Novels like Tales of the Tang Dynasty
Books Chinese readers most often put in the same booklists as Tales of the Tang Dynasty, best match first.
- 51 The Might of the Great Tang: The Long Winds of the Celestial Strategies 大唐天威之天策长风 In the chaotic final years of the Sui dynasty, the realm lies in ruins, smoke rises from battlefields, and the people are plunged into misery. A gifted child is born at the Wugong Guesthouse, marked by the auspicious signs of a dragon and phoenix. He is named Shimin, with the great ambition to bring peace to the people. Young Li Shimin is no idle boy. He studies military texts and masters riding and archery. At sixteen, he deploys a feint at Yanmen and drives back hundreds of thousands of Turk 8Reads—Score—14d adds
- 52 The Secret Histories of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人秘史 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 127Reads9.2Score3814d adds
- 53 Chinese History That Hooks You from the First Page 一读就上瘾的中国史 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 3.2kReads9.5Score96814d adds
- 54 Two Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华二千年史 A History of China Through Two Thousand Years was first published in 1934 as one of the University Series, then republished by Zhonghua Book Company in 1956. Written by Deng Zhicheng, it primarily recounts Chinese history from the Qin and Han periods through the Ming and Qing dynasties, while also presenting the author’s historical thought and commentary. 101Reads8.8Score2114d adds
- 55 Qingshi Pass, Pear Tree Grove 青狮口，梨树林 The Green Lion’s Mouth, the Pear Orchard follows Zhang Yunxi’s life as its narrative thread, setting it against the vast backdrop of a century of change in rural China. In Qingshikou Village, in the land of Xiangchu, it unfolds as an epic etched in the rings of the earth. From the many wars of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, to the farming and pioneering spirit of the early Republican era, to protecting homes and forests during the War of Resistance Against Japan, from collective labor i —Reads8.3Score—14d adds
- 56 The Vertical and Horizontal Strategies of the Mystic Pivot: The Biography of Su Qin 玄枢纵横之苏秦传 The Story of Su Qin: Master of Strategy and Statecraft 4Reads—Score—14d adds
- 57 Five Thousand Years of Chinese History 中华上下五千年 Arranged chronologically, this book selects major events, influential figures, remarkable achievements, and brilliant cultural accomplishments from five thousand years of history. It strives to reach new heights in accuracy, appeal, and insight. Through a rigorous structure and innovative design, it explains Chinese history from every angle, offering fresh perspectives and multiple layers of analysis while vividly and concisely recounting the basic course of China's historical evolution and the 36.3kReads9.6Score4.4k14d adds
- 58 Nine Transformations of the Azure and Yellow: Li Si’s Cauldron 苍黄九变：李斯鼎 Nine Transformations of Heaven and Earth: Li Si Ding 3Reads—Score—14d adds
- 59 Tao Zhu’s Mystic Strategy: Mastermind of Heaven’s Secrets 陶朱玄略：天机谋主 The Tao Zhu Strategy: Mastermind of Heaven's Secrets 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 60 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 Guan Zhong, Master of Metaphysics: Uniting the Lords, Restoring the Mandate of Heaven 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 61 A Half-Hour Cartoon History of China (Complete in Seven Volumes) 半小时漫画中国史（全七册） Read comics for half an hour and learn the history of China and the world! This is actually a rigorous, minimalist history of China plus a minimalist world history. From the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and from the Four Great Ancient Civilizations to Europe, Japan, and the United States... Open this book and learn history while laughing until your abs hurt. Half-Hour Comics: Chinese History 1–5: The Spring and Autumn and Warring State 2.5kReads9.6Score72214d adds
- 62 Strange Treasures Conquer the World: The Secret Schemes of Lü Buwei 奇货驭天：吕不韦异谋传 Mastering Heaven with Rare Goods: The Strange Schemes of Lü Buwei 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 63 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 The Star of Literature Falls to Earth: Wang Bo's Mysterious Tang Dynasty 5Reads—Score—14d adds
