Books That Expand Your Knowledge and Improve Yourself 增长知识 提升自己的书

1. 101 野 Unofficial History Isn't Necessarily False 野史未必假 Wang Lei王磊Historical151k WordsCompleted [The full-cast audio edition is now available. Give it a listen!] From the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the Ming and Qing dynasties, discover the truth behind popular unofficial histories! This book examines 22 popular historical tales from China’s earliest dynasties through the Ming and Qing, using vivid reconstructions, close study of historical sources, and logical analysis to uncover the truth behind them. Was Qin Shi Huang’s biological father Lü Buwei? Did Emperor Taizong of Song m 26kReads9.6Score4.3kShelves

   Reader note

   I highly recommend this kind of entertaining and educational book. It enriches your knowledge and you learn things without even realizing it.

2. 102 吃 Mastering Chinese History: The Ming Dynasty 吃透中国史.明 I'm Not Bai Chi我是不白吃Historical1k WordsCompleted Eat Your Way Through Chinese History: Ming is the third installment in the Don’t Eat That comic history series. The Ming dynasty was one of the few unified feudal dynasties founded by commoners. It lasted 276 years and had 16 emperors. Its history is full of stories that are stirring, sad, hilarious, and even absurd. There was the Hongwu Emperor, who went from herding cattle to founding a dynasty; the Yingzong Emperor, who was captured after a military defeat but managed to make a comeback; and 102Reads9.3Score—Shelves
3. 103 历 This Is How History Should Be Learned: Modern Chinese History 历史应该这样学·中国近代史 Zhao Lijian赵利剑Historical81k WordsCompleted How History Should Be Studied is a history book for young readers written by Zhao Lijian, a senior history teacher at Beijing No. 4 High School. It is suitable for students aged 8 to 16, from the upper grades of elementary school through junior high. Following the framework of the history curriculum, the author traces a timeline from China's early legendary age to the eve of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Rich historical sources, vivid figures, and engaging stories come 74Reads9.0Score—Shelves
4. 104 历 The Chessboard of History 历史的棋局 National Humanities and History国家人文历史Historical241k WordsCompleted History is like a game of chess. The times have changed, so what can the games of the past still teach us? Why did Liu Bang slaughter his meritorious officials after founding the Han dynasty? What were the Eastern Han scholars, eunuchs, and powerful in-laws really fighting over? Why did the Northern Wei dynasty’s “honor the son, execute the mother” rule lead to empress dowagers taking power? With Li Shimin and Wu Zetian both in the spotlight, was Li Zhi really weak and helpless? Why did eunuchs 285Reads9.4Score100Shelves
5. 105 不 Learn Chinese History Without Memorizing a Thing 不用背照样学好中国史 Lin Xinhao林欣浩Historical140k WordsCompleted One game for every key concept: learning history is as fun as playing. Carefully selected core concepts make it easy to understand the patterns behind the development of Chinese history! If you were a leader in primitive society, how would you guide a group of people in surviving on a deserted island? If you were playing a management simulation during the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, how would you expand your power? If you went back in time to become an emperor of the Ming dyna 2.6kReads9.5Score480Shelves
6. 106 历 Everything You Need to Know About History and Culture 历史文化常识全知道 Cui Xiaojun崔晓军Historical248k WordsCompleted A Complete Guide to Historical and Cultural Knowledge is divided into six categories: Chinese history, world history, military affairs, sports, astronomy and geography, and the arts. It covers important topics across every field of history and culture, offering readers a shortcut to mastering historical and cultural knowledge. Its clear, straightforward prose and vivid, precious illustrations come together to form a dazzling panorama of human history and culture. 33Reads8.6Score—Shelves
7. 107 历 The Truth of History 历史真相 Editorial Committee of The World in Pictures: Exploration and Discovery Series《图说天下·探索发现系列》编委会Historical147k WordsCompleted Across the ages and over thousands of miles, we seek dreams at the pinnacle of civilization, marvel at the splendor of its treasures, feel the mystery of its hidden history, are astonished by discoveries without precedent, and ponder unsolved cases. From the secretive halls of China's imperial palaces to the vanishing traces of ancient civilizations and lost treasures, stories of the past tug at our heartstrings and draw us in. Countless secrets lie buried in ancient tombs, and every national tr 108Reads9.2Score—Shelves
8. 108 我 I Paid My Sister’s Mortgage for Four Years. She Refused to Let Me Stay Five Days for Surgery, So I Cut Off the Payments 我帮姐姐还了四年房贷，手术求住五天被拒，我直接断供 Jun Muzi Yuchen木子雨辰君6k WordsCompleted I paid my sister’s mortgage for four years. When I asked to stay at her place for five days after surgery, she refused, so I stopped paying immediately. —Reads—Score—Shelves

