China's Online Literature Market Surpasses 33 Million Works and 500 Million Readers

A 2025 report released at the China Online Literature Forum 2026 in Hefei shows that China’s online literature industry now boasts over 33 million titles and a readership exceeding 500 million people, with more than half a billion readers domestically and abroad. The sector exported over 130,000 works to foreign markets and has about 250 million registered overseas users, reaching users in more than 200 countries and regions. Daily active users on overseas platforms for literature and related short‑form video total around 60 million, generating overseas revenue of over 8 billion yuan (about US$1.2 billion).

Domestic market figures indicate a reading market size of 502.1 billion yuan and an IP‑adaptation market worth 3,676.1 billion yuan, both growing double‑digit percentages year‑on‑year. Industry leaders attribute the growth to policy support, cross‑industry collaboration, and the integration of AI and cultural tourism, positioning online literature as a key driver of Chinese cultural export.

He Hong, director of the Chinese Writers Association’s online literature centre, said the sector’s diverse genres—from realistic fiction to sci‑fi and fantasy—have gained global popularity and continue to expand the cultural influence of China worldwide.