- 64 Jiang Yan’s Dream: Flowers Bloom from His Brush 江淹一梦笔生花 In the winter of the seventh year of the Daming era (463 AD), Jiang Yan was gathering firewood in the biting wind by the Qingxi River. Suddenly, he spotted a young woman stumbling along the main road, clutching her wounded left arm, with three constables from the Court of Justice in hot pursuit. Jiang Yan pulled her into a reed bed, helping her evade the officials’ deadly grasp. It turned out she was Xie Wei’s daughter. Xie Wei had been implicated in the Fan Ye case because of his poetry and pro 136Reads—Score514d adds
- 65 Song Jiaoren, Father of Chinese Constitutionalism 宪政之父宋教仁 The Father of Constitutionalism: Song Jiaoren presents the sweeping life of Song Jiaoren, a pioneer of constitutional government whose story unfolded amid the tumult of the late Qing and early Republican eras. As a founder of modern Chinese constitutionalism, Song Jiaoren called himself “the Fisherman.” With his pen as his sword and his blood as his ink, he carved a path toward constitutional government in an age shrouded in turmoil. In Japan, he translated Western legal codes, introducing const 35Reads—Score—14d adds
- 66 Abandoning the Song in 1142: One Man’s Northern Expedition 弃宋1142：一个人的北伐 [No System, No Golden Finger + Transmigration to the Song Dynasty + Jin Dynasty + Travel] What secrets lie behind Yue Fei's execution? Was the Shaoxing peace treaty actually forced on the Jin by sheer necessity? In the twelfth year of Shaoxing, Yue Fei was murdered, peace was made between Song and Jin, and the north and south settled into tranquility. A lone scout stranded in enemy territory accidentally uncovers the truth behind the sixteen-year war between Song and Jin, shattering a peace that 124Reads8.2Score—14d adds
- 67 The History of the Song Dynasty’s Imperial Court 宋代宫闱史 Drawing on official histories, unofficial accounts, and folk legends, this work offers a profound portrayal of the emperor's emotional world alongside a detailed depiction of life in the palace. It vividly recreates the lives of emperors and empresses in the secluded inner palace, while also offering readers interested in history clues to follow. 1.8kReads9.4Score3114d adds
- 68 The Truth the Japanese Army Tried to Hide: The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru 被日军掩盖的真相：里斯本丸沉没事件 [Lisbon Maru, Japan, World War II, prisoners of war, shipwreck, war] The Truth Hidden by the Japanese Military: The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru centers on a humanitarian disaster during World War II, bringing to light a chapter of history long buried. In October 1942, the Japanese cargo ship Lisbon Maru was carrying around 1,800 British prisoners of war from Hong Kong to Japan when it was torpedoed by an American submarine near the Zhoushan Islands. As the ship slowly sank, the Japanese military 75Reads9.2Score—14d adds
- 69 Li Mi, the Mystic Chancellor: Divining the Cosmos and Aiding Four Dynasties as an Immortal 玄相李泌：易数定乾坤，仙踪辅四朝 Li Mi, the Mystic Chancellor: Divination Sets the World in Order, an Immortal Aids Four Reigns 4Reads—Score—14d adds
- 70 Ink Seal of the Nine Heavens 墨印九天 Ink Seal Across the Nine Heavens 8Reads—Score—14d adds
- 71 The Saga of Wagang Stronghold 瓦岗寨演义 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 869Reads9.5Score10714d adds
- 72 The Battle of Lake Changjin: The Turning Point of the Korean War 长津湖战役：朝鲜战争的拐点 Discover the true story of the Battle of Lake Changjin, a desperate clash of wills and faith. We salute the great soldiers. Those faces hidden beneath the ice, those who died under the bombs: they deserve to be remembered! More than seventy years ago, the Langlin Mountains were rugged and buried beneath heavy snow. The wind howled into people's ears, as loud as an exploding shell. Many lay in the snow. The charge sounded, but they could no longer move. Snowflakes settled on their eyelashes, and 658Reads9.4Score—14d adds
- 73 Lessons from Ancient History 3 古史今鉴3 The Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, followed by the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Beginning amid the Sixteen Kingdoms, the story ends with the fall of the Qing. A novel's surface, forged around the bones of true history. A tale of China's loyal heroes, carrying on the legacy of the Han people. In the early third century AD, the Three Kingdoms were reunited under the Jin dynasty, bringing the realm together. But this brief unity was merely the prelude to an even greater catastr 38Reads—Score—14d adds
