Reading Goals and Patterns in 2025
An analysis of Chinese readers' 2025 reading plans reveals diverse approaches, from systematic academic study to leisure reading, with most targeting 10-200 books across various genres including history, literature, philosophy, and professional development.
Reading remains a vital pursuit for personal growth and intellectual enrichment in China, as evidenced by the wide-ranging reading plans shared by Chinese readers for 2025. Their approaches reflect several distinct patterns and priorities.
Many readers embrace an organic, interest-driven approach rather than rigid numeric goals. These individuals prioritize daily reading habits and select books based on three main criteria: works that expand knowledge, historical texts, and new releases by favorite authors. Popular titles mentioned include “Anti-Fragile” and “The Carbon Queen’s Scientific Fantasy.”
A significant trend emerges in the focus on historical works. Readers express particular interest in comprehensive historical texts like “Zizhi Tongjian” and various historical atlases. The preference for physical books over digital formats is noteworthy, with readers valuing the tactile experience and ability to make annotations.
Professional development features prominently in reading plans. Many readers aim to enhance their expertise in fields like economics, data mining, statistics, and artificial intelligence. The integration of work-related reading with broader intellectual pursuits demonstrates a balanced approach to self-improvement.
Literature enthusiasts plan to explore both Chinese and international works. Several readers mention focusing on Chinese authors like Lu Xun, Wang Xiaobo, and Zhang Ailing, while others aim to tackle Western Gothic literature in original English versions when quality translations are unavailable.
The scale of reading ambitions varies considerably. While some readers set modest goals of 10-12 books for the year, acknowledging work and family commitments, others target ambitious goals of up to 200 books. Many readers emphasize quality over quantity, focusing on thorough understanding rather than merely completing a set number of books.
Reading methods reflect evolving preferences. Some readers meticulously plan their reading lists with monthly targets, while others prefer a more flexible approach guided by interest and circumstance. The enduring appeal of traditional paper books emerges as a common theme, with readers valuing the focused, contemplative experience they provide compared to digital formats.
The diversity of planned reading materials speaks to the broad intellectual curiosity among Chinese readers. From classical texts to contemporary works, technical manuals to literary masterpieces, the selections span the full spectrum of human knowledge and experience, suggesting a deeply rooted commitment to lifelong learning in Chinese society.