internal rebellions, thus reversing history. Ultimately, you rise to power, launch a northern expedition to the Central Plains, recapture Kaifeng, and strike at the heart of the Song Dynasty… If you find the humiliating history of the Southern Song Dynasty unbearable, this story will surely give you a thrilling and heroic journey of reversal!

11. 11 朱 Zhu Youjian: Taking Taizu to Crush the Jingnan Rebellion, No Big Deal, Right? 朱由检：带太祖去靖难，没逝吧？ Well-Behaved Little Chirpy乖巧滴小啾啾Historical730k WordsOngoing [Sixteen Eras of the Great Ming]+ [A Loving Father and Filial Son]+ [The Great Ming at Its Peak]+ [Dynasties Across the Heavens]+ [The protagonist faces no hardships, only smooth sailing] After transmigrating into the Chongzhen Emperor, Zhu Youjian gains the ability to travel through sixteen eras of the Great Ming. With the rebel forces already entering the capital, things are disastrous from the start. Zhu Youjian steels himself and heads to the “Hongwu Era” to persuade his ancestor, Zhu Yuanzh 697Reads9.0Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    One word: awesome; two words: hilarious; three words: (limited vocabulary, can't think of a word). He started by leading Zhu Yuanzhang in the Jingnan Campaign, then led the Ming Dynasty ancestors to beat up the Taiping Rebellion twice (within the Ming Dynasty's ancestors), and now he's just having a good time. It's making my abs ache from laughing so much!

12. 12 神EN Divine Ability Wielder 神通者 Tiancan Tudou天蚕土豆Eastern Fantasy550k WordsOngoing Among the living things of this world, some are born with strange bones. These bones can be inscribed with wondrous arts, granting their bearers immense power: conjuring fire and wind, summoning thunder and lightning, swallowing the sun and plucking stars, suppressing demons and imprisoning gods. These are Divine Ability Bones. Those born with such bones are called... Divine Ability Users. 2.6MReads9.5Score377.2kShelves

    Reader note

    Saturday has so many programs! There are great shows to watch on TV and good books to read on the couch.

13. 13 半 A Half-Hour Cartoon History of China (Complete in Five Volumes) 半小时漫画中国史（全五册） Er Hunzi二混子Historical149k WordsCompleted Read comics for half an hour and master three thousand years of history, with a crystal-clear timeline you can recite backward as soon as you finish. Using nothing but hand-drawn illustrations and jokes, Er Hunzi lays out the grand sweep of history with impressive clarity: the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods were like a classroom; the Qin dynasty burned brightly and died young; the Three Kingdoms era came down to three great battles; the chaotic Wei and Jin period was full of oddbal 2.3kReads9.7Score549Shelves

    Reader note

    This book is easy to read, focuses on the main historical events, and is very helpful in understanding the historical context. The accompanying comics add to its appeal. It can serve as an introductory book for learning about Chinese history!

14. 14 朱 Zhu Houzhao: The Worst Temple Name I'll Accept Is Shengzong 朱厚照：朕的庙号最次也得是圣宗 A Weary Bird Returns to Its Old Woods倦鸟落旧林Historical2.1M WordsCompleted [Ming Dynasty’s Zhu Houzhao + court intrigue + cracking down on corrupt officials + sweeping through Mongolia + crushing the barbarians + opening up a New World] Drowning from the start, with civil officials always trying to kill me! Crush the landlords and put the Ming economy under state ownership! Let the red flags fly and open up nine continents and five seas! Rule the entire world: from the founding to the fall of the Ming, none can rival us! 14.4kReads9.1Score1.3kShelves

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    0 [Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty + Court Intrigue + Punishing Corrupt Officials + Sweeping Across the Mongols + Crushing the Barbarians + Expanding the New World] Starting with drowning, there are always civil officials trying to harm me! Suppress the landlords, establish a state-run Ming Dynasty! Red flags flutter, conquering the nine continents and five seas! Dominating the world, the Ming Dynasty lasts forever, invincible under heaven!