   Reader note

   Some kindnesses are worth remembering and repaying for a lifetime. Some losses must be severed decisively. Treat others as you would like to be treated; if you can't get it back, then stop. True brotherhood is never a one-sided act of giving and receiving. If you don't share my hardships, I won't have you for the rest of my life. From now on, we'll never meet again, never be involved in each other's lives. My kindness, from this moment on, has an edge.

9. 109 白 A Plain-Language Guide to Chinese History 白话中国历史常识 Lü Simei吕思勉Historical122k WordsCompleted How far back can the origins of the Chinese people be traced, and where did they begin? Was Qin Shi Huang’s rule tyrannical, or did it embody a political ideal? How did the prosperous Tang Dynasty decline so precipitously after the An Lushan Rebellion? Why couldn’t Song Confucian thought save the Song Dynasty? A primer on Chinese history passed down from the Republican era to the present, this book condenses five thousand years of Chinese history into a single work. In clear, accessible prose, L 17Reads9.0Score—Shelves
10. 110 针 Honey on a Needle’s Point (Xin Yiwu’s Latest Contemporary Romance) 针尖蜜（辛夷坞最新现言） Xin Yiwu辛夷坞Modern Romance451k WordsCompleted The first time Chen Xi saw Wei Jia, she saw blue skies, white clouds, green grass, wildflowers, a gentle breeze, and a young man on horseback, straight and slender as a white poplar. Later, according to Wei Jia, all he could remember was the blazing sun, the scorching heat, horse manure, feed costs, a drunken companion causing trouble, and an annoying off-road vehicle rumbling past, kicking up dust that covered him from head to toe. Seventeen-year-old Chen Xi and Sun Jianchuan were inside. Love 1.2kReads9.6Score281Shelves
11. 111 紫 Master of the Purple Star: The Birth Chart Rules the World, the Stars Subdue All Realms 紫微星主：命盘定乾坤，星斗镇诸天 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今29k WordsCompleted Master of the Ziwei Star: The Fate Chart Determines the World, the Stars Subdue All Realms —Reads—Score—Shelves
12. 112 太 The Divine Art of Taiyi: Secrets of the Heavenly Origin 太乙神数-天元秘箓 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今14k WordsCompleted Taiyi Divine Numerology: The Secret Register of the Heavenly Origin 25Reads—Score—Shelves
13. 113 奇 Strange Treasures Conquer the World: The Secret Schemes of Lü Buwei 奇货驭天：吕不韦异谋传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今27k WordsCompleted Mastering Heaven with Rare Goods: The Strange Schemes of Lü Buwei 2Reads—Score—Shelves
14. 114 玄 The Path of Medicine in the Primordial Yellow World 玄黄医途 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今30k WordsCompleted The Path of Medicine in the Xuanhuang Realm —Reads—Score—Shelves
15. 115 我 Me, an Outer Sect Disciple, Became the Immortal World's Ancestor by Keeping a Low Profile 我，外门弟子，苟成仙界老祖 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今28k WordsCompleted I, an Outer Sect Disciple, Cautiously Became the Immortal Realm's Ancestor 1Reads—Score—Shelves
16. 116 墨 Ink Seal of the Nine Heavens 墨印九天 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今25k WordsCompleted Ink Seal Across the Nine Heavens 5Reads—Score—Shelves
17. 117 纵 The Way of Strategy: Zhang Yi’s Mystic Plans 纵横灵途：张仪玄策 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今19k WordsCompleted Traversing the World of Spirits: Zhang Yi's Arcane Strategies 1Reads—Score—Shelves
18. 118 文 The Star of Literature Falls to the Mortal Realm: Wang Bo's Legend in the Mystic Tang Dynasty 文星坠凡：王勃玄唐传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今10k WordsCompleted The Star of Literature Falls to Earth: Wang Bo's Mysterious Tang Dynasty 5Reads—Score—Shelves
19. 119 兵 The Art of the God of War: The Schemes of Huaiyin 兵仙箓：淮阴玄谋 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今20k WordsCompleted The Art of War: Huaiyin’s Hidden Stratagems 2Reads—Score—Shelves
20. 120 易 The Mystic Sovereign of the Way of Yi: The Legend of Guo Pu 易道玄尊：郭璞传奇 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今11k WordsCompleted The Daoist Mystic: The Legend of Guo Pu 4Reads—Score—Shelves
21. 121 抱 The Immortal Path of Baopu: The Legend of Ge Hong 抱朴仙途之葛洪传奇 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今15k WordsCompleted The Immortal Path of Baopu: The Legend of Ge Hong 3Reads—Score—Shelves
22. 122 木 [Wood and Shadow] 【木头和影子】 Wind Blows for Seven Days风吹七天Modern Romance150k WordsOngoing A long time ago, a character began to take shape in my mind. At first, he was little more than a silhouette. Then his actions and thoughts emerged. Unable to hold back any longer, I had no choice but to begin writing this story. I always thought I was creating a character, and for a while I was rather pleased with myself for doing so. But as I wrote, I realized he was slowly becoming an independent person. The force of his actions and thoughts left me far behind, and he began acting on his own. 8Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    #Off-the-beaten-path travel destinations #Rich cultural and historical knowledge #Ancient legends + contemporary life #Wood and shadows #Ongoing series

