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David R. Stroup

A China Reading List


So, you want to become a 中国通 (zhongguotong, China expert)? There's a wealth of great literature out there on the Middle Kingdom. Choosing where to start may be a bit daunting. To help you get started, here's an annotated, thematically-organized bibliography of things I've found to be particularly good reads:

Contemporary Chinese Society:

Reflection on contemporary China from former the Beijing correspondent for The Atlantic.

Discussions about China's youth from the Asia Society's Eric Fish, creator of Sinostand blog.

Former New Yorker correspondant Peter Hessler's reflections on modern China, including language, and development.

Evan Osnos chronicles stories from China's "Glided Age."

Profiles of eleven influential writers, thinkers, leaders, etc. who have played major roles in China's rise.

Chinese History:

Looking at langauge and multiculturalist in Tang and Song era China

A history of the Chinese frontier and the formation of the modern Chinese state.

An in-depth look at the Mao Era and China from 1949-1978.

Profiles of post-Reform and Opening China (1978-present).

Thorough social and political history of China from the Qing Dynasty onward.

China's Urbanization:

Fascinating history of development and urban planning in China's west.

An intimate portriat of an old Beijing neighborhood in the midst of dramatic urban renewal.

Miller's great study of the large-scale consequences of China's urbanization, and path towards the day when the urban populace will exceed 1 billion.

​Everything you need to know about Shanghai transformation into a world economic powerhouse

Rural China:

Hessler's memoirs on two years as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching English in rural Sichuan.

Meyer's account of life on a rice farm in the midst of change and development in the Manchurian village of Dahuangdi.

A look at life in rural China from 1949-1999.

Ethnic Issues:

Gladney studies four Chinese Muslim (Hui) communities, and describes Islam and daily life in China.

A comprehensive look at minority politics and represenation in China.

Studies of issues related to Han-Minority relations on China's borderlands.

A study of Han-Uyghur relations in contemporary China.

A history of Hui communities in Northwest China.

A critical look at China's Han ethnic majority: culture, history and social issues.

Administrative and state-society relations issues in ethnic minority regions of China.

A history of contemporary Tibet from 1949 to present.

Chinese Politics:

Thorough discussion of the challenges of governing and developing contemporary China.

Comprehensive primer on the many political issues facing contemporary China.

On Labor politics and protest in China

Lampton profiles the four generations of Chinese leadership since the Mao era.

McGregor lifts up the hood to examine the politics and processes behind the ruling CCP.

Chinese Economy:

Dickson examines China's embrace of capitalist entrepreneurs.

Huang looks at crony capitalism in contemporary China.

China and the World:

Gries examines how nationalist sentiment and desire to save face impact Chinese foreign policy.

Explores the consequences of a rising China for neighbors in the East and Southeast Asian region.

One of the definitive studies of China in the international arena in the Reform Era.

Chinese Literature:

I'm hesitant to recommend any one particular translation, but these are perhaps the most famous works of poetry (perhaps of literature in general) written in the Chinese language.

Selections from the works of one of contemporary China's foremost poets.

Selected poems from the influential modern poet, one of the leaders of the circle known as "the Misty Poets"

Collection of short stories and essaysfrom the father of modern Chinese literature.

Selected poems from Haizi, the foremost of the Misty Poets, known of his nature imagery, and poems about simplicity.

Collection of vignettes about life in rural China during the Cultural Revolution.

The novel which won Mo Yan the 2009 Neman Prize for Chinese Literature, and the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Chinese Philosophy:

These books are part of a series by Chih-chung Ts'ai, who presents the classics of Chinese philosophy in illustrated, comic book form. While I completely encourage everyone to read the original texts, these books are wonderful in their own rite, and are worth your time.

Chinese Food:

Your guide to ALL of the delicious food found outside of China's traditional heartland.

Sichuanese food is justifyably famous. Not an authentic Sichuanese place in your neighborhood? Grab this book and do it yourself.

Yunnan's food is maybe the most underrated in all of China. Find out why with this recipe book.

Chinese Cinema:

This list of Chinese films is by no means exhaustive. Here are a few of my favorite titles from recent Chinese cinema:

24 City

2046

A Touch of Sin

Beijing Bicycle

Chunking Express

Chongqing Blues

City of Life and Death

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Devils on the Doorstep

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman

Farewell, My Concubine

The Grandmaster

If You Are the One

In the Heat of the Sun

In the Mood For Love

Keep Cool

Kung Fu Hustle

Let the Bullets Fly

Lust, Caution

Once Upon A Time in China

Raise the Red Lantern

Red Sorghum

The Sun Also Rises

The Swordsman

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