15. 15 三 The Romance of the Three Kingdoms' Supporting Cast 三国配角演义 Ma Boyong马伯庸Historical171k WordsCompleted In the turbulent Three Kingdoms era, alongside familiar names like Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei, Sun Quan, and Zhou Yu, there were countless supporting figures with joys and sorrows of their own. Drawing on scattered historical records, the author imagines the stories of these lesser-known characters. Street Pavilion revisits the incident of Ma Su's loss of the street pavilion, questioning what became of him before finally revealing the truth buried beneath the Battle of Jieting. A Night at B 896Reads9.5Score223Shelves
16. 16 前 A Popular History of the Former Han 前汉通俗演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical563k WordsCompleted [Cai Dongfan's Historical Romance, The Complete Founding History of the Han Dynasty, The Qin-Han Rivalry, A Plain-Language History, Political Intrigue and War] This book is Cai Dongfan's A Popular History of the Former Han, a classic historical novel that recounts the dynasty's rise and fall from the chaos at the end of the Qin through the middle and late Western Han. Spanning one hundred chapters, it begins with Lü Buwei's extraordinary investment and Qin Shi Huang's unification of the realm, a 128Reads8.3Score—Shelves
17. 17 后 A Popular History of the Later Han 后汉通俗演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical582k WordsCompleted [Historical Romance Grounded in the Official Record, The Complete History of the Eastern Han and Three Kingdoms, An Easy Introduction to Official History] A Popular History of the Later Han is a classic historical novel in episodic form and a continuation of A Popular History of the Former Han. Across one hundred chapters, it follows the full historical arc from Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han and Emperor Guangwu's restoration, through the decline of the Eastern Han, to the division of the rea 105Reads8.6Score—Shelves
18. 18 食 The Southern Gourmet 食南之徒 Ma Boyong马伯庸Historical173k WordsCompleted Tang Meng, a gluttonous envoy of the Han Empire, arrives in Nanyue, a land renowned for its cuisine. With ingredients in abundance, it seems like a food lover’s dream. Yet behind the feasts simmer tensions between north and south, divisions between peoples, struggles for power, and battles over the rise and fall of national policies. The twists and turns are even more complex than the flavors of Lingnan’s ingredients. This laid-back Han envoy finds himself caught in the whirlpool of political st 5.7kReads9.6Score1.3kShelves
19. 19 夺 Heart-Stealing Contract: Mr. Lu, Go Easy on Me 夺心契约：陆先生轻点宠 Brilliant Beneath the Moon月下灼灼Modern Romance3.5M WordsCompleted [Complete] [No angst in the whole book. It’s super sweet.] The day the Tong family went bankrupt, Tong Yan, Jiangcheng’s most sought-after socialite, became a target for everyone to trample on. Who could have guessed that Miss Tong would turn around and marry Lu Tingxiao, a living corpse who had been lying in bed for six months without ever opening his eyes? Well, now she was the punchline of every joke. Just as everyone waited for the ridiculous drama of Young Master Lu’s wife getting lonely an 3.3kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    No one is taking care of my nephew, who is in a vegetative state, and my husband.

20. 20 明 A History of the Ming Palace 明代宫闱史 Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical734k WordsCompleted Venture deep into the palace to explore the love and hatred between emperors and their consorts; delve into history and discover the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you understand the palace. Understand the palace, and you understand history. Understand history, and the realities of the world become clear. Palace romances are an important branch of traditional historical fiction. 40.9kReads9.6Score710Shelves

    Reader note

    Surprisingly good! [Thumbs up]

21. 21 岳 The Legend of Yue Fei 岳飞传 Lord of the Pearl-Returning Tower还珠楼主Historical161k WordsCompleted A historical epic novel by Huan Zhu Lou Zhu. Based on the life of Yue Fei, the famous Southern Song general who fought against the Jin, it begins with Yue Fei learning martial arts as a boy and vowing to serve his country. It vividly depicts how he formed the Yue Family Army, fought the Jin forces, and won one victory after another, until he was framed by treacherous officials and met a tragic end. The novel celebrates his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his country. 990Reads9.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Book recommendation.