23. 123 鬼 The Medicine Cauldron of Guiguzi 鬼谷药鼎 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今15k WordsCompleted The Ghost Valley Medicine Cauldron 4Reads—Score—Shelves
24. 124 我 I Strive for My Country’s Prosperity! [System] 我，为祖国富强而奋斗！【系统】 Little Red-Crisp Hands红酥小手Modern Romance3.2M WordsOngoing [Reborn + System + top student + patriotism + positive energy + feel-good story + no awful relatives] Su Xing was always on her own, the aloof goddess in everyone else's eyes. It seemed everyone took it for granted that beautiful women should keep their distance and remain unapproachable. Only Su Xing knew she was pretending to be aloof. In truth, she had severe social anxiety! She hated dealing with people and being noticed. All she wanted was to hide in the shell she thought was safe and coast 43.1kReads9.6Score4kShelves

    Reader note

    You can read some classic works to improve your literacy.

25. 125 汉 Divine Judge of the Han Prison: The Biography of Zhang Tang 汉狱神断：张汤传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今23k WordsCompleted The Divine Judge of the Han Prison: The Biography of Zhang Tang 1Reads—Score—Shelves
26. 126 劫 Martial Peace Through Tribulation and Dust 劫尘武安 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今15k WordsCompleted Wu'an Amid the Dust of Calamity 1Reads—Score—Shelves
27. 127 故 Deep Love for the Former: Ping Jun's Farewell 故剑情深：平君辞 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今18k WordsCompleted Deep Love for an Old Sword: Pingjun's Farewell 4Reads—Score—Shelves
28. 128 金 Ashes of War: Fifty-Nine Years of the Liu Song Dynasty 金戈烬：刘宋五十九年兴亡录 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今19k WordsCompleted Ashes of the Golden Spear: A Chronicle of the Rise and Fall of Liu Song Across Fifty-Nine Years 3Reads—Score—Shelves
29. 129 苍 Nine Transformations of the Azure and Yellow: Li Si’s Cauldron 苍黄九变：李斯鼎 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今19k WordsCompleted Nine Transformations of Heaven and Earth: Li Si Ding 5Reads—Score—Shelves
30. 130 穷 A Poor Man's Guide to Turning His Life Around 穷人翻身指南 Strive for a New Era, Write a New Chapter奋进新时代续写新篇章161k WordsOngoing A practical guide to ways of thinking I’ll teach you how the rich think And how the poor can turn their lives around Why am I teaching you these ways of thinking? Why write this book? Let me make one thing clear first: The main reason I’m writing this book is for myself. I’m always trying to improve, learning from experience and gaining new insights every day. And the fastest way to absorb, understand, and apply this knowledge is the Feynman Technique. If you don’t know what that is, look it up. 259Reads7.3Score860Shelves
31. 131 神 Divine Numerology: The Secret Scroll of the Supreme Principle 神数衍天：皇极秘卷 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今23k WordsCompleted Divine Numerology Reveals Heaven: The Secret Scroll of the Emperor's Pole 4Reads—Score—Shelves
32. 132 陶 Tao Zhu’s Mystic Strategy: Mastermind of Heaven’s Secrets 陶朱玄略：天机谋主 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今22k WordsCompleted The Tao Zhu Strategy: Mastermind of Heaven's Secrets 5Reads—Score—Shelves
33. 133 万 All Realms Return to the Stars 万境归辰 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今25k WordsCompleted All Realms Return to the Stars 5Reads—Score—Shelves
34. 134 少 Keep Moving Forward, Young Man 少年且前行 Li Xiangxiang李想想Urban1.6M WordsCompleted Bearing the hopes of his disabled parents and supported by every uncle and elder in Kaoshan Village, Wang Yan arrived in Binhai carrying a fertilizer sack full of the future. He stepped onto campus and began his journey toward changing his life… 61.2kReads9.5Score6.1kShelves

