The English version of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature (file photo)

The Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, “Dream of the Red Chamber” (Hong Lou Meng), “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” (San Guo Yan Yi), “Water Margin” (Shui Hu Zhuan), and “Journey to the West” (Xi You Ji), have been translated in Malay and recently published in Malaysia, reported China News Service.

Written in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Four Great Classical Novels are deemed as the pinnacle of China’s classical novels during pre-modern times. All four novels have depicted all-round philosophical, spiritual, and religious features of Chinese ancient civilization, influencing modern plays, dramas, and movies.

According to Wu Hengcan, the Chairman of Han Culture Centre Malaysia, this is the first time a foreign country has devoted so much effort to translating the Four Great Classical Novels. These classics of China, which are also world cultural heritage, will enrich the cultural diversity in Malaysia and help Malaysians have a better understanding of Chinese history and classical literature.

“It took 30 years to complete the translation work of the four novels. This sets a good example for cooperation between the two countries in the field of literary translation, as well as cultural construction under China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” said Wu.