22. 22 红 Secret Records Behind the Red Walls: A Complete History of China's Unofficial Past, Unabridged 红墙秘录：中国野史大全（无删节完整版） Xu Xiaotian许啸天Historical2.7M WordsCompleted This complete collection is like a secret key unlocking the hidden chambers of China's imperial past, guiding readers into shadowy corners that official histories leave shrouded in secrecy. From the ancient legends of Unofficial History of the Xia and Shang to the imperial passions and court intrigues of The History of the Imperial Harem in the Song Dynasty, The History of the Imperial Harem in the Ming Dynasty, and Unofficial History of the Yuan Dynasty; from the extravagant excesses of The Ero 1.6kReads9.3Score256Shelves

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    The Starry Sky of History

23. 23 白 The Foolish Emperor Gets Even Crazier 白痴皇帝更疯狂 Old Black and White黑白老Historical1.0M WordsCompleted [Also known as The Idiot Emperor Gets Even Crazier] [No System] Zhao Guanjia looked helplessly at his own body and shook his head. The previous owner had already run it into the ground! "I have to abstain for three months!!!" Zhao Guanjia resolved to change his fate and set the broken realm of the late Southern Song in order. But at this very moment, Kublai Khan is advancing south with his forces divided into three routes, intent on destroying the Southern Song! 309Reads7.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    (No system, no cheat codes) Zhao Guanjia pacified the internal and external worlds, destroyed the Yuan Dynasty, conquered the four Khanates, managed the Americas, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, annexed India in one fell swoop, and finally unified the country to establish the Great Song Empire spanning two oceans and three continents.

24. 24 何 What Does It Mean to Be Bright? 何以为明 Nikita Xiaofu尼基塔小夫Historical1.2M WordsOngoing Xie Shiqing transmigrates into the Ming Dynasty recorded in the history books, often called the most regrettable dynasty in Chinese history. He enters the court as a young Taoist by Liu Bowen's side. What can he change? What can he bring? No one knows yet. The ups and downs of officialdom, the repeated trials of human nature, the art of keeping one's head down at court, and an emperor's tests and suspicions are all things Xie Shiqing must face. This is not only a story about transmigrating into 40Reads8.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    There's no such thing as a "feel-good" time-travel novel. The people suffer, the human heart is the most terrifying, and human nature is unpredictable. Power struggles are born out of necessity. Even unofficial histories are part of the official history. What was the real Ming Dynasty like? We don't know. This book strives to restore the truth of that time, depicting betrayal, struggle, and growth, ultimately revealing the author's powerlessness and the errors in their own historical perspective. The Ming Dynasty isn't the idealized version we see in later generations, but it is also the era we most want to explore, admire most, and find most resilient.

25. 25 百 A Century of Rise and Fall: The History of the Late Qing Dynasty 百年兴亡清末史 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical365k WordsCompleted The Rise and Fall of Society in the Late Qing A Century of Rise and Fall: The Late Qing Dynasty is a profound historical account of how the Qing dynasty went from prosperity to decline. From the glory of the Kangxi and Qianlong era to the humiliation of the Opium Wars, then the upheaval of the Taiping Rebellion and the disastrous defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, this book offers a panoramic view of the Qing dynasty's journey from its peak to its demise. With meticulous attention to detail, 44Reads9.2Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A must-read book for anyone interested in history

26. 26 一 Chinese History That Hooks You from the First Page 一读就上瘾的中国史 Wen Boling温伯陵Historical190k WordsCompleted In Li Bai's eyes, Yang Guifei was “clouds hint at her robes, flowers at her face; spring breezes brush the balustrade, dew glistens in their splendor.” To Du Mu, she was “a horseman gallops through the red dust, the consort smiles; none knows the lychees have arrived.” But to Luo Yin, she was “Aman below must have something to say: this time, don't blame Yang Guifei again.” Which is the real Yang Guifei: the beauty, the favored consort, the profligate woman, or the heroine made to take the blame 3.2kReads9.5Score968Shelves

    Reader note

    For those who enjoy reading history, especially ancient Chinese history, don't miss these books!

