Roundtable Discussion with Yan Lianke: The Future of Chinese Literature

Chinese literature finds itself today in a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, online fiction reading has become one of the most popular pastimes of China’s youth and transformed literature into a thriving multimillion-dollar industry. On the other hand, writers and publishers are under ever-increasing pressure to «tell the good story of China» and to adapt their works according to both market demands and political interests. Moderated by Jessica Imbach of the Department of Chinese Studies at the University of Zurich, this roundtable will explore the implications of this contradictory landscape and features acclaimed novelist Yan Lianke, Cheng Yongxin (editor-in-chief of Harvest Magazine) as well as the literary scholars Guo Bingru (Zhongshan University), Wang Yao, Ji Jin (both Soochow University), and Zhang Xuexin (Liaoning Normal University).

The event will be held in Chinese, but audience members are welcome to also ask questions in German and English.

Registration

Registration required; via mail to jessica.imbach@aoi.uzh.ch