Web novels significantly influence China's entertainment industry growth

China's entertainment world is changing, especially after the success of the movie "Ne Zha 2." A big part of this shift comes from web novels. These online stories are becoming major sources for films and TV shows. Yuewen Group is a leader in this field, with more than 10 million authors and 16 million stories on its platform. The CEO, Hou Xiaonan, says these web novels have strong plots and emotional themes that make them great for adaptation. In 2024, the top three TV shows in China were based on online stories. Looking ahead to 2025, over 30% of new series on major streaming platforms will be adaptations of web novels. One popular author is Cuttlefish That Loves Diving, known for "Lord of the Mysteries." This series has 1.45 billion views and is being turned into an animated show, with a lot of excitement from fans. Translations help spread these stories worldwide. For instance, "Lord of the Mysteries" has sold over 50 million subscriptions globally. It has been translated into several languages. JKS Manga, another successful author, shares how winning awards and adapting his work into audiobooks and comics helped him grow his audience. Professional translators also play a big role in making these novels understandable for global readers. CKtalon, a translator, emphasizes the challenges of preserving quality when translating complex ideas. Yuewen aims to develop these web novels into broader media franchises, partnering with big companies like Netflix and Disney+. Recent hits include "Guardians of the Dafeng," which topped charts and has a successful comic and mobile game adaptation. The appeal of these stories comes from their universal themes combined with unique cultural elements. Authors say that emotional and ethical stories resonate with audiences everywhere. As more web novels get adapted, the digital-first model could set new trends in global media.