27. 27 三 Romance of the Three Jin States 三晋演义 Fanchen繁宸Historical174k WordsOngoing Goujian endured hardship and humiliation until he could destroy Wu and establish his hegemony, bringing an end to the Jin state's century-long dominance and shocking the entire kingdom. As Duke Jizao and chief minister Zhiyao desperately sought a way to restore Jin, Zhao Wuxu proposed reclaiming the lands of the Fan and Zhonghang clans to strengthen the ducal house. This triggered a fierce struggle over land among the four families of Zhi, Zhao, Wei, and Han, plunging the Jin dukes into decline 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Reading historical stories, learning historical knowledge, and broadening personal horizons—this is a good book that is adapted but not fabricated.

28. 28 原 History Can Be This Fun After All (Complete in Three Volumes) 原来历史可以这样好玩（全三册） Little Gang and A Can小缸和阿灿Historical64k WordsCompleted The first comics history book by million-follower creators Xiaogang and A Can, this work teaches readers history through hilarious stories, much like the history series by Sai Lei Comics. Xiaogang and A Can likewise use humor and wit to explain fascinating historical topics. The first volume of “So History Can Be This Fun” focuses on the food and daily lives of people in ancient China. From prehistoric times and the pre-Qin period through the Qin and Han dynasties, the Wei, Jin, and Northern and 588Reads9.4Score104Shelves

    Reader note

    Various history books

29. 29 中 Unsolved Mysteries in Chinese History 中国历史未解迷案 Kuding Tea 2024苦丁茶2024Historical2.7M WordsCompleted Chinese history stretches back a long way and is full of fascinating things. Some aspects, however, remain baffling. Scholars have offered their own theories about a few of these mysteries, but most remain mere speculation. This book takes a look at history's great unsolved mysteries. 88Reads6.6Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Read historical stories and expand your historical knowledge 👇