    Reader note

    "To Live" is a literary classic that enhances one's understanding of life. "The Art of Character Divination" offers a more direct and simple way to understand human nature. While "Young Man, Keep Moving Forward" may lack rigor, it provides a different perspective on life within the context of architecture.

35. 135 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

    1. Find poetry boring? Teacher Dai will guide you into a different world of poetry, rekindling your interest in it o(*≧▽≦)ツ┏━┓ 2. Don't miss this beginner's guide to spoken English 😊 3. 4. Friends interested in history but find dry content unappealing should definitely not miss this [laughs] 5. An essential book for military strategists [kissing emoji]

36. 136 向 Running Toward the Far Side of the Mountain 向山那边奔跑 Mr. comcom先生Urban501k WordsCompleted Why we recommend it: This is an uplifting novel for young readers... A story that helps children develop a better understanding of growing up. Life is full of all kinds of challenges, and this book teaches readers how to think clearly and face them with optimism and a positive attitude… Synopsis: The protagonist, Xiaoyong, grew up without a father, born at the foot of the mountains and subjected to endless humiliation. He has many battles of wits along the way. The brief time he spends livin 2Reads—Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    The novel, totaling 500,000 words, has been updated to 450,000 words. The exciting part is about to end—a lost body, a returning soul! Why read "Running Towards the Mountain"? 1. Everyone comes from a different family of origin; we must learn to redeem ourselves! 2. The best scenery is on the road, the most opportunities are in action. 3. Life is a process; look at the world with appreciative eyes. There is no eternal life, no eternal youth. 4. The best love, friendship, family, and the meaning of life lie in igniting and illuminating each other!

37. 137 哦 Oh No, I've Transmigrated into a Nun 哦豁，穿成尼姑了 Lush Green, Never Thin绿肥红不瘦Ancient Romance459k WordsCompleted Yang Zhenzhen is a 37-year-old corporate HR executive who believes in love but not marriage. One night, she wakes up in a remote mountain nunnery, reborn as a penniless 19-year-old novice. The country is suffering through natural disasters. Its young emperor is doing his utmost to govern well, but Heaven refuses to cooperate. The heroine has neither a pocket dimension nor supernatural powers. Relying on her gift for persuasion and the wealth of knowledge she accumulated in her previous life, she 125Reads8.7Score—Shelves

    Reader note

    A comprehensive guide to time travel! [Thumbs up] You won't regret reading it. Mainly, the author's writing is excellent, concise, and full of practical information.

38. 138 如 How to Be Yourself 如何去做好自己 Is Spring Still Far Away?春天还远吗209k WordsCompleted In this bustling age, where people come and go in an endless tide, we each play different roles and live different lives. One story layered upon another weaves vivid tales of joy and sorrow. Together, they gather like a sea, like stars in the sky, forming our society. The journey is always complicated, but the outcome is the same: facing death. It is truly no easy thing to be born into this world. Under the sway of our emotions and desires, everything we do and everyone we meet can stay with us 8.7kReads7.1Score365Shelves

    Reader note

    These two books discuss how we can do what we want in our family and career. In this era of bustling crowds, there are many reasons for life's ups and downs, making them worth reading.