- 74 The Mystic Star Quells a Chaotic Age 玄星镇乱世 During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, heaven and earth were in upheaval. Years of unending warfare threw the spiritual veins of the Nine Provinces into disarray and shifted the stars from their courses. A catastrophe was about to descend upon the mortal world. The Star Pivot Order governed celestial divination and the protection of spiritual veins. For generations, its members had taken it upon themselves to determine Heaven's will and safeguard the people, but the demonic Netherdar 2Reads—Score—14d adds
- 75 Tales of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court 明宫十六朝演义 The Romance of the Sixteen Reigns of the Ming Court delves into the imperial palace, recounting the love and enmity between emperors and their consorts, while ranging widely across history to survey the twists and turns of feudal dynasties. Understand this series, and you will understand the court; understand the court, and you will understand history; understand history, and the realities of the world will become clear to you. 78Reads9.4Score—14d adds
- 76 The Mystic Pivot: Zhang Heng’s Record of Heavenly Secrets 玄枢：张衡天机录 The Mystic Pivot: Zhang Heng's Record of Celestial Secrets 7Reads—Score—14d adds
- 77 Quick, Let Duke Zhou Eat Some Meat 快让周公吃肉 I transmigrated one day and became the famous Duke of Zhou, Ji Dan. Everyone praises me, saying, “The Duke of Zhou spits out his food to welcome worthy men, and all under Heaven turn to him.” But who knew I wasn’t practicing humility, I really just can’t stomach meat! The shadows of the blood sacrifices at Zhaoge haunt me. Just one bite of meat and I’m back in that slaughterhouse in my dreams. Within, scheming ministers watch like tigers; without, the rebellion of the Three Guards bears down. Th 72Reads—Score—14d adds
- 78 History of the Song: Annals of Emperor Taizu 宋史·太祖本纪 He may have been the best “actor” among the founding emperors in Chinese history. In 960 CE, a carefully orchestrated “forced enthronement” at Chenqiao Station propelled Zhao Kuangyin from a general of the Later Zhou into the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty. Over drinks, he stripped the founding generals of their military power; amid the shadows of an axe and candlelight, the mystery surrounding his bizarre death remains unsolved to this day. Some call him a wise ruler who ended the chaos o 147Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 79 Awakening of the Soul: The Song of the Rift War 魂觉醒之裂合战歌 On the eighth day of the ninth month, in the autumn of the late Tang, chrysanthemums bloom and all other flowers wither. The setting sun drips blood, smoke from the beacon fires blots out the sky, and horses trample the cracked earth amid utter chaos. Everywhere, blades flash and refugees roam... A down-and-out young man with nowhere else to turn seeks refuge with a fellow townsman, hoping to make something of himself. Instead, he stumbles straight into his enemies' den and nearly loses his life 206Reads9.3Score—14d adds
- 80 No Offenses Against Jin 不轨于晋 Who in history has never had regrets? Zhang Ao, the King of Zhao in the early Western Han dynasty, originally lived in the shadow of Liu Bang’s purge of kings with different surnames, spending his days in constant fear, never knowing whether he would see the next day. Heaven gave him a second chance to be reborn, in the form of Zhang Gui more than four hundred years later. Unfortunately, he now faced an even darker and more degenerate age of Wei and Jin. And so begins a tale of saving a world wh 769Reads—Score10114d adds
- 81 Tales of the Northern Song Dynasty 关于北宋的那些事 A new work is here! I hope you'll head over to Tomato Novel to read it. I hope you enjoy it. Your support is what keeps me writing, and I'll do my best to tell every story well! 9.4kReads8.4Score1.1k14d adds
- 82 The Scandalous Tales of the Four Great Beauties 四大美人艳史演义 Uncovering the untold stories of the Four Beauties [History + biographies + the Four Beauties + unofficial anecdotes] Xi Shi, whose beauty could topple a kingdom as she washed silk, was caught in the turmoil of a chaotic age. Yang Yuhuan’s glance could captivate an entire city, but her passionate love became a shackle of fate. Wang Zhaojun left the frontier with a mournful song, bringing a brief peace between the Han and the Xiongnu. Diao Chan ingeniously set a chain of schemes in motion, turnin 92Reads8.7Score—14d adds