30. 30 兵 The Thirteen Chapters of the Art of War 兵法十三篇 Zhang Huili张辉力Historical163k WordsCompleted Vast Taihu Lake, its waters shimmering in the sunlight. Sun Wu solemnly bids a final farewell to his friends, including Wu Zixu, then leaves the State of Wu and the place that holds so many memories for him. It has been thirty years. The past drifts by like smoke, seeming both a lifetime ago and vivid as ever... Back then, he left his homeland of Le'an in the State of Qi and went into hiding in Wu. He advised his friends, assassinated King Liao, killed Qingji, and subdued the rebels. He presente 409Reads9.6Score106Shelves
31. 31 龙 A Crooked History of the Dragon Throne: The Emperors Who Went Off Course 龙椅歪史：那些跑偏的九五之尊 Kuding Tea 2024苦丁茶2024Historical1.2M WordsCompleted Across the brilliant five-thousand-year history of China, more than four hundred emperors appeared between Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng, who first took the title of emperor, and Puyi, who abdicated at the end of the Qing dynasty. Some were brilliant rulers who expanded their territories, while others were mediocre caretakers who merely maintained the status quo. And then there were the eccentric sovereigns, whose behavior was bizarre and whose actions were absurd. These unconventional rulers added 2Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 32 一 The Northern Qi Dynasty of Beastly Emperors 一群禽兽皇帝的王朝北齐 Kuding Tea 2024苦丁茶2024Historical1.3M WordsCompleted 1.1kReads6.3Score101Shelves
33. 33 大 The Great Ming Emperor Yingzong, Zhu Qizhen 大明英宗朱祁镇 Kuding Tea 2024苦丁茶2024Historical487k WordsCompleted Some call him an incompetent ruler, while others regard him as a wise emperor of his age. Some say he surrounded himself with treacherous officials, while others say he had the mettle of a true emperor. He was also one of the few emperors in history to ascend the throne twice. 42Reads—Score—Shelves
34. 34 野 The Unofficial History Is Even Wilder: The Unusual Charms of the Tang and Song Dynasties 野史更疯狂：另类的唐宋历史风情 Old Cai's Vegetable Garden老蔡的菜园子Historical216k WordsCompleted With popular amateur takes on history flooding the book market, the author has chosen a different approach, drawing on a wealth of Tang and Song literati writings. Through a modern lens, the book explores emperors and ministers, palace secrets, anecdotes about famous people, political intrigue, the spirit of the Tang and Song dynasties, and gossip from everyday life. Its language is light and humorous, and its prose concise and lively, keeping readers chuckling at history’s dark humor and eager 572Reads9.2Score—Shelves
35. 35 魏 Handsome Men of the Wei and Jin Dynasties: A Book of Their Strange Tales 魏晋有美男 : 一本书带你看尽魏晋美男奇事 The Ancients Were Trendy古人很潮Historical107k WordsCompleted A life as a beautiful person must be pretty exciting, right? Ancient influencer marketing and a male Victoria’s Secret fashion show A guide to the beauties of the Wei and Jin dynasties, a high-energy version of A New Account of the Tales of the World One book lets you get up close and personal with the dashing figures of the Wei and Jin eras A faithful recreation of historical details Sincerely recommended by the Global Looks Association: If you haven’t read this book, don’t call yourself a beau —Reads8.5Score—Shelves
36. 36 中 Stories of Famous Generals in Ancient China 中国古代名将故事集 Kuding Tea 2024苦丁茶2024Historical1.1M WordsCompleted The celebrated generals of ancient China shine like a galaxy of stars. Sun Wu wrote The Art of War, laying the foundations of military science, and led thirty thousand troops into Ying in a feat that seemed miraculous. Bai Qi fought more than seventy battles without a single defeat and buried 450,000 Zhao soldiers alive at the Battle of Changping. Han Xin famously said, “The more troops, the better,” and helped Liu Bang lay the foundation for the Western Han dynasty. Wei Qing won seven battles i 11Reads—Score—Shelves
37. 37 中 A History of Chinese Warfare: Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods 中国战争史之春秋战国 Historical and Military Archives历史军事档案室Historical63k WordsCompleted [History + Military + Warfare + Strategy] On the battlefield, split-second decisions to kill or spare can determine a nation's fate. From Duke Huan of Qi's hegemony under the banner of “revering the king and repelling the barbarians,” to the rise of Qin's fierce army after Shang Yang's reforms; from the gleam of blades in the Wu-Yue conflict to the strategists' cunning schemes and verbal battles with scholars, every detail is steeped in the turmoil and bloodshed unique to the Spring and Autumn a 149Reads9.4Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    These stories are more than just words; they are torches illuminating the path of confusion. Cultivation is elevated through empathy, and good fortune becomes a byproduct of the soul. 🔥

38. 38 四 The Secret Histories of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人秘史 Master Su Jiu素阄主人Historical103k WordsCompleted The Secret History of the Four Great Beauties is a vivid, legendary novel about four famous beauties of ancient China: Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diao Chan, and Yang Guifei. Skillfully blending history and legend, fact and fiction, this work uses delicate prose and rich storytelling to reveal the important roles these four beauties played in their respective eras and the influence they had. During the Spring and Autumn period, Xi Shi used her beauty to beguile King Fuchai of Wu under a plan devised b 135Reads9.2Score—Shelves
39. 39 人 A Brief History of Human Torture 人类酷刑简史 Mark P. Donnelly马克·P.唐纳利Historical151k WordsCompleted For thousands of years, humanity has devised many ingenious and cruel ways to inflict pain on its own kind. This tragic yet seemingly universal trait has corroded the civilization humanity strives to achieve. Though we now seem to detest torture, for more than 3,000 years it was part of the laws of all Europe and much of the Far East. A Brief History of Human Torture explores the many forms of punishment, torture, coercion, and torment. It takes readers into the arenas of ancient Rome, medieval 7.6kReads9.6Score1.1kShelves

