I have always been independent. I like it that way. When someone forces me to do something, I don't do it.

A writer writes what he knows, in ways that are natural to him.

A writer should bury his thoughts deep and convey them through the characters in his novel.

I heard so many stories from Gaomi's peasants that I had an irrepressible urge to write them down. Today, Gaomi's peasants know that they have become famous around the world through my writings, but I think they are a little puzzled by this.

I think that China has many outstanding authors, and their great works should also be recognised by the world.

I know what real courage is, and I understand true compassion.

The sun, a red wheel, was sinking slowly in the west. Besides being spectacularly beautiful, the early-summer sunset was exceedingly soft and gentle: black mulberry leaves turned as red as roses; pristine white acacia petals shed an enshrouding pale-green aura. Mild evening breezes made both the mulberry leaves and the acacia petals dance and whirl, filling the woods with a soft rustle.