Realism in Chinese Literature: From Classical Roots to Contemporary Expressions

Dear Colleagues,

We invite submissions for a special issue that delves into the evolution of realism in Chinese literature, tracing its journey from classical foundations to contemporary manifestations. This issue seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of realism across various genres, including fiction, drama, and film, highlighting its enduring significance and adaptability in Chinese literary history.

Themes of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Classical Foundations: Investigations into early realist tendencies in classical Chinese literature, examining how historical texts and traditional narratives established the groundwork for subsequent realist expressions.

20th-Century Transformations: Analyses of the early 20th-century engagement with Western literary movements, such as naturalism and socialist realism, and how Chinese writers integrated these influences amidst sociopolitical changes.

Post-Mao Developments: Studies on post-Mao literature, focusing on contemporary authors' navigation of modern societal complexities, incorporating elements like magical realism and neo-realism to depict China's rapid transformation.

Sinophone Perspectives: Explorations of how Chinese-language writers in the diaspora reinterpret realism within transnational contexts, contributing to a broader understanding of its global resonance.

Submission Guidelines:

Abstract deadline: 15 May 2026

Full article deadline: 15 November 2026

We welcome original research articles that offer fresh insights into the dynamic and evolving nature of realism in Chinese literature. Submissions should adhere to the journal's formatting guidelines and be submitted through the designated portal.

For inquiries and submissions, please contact the two Guest Editors or email directly at Humanities@mdpi.com.

Dr. Xueqing Xu
Dr. Yan Lu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Humanities is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.