    Reader note

    𖥣𖥣 ⠜

40. 40 秦 Qin Shi Huang Conquers the Six Kingdoms 秦始皇荡平六国 Liu Zhuang, Who Loves Lotus Root and Duck Leg Soup爱吃木藕鸭腿汤的刘庄Historical578k WordsCompleted Set sights on the six kingdoms, unite the land under one banner In the thirteenth year of King Zheng of Qin, a tense atmosphere hung over the Qin court. Ying Zheng sat high upon his throne, gazing resolutely at the civil and military officials below. “With our mighty army, we shall sweep across the six kingdoms and achieve a legacy for all ages. What say you, my ministers?” Wang Jian stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, Qin’s army is strong, its horses are well fed, and our provi 4Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Ancient history, light novel

41. 41 舍 Chinese History You Won't Want to Put Down: Qin Unifies the Realm 舍不得看完的中国史：秦并天下 Little Clerk of the Bohai Sea渤海小吏Historical166k WordsCompleted In our memories, everything we remember about history ultimately comes down to war. All the rises and falls, accidents, motives, strategies, economic forces, and natural disasters come together to set the stage for wars that change the course of history. Those wars, in turn, condense all our views, impressions, jokes, and imaginings about the past. Through these accounts, the author traces the course of ancient Chinese history. Too Good to Finish: Qin Unifies the Realm takes the rise and fall of 1.8kReads9.6Score545Shelves
42. 42 徐 Xu Xiake's Strange Tales of Mountains and Rivers (Complete in Two Volumes) 徐霞客山河异志（全两册） Tea Strings茶弦349k WordsCompleted Xu Xiake traveled for more than 30 years, was robbed three times and ran out of food four times. He walked across 21 provinces and faced life-or-death danger more than a hundred times. All that survives of his work is The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake, hailed as “an encyclopedia of society in the late Ming.” The day it began, May 19, has been designated China Tourism Day. The real Xu Xiake in history was not a frail scholar who simply found solace in mountains and rivers. He was a strong, capable t —Reads8.4Score—Shelves
43. 43 猛 The Roaring Tiger’s Fangs 猛虎啸牙 Ruomu Buddy若木童鞋Historical655k WordsOngoing Realistic historical fantasy + steady pacing + intelligent characters Also known as The Northern Spear King: The Tiger’s Hundred-Forged Spear With each new emperor comes a new court; each generation brings the new, and leaves the old behind. The late emperor is dead, and his parents are gone. A new ruler takes the throne, bringing new grudges and old enmities. Enemy nations invade, the borders fall into turmoil, the land is shattered, and the winds of change gather. Xiao Leng, courtesy name Chan 763Reads8.9Score100Shelves

    Reader note

    Different authors, different styles, realistic ancient style, steady pace, and high intelligence.

44. 44 大 Great Jing: One Shot Stands Supreme 大靖：一枪独尊 Blue and White蓝中白Historical1.4M WordsCompleted [Alternate History] [History] [Wulin] [Court Politics] [No System] [Multiple Heroines] Li Yun, a modern mercenary and assassin nicknamed the “Dark God of Slaughter,” transmigrates into the body of a foolish young master from a general’s family, just as he is getting married in the unfamiliar Jing Dynasty. He’s been a fool for ten years, enduring endless ridicule and humiliation. Then he awakens, finally able to vent his frustrations, and shocks the world! Unmatched with a spear, unrivaled beneat 3.5kReads8.3Score281Shelves

    Reader note

    I sincerely recommend myself; I hope to be seen by chance!

