Looking to dive deeper into Chinese language, culture, and history? This curated selection of books is here to guide you.
Whether you’re learning hanzi, exploring ancient myths, brushing up on grammar, or trying to understand modern Chinese politics, you’ll find thoughtful recommendations across a range of topics, including my own graded reader Shadow Mouse. Each section highlights a few standout titles – accessible, insightful, and chosen with learners and curious readers in mind. Browse around, discover something new, and let these books bring you closer to the world of China.
And by the way, the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through them, I earn a few cents of commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog, pay for the hosting of this site and allows me to continue creating useful content for learners like you. Of course, there’s no obligation to buy, but if you do, I truly appreciate your support!
Chinese Graded Reader: The Tale of Shadow Mouse
Deep beneath the city of Beijing, a small mouse named 小影 (Xiǎo Yǐng) lives a quiet life in the subway tunnels – until a government extermination campaign forces him to flee. Armed with nothing but a tourist’s map, an old MP3 player, and his courage, he sets out on a perilous journey to Kaifeng in search of his family.
Shadow Mouse is an original graded reader for (upper) intermediate Chinese learners (HSK 4–6). Written entirely in simplified Chinese and published by myself, it features over 1,000 unique characters, rich vocabulary, and a compelling storyline. The book includes extensive vocabulary lists, bonus materials, and downloadable audio.
No unnecessary pinyin that distracts and covers 40 % of the pages – just immersive reading that helps you build fluency while enjoying a real story.
Follow 小影 through metro tunnels, rain-soaked alleys, secret kitchens, and Shaolin mouse temples in this heartfelt tale of adventure, resilience, and the search for home.
Chinese characters
Learning to read and write Chinese begins with understanding hanzi – the characters that form the heart of the language. This selection of books offers clear, engaging introductions to the Chinese writing system for beginners and curious learners alike. Whether you’re interested in the origins and evolution of characters, want a structured approach to memorizing the most common ones, or simply appreciate the art and logic behind hanzi, these titles provide the perfect starting point. Each book offers a unique perspective, helping demystify Chinese script while building a solid foundation for further study.
Chinese grammar
Chinese grammar may seem simple at first – no verb conjugations, no tenses, no plurals – but there’s plenty of nuance beneath the surface. This collection of books helps learners make sense of how the language really works, from basic sentence structure to more advanced patterns and particles. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, these titles explain grammar in clear, accessible ways, often with helpful examples and comparisons to English. A great toolkit for building confidence and fluency in real-world Chinese.
The Haunted Monastery by Robert van Gulik
This Judge Dee mystery by Robert van Gulik is set in Imperial China and features Judge Dee, a magistrate and statesman of the Tang court. Judge Dee and his entourage, seeking refuge from a mountain storm, become trapped in a Taoist monastery. The monks call it a supernatural experience, but the judge calls it murder. Recalling the allegedly accidental deaths of three young women in the same monastery, Judge Dee seeks clues in the eyes of a cat to solve cases of impersonation and murder. A painting by one of the victims reveals the truth about the killings, propelling the judge on a quest for justice and revenge.
Robert van Gulik (1910-1967) was a Dutch diplomat, sinologist, musician, and writer. He is best known for his Judge Dee historical mysteries, featuring Judge Dee, a protagonist borrowed from the 18th-century Chinese detective novel Dee Goong An. Van Gulik’s Judge Dee mysteries follow the long tradition of Chinese detective fiction, intentionally preserving a number of key elements of that writing culture. Most notably, Judge Dee solves three different (and sometimes unrelated) cases in each book, a traditional device in Chinese mysteries.
Chinese mythology
Rich with dragons, immortals, trickster spirits, and cosmic battles, Chinese mythology offers a window into the beliefs, values, and imagination of ancient China. The books in this section bring these timeless stories to life – retelling classic myths like Journey to the West, exploring their cultural significance, and tracing their influence on art, literature, and everyday language. Whether you’re new to these tales or revisiting them with fresh eyes, these titles provide an engaging way to connect with one of the world’s oldest storytelling traditions.
The Four Chinese Classics
“The Four Chinese Classics” by David Hinton offers a selection of key works from the rich tradition of Chinese philosophical and spiritual literature. It includes excerpts from the I Ching (Book of Changes), Tao Te Ching (by Lao Tzu), Chuang Tzu, and the Analects (of Confucius). Hinton’s approach emphasizes the poetic and mystical dimensions of these texts, making them accessible to a modern audience while retaining their profound wisdom and insight into the nature of reality, self, and the universe. It’s a valuable introduction to the foundational texts that have shaped Chinese culture and thought for millennia.
Chinese history
China’s long and complex history stretches from legendary sage-kings to the rise of the modern nation. This section includes three engaging overviews that trace the major dynasties, turning points, and cultural developments that have shaped China over the centuries. The fourth title, From Yao to Mao, presents a lively lecture series, offering a sweeping narrative from ancient times to the 20th century. Whether you’re new to the subject or looking to deepen your understanding, these books provide a clear and compelling introduction to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations.
Chinese politics
Modern Chinese politics has been shaped by revolution, reform, and rapid transformation. This section explores key forces driving China’s political landscape since 1945, from the rise of the Chinese Communist Party to the social and economic tensions that continue to shape its future. One title offers a clear-eyed look at the Party’s structure, ideology, and enduring influence, while another examines the deepening urban-rural divide – a challenge that poses serious questions for China’s continued development. These books provide essential insight into the power, policies, and pressures behind the headlines.
HSK Standard Course
The HSK Standard Course is a series of textbooks designed to prepare learners for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), China’s official standardized test for Mandarin proficiency. Developed by Beijing Language and Culture University Press, the series covers HSK levels 1–6, with each level consisting of a textbook and a workbook. The course integrates vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice, following the official HSK syllabus. It is widely used in classrooms and self-study, offering structured lessons, exercises, and audio resources to help learners systematically improve their Chinese proficiency.
Graded readers
Graded readers are a fantastic way to build confidence and fluency in Chinese through real reading practice. These carefully written stories use limited vocabulary and controlled grammar to match different proficiency levels, making it easier to enjoy Chinese while you learn it. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to tackle longer texts, this selection offers engaging narratives, helpful glossaries, and language notes to support your progress. A great step toward reading Chinese independently – and having fun while doing it.
Mandarin Chinese Picture Dictionary
The “Mandarin Chinese Picture Dictionary” is a visual learning tool designed to help beginners quickly grasp essential Mandarin vocabulary. It organizes words by topic, with colorful illustrations accompanying each entry. This makes it easy to associate words with their meanings, aiding memorization and pronunciation. It’s a handy resource for building a basic vocabulary and is particularly useful for visual learners. While it may not delve into complex grammar, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to learn everyday Mandarin Chinese words in a fun and accessible way.
Happy reading!
I hope you’ve found a book – or a few – that spark your interest and support your journey into Chinese language and culture. Whether you’re just beginning or deepening your understanding, the right book can make all the difference. Thanks for visiting, enjoy the read and please return, as I’ll continue to improve the inventory of this page!