39. 139 野 The Unofficial History Might Be True 2: Emperors, Kings, Generals, and Ministers 野史未必假2：帝王将相篇 Wang Lei王磊Historical123k WordsCompleted A brand-new sequel to "Unverified Tales May Not Be False"! Twenty-two new historical mysteries, twenty-two thrilling investigations! Was Wang Mang a transmigrator? Was Zhu Di really Empress Ma’s biological son? Was the Guangxu Emperor poisoned to death by Cixi? Rumors don’t come from nowhere; the truth is often hidden within them. This book explores familiar unofficial stories from Chinese history, from the Three Dynasties through the Ming and Qing, including the beacon fires that fooled the feu 1.8kReads9.4Score398Shelves
40. 140 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
41. 141 四 The Secret Histories of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人秘史 Master of Ancient Wu Su Yan古吴素阉主人Historical103k WordsCompleted [The Four Beauties, classical historical romances, complete uncensored public-domain editions, stories of celebrated women in history, ancient tales] This complete collection contains the original, unabridged texts of The Romance of Xishi, The Romance of Wang Zhaojun, The Romance of Yang Guifei, and The Romance of Diaochan. It recounts the turbulent lives of the Four Beauties, whose beauty was said to make fish forget to swim, geese forget to fly, the moon hide, and flowers blush. Together, thes 476Reads9.2Score100Shelves
42. 142 奸 The Profiteer 奸商 Brilliant as the Sun金辉万丈Urban1.6M WordsCompleted [Read the first 10 chapters patiently, and you'll see: in studying, daily life, work, and love, there are tricks everywhere!] There are no honest businessmen. Nine out of ten merchants will cheat you. But nine out of ten salespeople will become bosses. I'm a salesperson, and I became a boss too. I'll use my own experience to show you the tricks these unscrupulous merchants use… This book aims to teach you how to avoid scams. Imitate anything in it at your own risk. 10.9kReads9.1Score1.7kShelves

    Reader note

    I personally feel it's very good.

43. 143 五 A Popular History of the Five Dynasties 五代史通俗演义 Cai Dongfan蔡东藩Historical344k WordsCompleted [A Classical, Accessible History of the Entire Era | A Beginner's Guide to History | A Complete Overview of the Ten Kingdoms] Can't get through dry official histories? This popularized retelling of the Five Dynasties uses a story-driven, episodic format to make this lesser-known period of turmoil easy to understand. Its sixty chapters cover the rise and fall of all five dynasties, Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou, while also tracing the history of the Ten Kingdoms' r 62Reads9.2Score—Shelves
44. 144 六 The Six Realms Era: The Hongmeng Investiture of the Gods 六界纪元：鸿蒙封神录 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今Eastern Fantasy78k WordsCompleted Heaven and Earth began in chaos. Chaos gave birth to the Limitless, the Limitless gave birth to the Supreme Ultimate, the Supreme Ultimate transformed into yin and yang, yin and yang gave rise to the five elements, and the five elements nurtured all living things. Heaven and Earth began in chaos. Chaos gave birth to the Limitless, the Limitless gave birth to the Supreme Ultimate, the Supreme Ultimate transformed into yin and yang, yin and yang gave rise to the five elements, and the five element 5Reads—Score—Shelves
45. 145 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
46. 146 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
47. 147 子 Zigong Enters Government: Chronicles of Five Kingdoms in Turmoil 子贡出仕、五国风云录 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今10k WordsCompleted Zigong Enters Officialdom: Chronicles of the Five Kingdoms 4Reads—Score—Shelves
48. 148 玄 The Vertical and Horizontal Strategies of the Mystic Pivot: The Biography of Su Qin 玄枢纵横之苏秦传 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今18k WordsCompleted The Story of Su Qin: Master of Strategy and Statecraft 4Reads—Score—Shelves
49. 149 玄 Guan Zhong’s Mystic Arts: Uniting the Lords and Restoring the Mandate of Heaven 玄相管仲：九合诸侯，一匡气运 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今28k WordsCompleted Guan Zhong, Master of Metaphysics: Uniting the Lords, Restoring the Mandate of Heaven 5Reads—Score—Shelves
50. 150 皇 The Book of the Supreme Principle Governing the World 皇极经世书 Leisurely Through Past and Present闲中古今18k WordsCompleted The Book of the Supreme Ultimate's Worldly Order 23Reads—Score—Shelves

Other lists with Unofficial History Isn't Necessarily False