- 83 A History of the Ming Palace 明代宫闱史 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. 33.9kReads9.6Score58814d adds
- 84 The Dragon Rises in Jinling: Reviving the Tang Dynasty for Five Hundred Years 龙起金陵，再续大唐五百年 “The emperor in Chang’an, the army of the Wei residence.” The Wei residence’s household troops had become a thing of the past beneath the executioner’s blade, while the emperor in Chang’an lived in constant fear amid troubles both within and without. Does an emperor have some special birthright? Whoever commands the strongest troops and finest horses becomes emperor! Flames raged everywhere. Looking across the land, the Tang was now divided among rival regional warlords: Zhu Wen, Li Keyong, Yang 57Reads—Score—14d adds
- 85 The Complete Collection of Courtly Tales Through the Ages 历代宫廷演义全集 Xu Xiaotian brings the secret histories of the Ming, Qing, and Tang courts to life in the style of a novel: the bloodshed of the Nine Princes’ struggle for the throne, Wu Zetian’s political schemes, and the tragic final days of the Chongzhen Emperor... The book has the solid historical foundations of a meticulously researched account, enlivened with the colorful flesh and blood of historical fiction. More vivid than official histories, yet more rigorous than tales of the past, it is an ancient v 137Reads9.5Score—14d adds
- 86 Party Struggles Throughout Chinese History 中国历代党争 Chinese Factional Struggles Through the Ages is a history of power struggles between factions, between factions and imperial authority, and between individuals. Using strategy as its thread and history as its fabric, it recounts a host of tangled stories. Covering three thousand years of factional strife, from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods through the Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the book details major events, rises and falls, triumphs and humiliations, and 296Reads7.7Score10014d adds
- 87 Wu Zetian's Four Great Mystery Cases 武则天四大奇案 [Historical Mystery + Four Great Cases + Ancient-Era Deduction] From strange cases in the countryside to courtly intrigue, Di Renjie carefully unravels the truth at every turn. Newly appointed magistrate of Changping County, Di Renjie is immediately faced with a bizarre murder: a merchant from Huzhou is found mysteriously dead at an inn in Liulidun. The local headman, Hu De, abuses his power, but the identity of the real culprit raises even more questions. Disguised as an ordinary traveler, Di R 391Reads9.5Score—14d adds
- 88 Unofficial History Isn't Necessarily False 野史未必假 [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 30.6kReads9.6Score5.3k14d adds
- 89 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） 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 1.6kReads9.3Score23914d adds
- 90 Fierce as Xifeng Liquor 西凤烈 A modern special forces instructor dies heroically on a mission. When he opens his eyes again, he has become Liu Qi, the son of a military family in the Northern Song dynasty. The story starts at full throttle: a bloody battle at Zangdi River, where the heavily armored Iron Kite cavalry charges forward like a steel torrent, crushing the Song army. Just as the commander’s banner is about to fall and the commander’s son lies near death, a soul from a thousand years in the future quietly awakens. T 7.3kReads9.2Score88614d adds
- 91 The Ming Dynasty’s Talented Scholar, Jie Jin 大明才子解缙 Jie Jin, a gifted scholar of the Ming Dynasty, lived a turbulent and legendary life. Brilliant from childhood and endowed with extraordinary talent, he was hailed as a “child prodigy.” He made his mark at a young age, sailed through the imperial examinations on the strength of his vast learning, passed the highest-level exam, and embarked on an official career. Quick-witted and inspired in his writing, Jie Jin oversaw the compilation of the "Yongle Encyclopedia", bringing books from across the 6Reads7.5Score—14d adds