45. 45 烈 The Fierce Tiger Army 烈虎军 Ancient Dragon Spring Sword龙泉古剑Historical2.6M WordsCompleted [In the style of a historical storytelling epic] [Alternate history] The Northern Liao cavalry thunder into the Central Plains, seizing all seven provinces north of the Yangtze. The Great Qi dynasty teeters like willow catkins in the wind, its court corrupt and its people suffering. Brothers from the Zhao clan return to the border army, raising the banner of the Fierce Tigers. They put down rebellions at home and repel invaders abroad, earning renown through a hundred battles. Once the prince ha 284Reads—Score—Shelves
46. 46 三 The Three Kingdoms of Water Margin: Liangshan of the Illustrious Lord 三分水浒之昭烈梁山 Ximen Caozei西门曹贼Historical1.0M WordsCompleted The last man of the mighty Han dynasties, Liu Xuande, whose virtue shone bright and whose deeds were heroic, arrives in the Northern Song. The last glimmer of the Han dynasty shines over the final years of the Northern Song. Liangshan, Emperor Huizong, Fang La, the Jin Kingdom. Watch as Emperor Zhaolie rebuilds the Han dynasty. 9.2kReads9.2Score882Shelves

    Reader note

    The writing is extremely good.

47. 47 水 Water Margin: The World’s in Chaos, So What? 水浒：天下大乱关我屁事 Words Can Heal文字能治病Historical182k WordsOngoing I transmigrated into the world of Water Margin by accident. Before me was a world overrun with heroes, and behind me lay chaos where the people could barely survive. Murder and arson were everyday occurrences, while mountain spirits and monsters appeared and vanished without warning. The System said: Get fifty people to come eat at the tavern, and you’ll receive a pocket dimension. I looked at the counter showing 0/50, then at the three hunters fleeing through the woods in the distance. They’d m 482Reads—Score117Shelves

    Reader note

    Water Margin is inferior to Romance of the Three Kingdoms! Water Margin can be considered the first fictional novel!

48. 48 鬼 Ghost Bean 鬼豆 Qing Chong Yue Er青虫月二Historical341k WordsCompleted History, mysticism, enlightenment, cultivation, qi refinement, and political intrigue. Not for beginners. Gui Dou is neither a ghost nor a bean. He is simply Guiguzi’s son. At sixteen, he left the mountain during the early Warring States period, an age of upheaval that few records describe. This book follows on from Guigu’s Divine Stratagem, telling a historical fantasy of intrigue and turbulent events in the Warring States era, as well as conflicts in the martial world. 48Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    Guigu series, historical strategy and metaphysics

49. 49 鬼 The Divine Schemes of Guiguzi 鬼谷神谋 Qing Chong Yue Er青虫月二Historical4.6M WordsCompleted [Historical Fiction Writing Contest] Other people are reborn into wealth and privilege, but I came back as a stalk of rice. No, a stalk of rice growing on a grave! A lovesick woman ate me, and became my mother. I became Guigu Wang Chan, whom later generations called Guiguzi, the founding patriarch of the Vertical and Horizontal School. In this turbulent age, watch me stir up the world once more and make my mark on the battlefields of the Warring States! 568Reads6.6Score102Shelves
50. 50 一 Chinese History That Gets You Hooked from the First Page 一读就上瘾的中国史 July Yan'an七月延安Historical892k WordsCompleted A sweeping series on the historical patterns of five thousand years of Chinese history, helping you build a rational, objective, and pattern-seeking framework for a new way of thinking! This series is, in fact, a history book even more captivating than a novel. Starting with the Qin and Han dynasties, it covers the Jin dynasties, the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Song, Liao, Jin, and Xia dynasties, the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and the Taiping Heavenly Ki 37.5kReads9.5Score5.4kShelves

    Reader note

    The long river of history sifts through the sands, leaving behind only gold.

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