Fading river

Author: Chi Zijian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-05-01
Features: Since the 1980s, with the development of China's reform and opening-up, the impact and influence of global literary trends, contemporary Chinese literature has undergone unprecedented transformation and growth. As the primary marker of this transformation and development, the landscape of contemporary Chinese literature has shifted from closed to open, from singular to diverse, from narrow to expansive, with unique choices giving way to a multitude of options. Realism remains the mainstream of contemporary Chinese literature, but beyond realism, various artistic explorations and experiments have emerged, creating a pluralistic artistic landscape in the realm of contemporary Chinese literature. Despite interference and even constraints, the artistic creativity of writers and the overall productivity of literature have indeed achieved unprecedented liberation and development. Looking back at the transformation and growth of Chinese literature since the 1980s, we are filled with deep nostalgia, but we place even greater hope in the coming decades of the 21st century. We believe that future literature will undoubtedly undergo renewed, better, and more profound transformation and development. The Cross-Century Literary Series was born at the intersection of two centuries. It will integrate the new achievements of 20th-century literature, particularly the transformations in Chinese literature since the 1980s, to carry forward the legacy and pioneer a new framework for 21st-century Chinese literature, contributing its modest efforts. It will herald the dawn of the new century's literature. The Cross-Century Literary Series will be inclusive, regularly releasing new creative works by contemporary Chinese writers, primarily in fiction but also encompassing essays, poetry, (literary non-fiction), and literary critiques. Without regard to the fame of the writers, the order of their prominence, or the length of their works, as long as the creations are innovative, they will be appropriately accepted. The Cross-Century Literary Series will be rooted in the present while looking to the future, upholding the tradition of realism in Chinese literature while advocating openness, exploration, and diversity. In its selection criteria, it will adhere to the principle of combining aesthetics and history, valuing not only literary merit but also the cultural depth, historical significance, and intellectual rigor of the works. It will emphasize artistic innovation while also considering the reading needs and expectations of the audience.