- 92 A Comprehensive History of Commerce 商史通鉴 A sweeping historical novel that lays bare six centuries of power games in the Shang dynasty. No myths, no romanticized tales, only the truest human nature, the cruelest contests, and the deepest lessons of rise and fall. My writing on Shang history began with questions about the origins of Chinese civilization, and ended with a reunion with myself. The Shang dynasty was a pivotal era when the rites, royal authority, and divine power of Huaxia took shape together. Yet scarce historical records a 163Reads—Score—14d adds
- 93 Great Ming: I Told You to Hang Yourself, Not Rebuild the Ming Dynasty 大明：让你上吊，没让你重建大明 He opens his eyes on the eve of the Jiashen upheaval. Li Zicheng has already breached Beijing, the Manchus beyond the passes are eyeing the capital, and court officials are closing in to force the issue. Faced with a nightmare from the start, what should the Chongzhen Emperor do… This work’s style: history as its bones, art as its wings. It respects real history and does not rewrite established events, using artistic storytelling to fill the regrets history left behind. A note for readers: This 5.7kReads8.9Score48414d adds
- 94 The Legend of Yue Fei 岳飞传 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. 884Reads9.6Score—14d adds
- 95 From Pangu to Puyi 从盘古到溥仪 [A Tomato-style Records of the Grand Historian + a blessing for audiobook listeners + grounded in historical sources + told with the flair of a novel] [Also known as From Pangu's Creation of the World to the Last Emperor's Abdication] A million-character epic spanning from Pangu's creation of the world to the last emperor's abdication. This isn't a mindless power fantasy: it combines historical authenticity with an engaging, nuanced touch. The book tells the whole story of Chinese history, from 615Reads8.3Score13014d adds
- 96 Dust Mountain 尘埃山 This story follows ordinary people struggling to survive through the long, chaotic ninety years of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It portrays how a group of common folk make their way in life, far from the halls of power, with no special advantages or extraordinary encounters. Like specks of dust drifting through time, they endure the weight of the years, unnoticed and unheard. 395Reads8.4Score—14d adds
- 97 I Am Hongli, Building a Golden Age for the Qing Dynasty 朕是弘历打造大清盛世 [Political Intrigue + Harem Rivalries + Factional Strife + Romance + Emperor] Hongli ascended the throne at twenty-five and ruled for sixty years, making him the longest-reigning and longest-lived emperor in history. He governed with diligence, excelling in both civil and military affairs, and led the Qing to the height of its golden age. Yet factional strife raged through the court, conflicts in the deep palace never ceased, and danger lurked behind the splendor. In the end, the golden age ga 15.8kReads8.3Score43714d adds
- 98 I Became the Wanli Emperor's Crown Prince, So Whoever Wants the Red Pill Can Eat It 穿成万历太子，这红丸谁爱吃谁吃 Reborn as an emperor who has only been on the throne for a month, he faces the Palace Coup and the Red Pill Incident, with treacherous officials within and bandits without. From crown prince to emperor, he plans every step. Great Ming, are you ready to welcome your Emperor Taichang? Nurhaci, are you ready to be put through the wringer? 7kReads7.3Score48214d adds
- 99 The Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties: Complete, Edited Edition 隋唐演义-精编完整版 An epic tale of heroes rising amid chaos. Qin Qiong sells his horse, revealing a hero at the end of his rope; Cheng Yaojin robs the imperial tribute convoy, showing off his street smarts; and Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident reshapes the course of history. Blending the official historical record with folk storytelling, it weaves a legendary tale steeped in history and the spirit of the jianghu. 838Reads9.6Score—14d adds
- 100 Zeng Guofan's Methods of Scholarship 曾国藩治学方法 This book explores three dimensions: self-cultivation, managing affairs, and reading. Its discussion of self-cultivation advocates integrating “resolve, insight, and perseverance,” building a foundation for body and mind through meditation and a regular routine. Its approach to managing affairs reveals, through practical examples such as running a household and leading an army, the unity of hands-on action and institutional innovation. Its discussion of reading emphasizes “mastering one field” a 356Reads9.0Score15614d adds
