Esteemed Chinese writers Xue Mo and Zhang Huaicun recently led a profound literary dialogue in London, hosted by Times Publications Group
Their thought-provoking discussion, entitled “Towards the Other Shore,” considered the origin of creativity in the context of the globalisation of literature and the future of humanity in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.
The writers were both born in remote northwest China more than fifty years ago, but their upbringings and literary journeys were very different.
Xue Mo was born into a humble family of agricultural labourers on the edge of Tengger desert. Books were a scarce resource, and he studied each precious one he came across intensely. He wrote a diary to record his thoughts and philosophical musings from a young age. In contrast, Zhang Huaicun was born into a middle-class family on the shores of Qinghai Lake. She grew up in a home filled with books that ignited her lifelong passion for reading and writing.
Both writers have spent several decades weaving their unique life experiences into eloquent literary works that resonate with a global audience. Both of them have received significant critical and public acclaim for their literary styles, which transcend history, culture and genre. In March 2025, they met in person for the first time after the London Book Fair, where they were invited to participate in this cross-cultural literary dialogue.
When asked how they cope with the challenge of creative impasse (writer’s block), Xue Mo shared how his inspiration comes not only from personal emotions but also from his sense of duty to express the issues facing society. Using the metaphor of the ocean, he emphasised that writers must transcend the limitations of their personal views and cognitive bias, and develop a broad mind that embraces everything, reflecting the profound inclusiveness of Chinese culture. Xue Mo identified how different languages and cultures can cause barriers between understanding each other when he communicates with overseas readers. To overcome the barriers, he sings. Whenever he goes to a different country, he will sing folk songs from western China. The songs evoke mutual feelings of love and strength, thus forming the foundations for new friendships and relationships. Attitudes become more open and inclusive as everyone appreciates the common values we share despite differences in language and culture.
Zhang Huaicun traced her source of inspiration back to her upbringing on the grasslands of northern China’s Qinghai Province. Whether it is painting or writing, her inspiration comes from a heart at peace and a mind that embraces the simplicity of the natural world that we are part of. Painting and writing can be lonely as the process to create classic works can be exacting, demanding significant investment of time and mental concentration. Zhang Huaicun emphasized that “cross-cultural communication is not only a translation of language, but also the interaction of emotions and unification of human values. A good story can cross borders and touch the soul. Although we come from different cultures, our pursuit of happiness and dreams is the same.”
The dialogue also addressed how they saw writing as a way of life and how they navigated the challenges posed by AI. Xue Mo explained writing is the vehicle he has chosen in his quest for the ultimate meaning of existence. Zhang Huaicun emphasized that everyone possesses creative potential and creativity is an essential part of human nature, urging artists to “stay true to their inner voice to shine in their craft.”
When discussing the impact of AI on literature, Xue Mo acknowledged its role in advancing our abilities in written communication but he also questioned the ability of AI to improve human happiness. “True fulfilment depends on the human heart,” Xue Mo said, advocating for spiritual growth alongside technological advancement. Zhang Huaicun agreed, noting that whilst AI can mimic language and assist with writing, it cannot replicate the emotional depth and lived experiences that define literary artistry. “The soul of literature lies in its irreplaceable human imprint,” Zhang concluded.
The exchange between the two writers transcended East-West cultural boundaries, offering a mutual exploration of their diverse life journeys. Their insights reminded the audience that great literature is like a “beam of light piercing the human soul”, a timeless force that illuminates hearts, bridges gaps between people and celebrates the essence of humanity.
In the 21st century, literature may not be at the forefront of our mind on a day-to-day basis but it remains the essence of our core values, principles and memories. The impact of literature on the human soul was reflected in the heartfelt feedback from the audience after the event.
British poet Charlie Baylis described the gathering as warm and welcoming, emphasizing whole-heartedly how writers Xue Mo and Zhang Huaicun left a lasting impression. Attendees praised the writers’ unwavering dedication to storytelling and their shared commitment to recognising and upholding the best of humanity, calling it an honour to witness their inspiring dialogue. Mark Angelo, lifelong literary enthusiast, reflected: “If we all contribute to society through action and compassion, the world becomes a better place. Just as a single drop creates ripples across the ocean, every act of kindness can inspire waves of positive change”.
Xue Mo and Zhang Huaicun’s reflective literary dialogue reminded us all that literature brings people together, irrespective of their differences.
About the writers
Xue Mo: previously known as Chen Kaihong, was born in Wuwei, Gansu province. He is a celebrated cultural scholar, contemporary Chinese writer, Vice-Chairman of the Gansu Writers’ Association, Dean of the Guangzhou Research Institute for Shangpa Culture, and a humanities tutor at Fudan University. Xue Mo’s writing is heavily influenced by his hometown in western China and embodies the essential values and themes of traditional Chinese culture.
Xue Mo’s works have attracted the attention of many world-renowned translators and sinologists. His global translation partners include Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin (USA) and Nicky Harman (UK). Books available in English include Desert Rites, Desert Hunters, White Tiger Pass, Wild Fox Ridge, Curse of Xixia, Eternal Love, The Sound of Broad Beans Late at Night, The Holy Monk and the Spirit Woman, and one epic poem Suo Sa Lang, as well as academic papers in cultural studies. Selected Stories by Xue Mo has been translated into more than two dozen languages, and the Guardian newspaper featured one of the short stories, “Old Man Xinjiang”, in their collection of five contemporary short stories from China.
Zhang Huaicun: British Chinese (Tu ethnic minority) artist, children’s literature author, illustrator and poet, was born in Qinghai province. She has lives in London since 2004.She is a member of the Chinese Writers Association and an honorary member of the Royal Society of British Artists.
Her publications include Pencil Tree, One Snowflake, The Oasis in My Heart, The Red House, On the Train of Autumn, Space of Freedom, Huaicun and Her Friends, Listening to the Flower Bloom, Huaicun’s Chinese Painting and Calligraphy. She has held art exhibitions in Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Tokyo, New York City, Paris and many other cities. In addition to translating her own work in English, she has also translated other Chinese children’s literature authors’ work. She has also translated and illustrated English children’s literature into Chinese such as My Name is Bob and the Nation’s Favourite Poems of Childhood (BBC). Through translation, she relishes the challenge and beauty in the integration of ideas across cultures. Translators need to understand the overt and subtle differences in language, ideas and values between cultures to craft high quality and accurate translations.