Common Chinese Novel Genres
Danmei (耽美)
Focus: Romantic and emotional relationships between two men.
Core Themes:
- – Emotional development and personal growth of the characters. Often incorporates fantasy, historical, or modern settings.
Popular Tropes:
- – Gong/Shou (攻/受): Refers to the seme (dominant) and uke (submissive) roles.
Examples:
- > “Mo Dao Zu Shi” (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.
- > “Heaven Official’s Blessing” (Tian Guan Ci Fu).
Baihe (百合)
Focus: Romantic relationships between women. Also known as Lily.
Core Themes:
- Exploring love, identity, and empowerment. Can be light-hearted or deal with deeper societal issues.
Popular Tropes:
- – Coming-of-age, slow-burn romance, and mutual support.
Examples:
- > “Their Story” (Tamen De Gushi).
- > “Light and Shadow” (Guang Yu Ying).
Chuanyue (穿越)
Meaning: “Time Travel” or “Transmigration.”
Focus:
Characters traveling through time or into different worlds.
Gongdou (宫斗)
Meaning: “Palace Intrigue.”
Focus:
Drama involving political scheming, particularly in royal courts.
Popular Tropes:
- Power struggles, revenge, and survival within the harem or palace.
Tianchong (甜宠)
Focus:
Lighthearted, fluffy stories with minimal drama, focusing on happy relationships.
Huanxi Yuanjia (欢喜冤家)
– Romantic comedies centered on bickering couples who eventually fall in love.
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Wuxia (武侠) Core Themes: – Set in historical or pseudo-historical China, focusing on martial artists (heroes) and their adventures. – Explores concepts like justice, loyalty, and personal honor in a morally ambiguous world. – Jianghu (the martial arts world) is central, emphasizing martial arts rather than magic. – Realistic martial arts with exaggerated physical abilities (e.g., Qinggong for lightness). – Minimal supernatural elements;…
Chasing Wife Crematorium (追妻火葬场) – Refers to a trope where a character (often the male lead) mistreats their love interest, only to realize their worth after losing them. The “crematorium” symbolizes deep regret and emotional suffering when trying to win them back. This trope often involves angst, redemption, and groveling. Typical Plot: The protagonist initially neglects or misunderstands their partner. After a breakup…
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