Classic French literature sets the scene

She also talks about how contemporary readers find resonance in Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus, featuring the essential absurdity of life, in revolt against nihilism, and how she was personally attracted by Simone de Beauvoir's The Mandarins and Marguerite Yourcenar's Oriental Tales.

According to writer Li Er, French literary theories also have great influence upon Chinese literature creation, and French readers' understanding and interpretation of Chinese literature works has in turn influenced "how we view our own works", he says.

"It is through literary exchanges that we've shaped our literary traditions," Li says. He calls for more effective exchange activities as well as enhanced cooperation to promote Chinese literature works overseas.

Contact the writer at fangaiqing@chinadaily.com.cn