About 54,000 writers submitted more than 57,000 reality web novels to this year's competition, a tenfold increase compared with 10 years ago. About 300,000 writers are chronicling the struggles and dreams of ordinary people on Yuewen's platforms.

More than 100 outstanding web novels were listed in the nation's major awards.

Some are collected in libraries, such as the National Library of China and The British Museum, according to Hou.

"A good reality novel should serve as a 'thermometer' of the times, capable of touching the pulse of society and sensing the joys and sorrows of the people. We are glad to see many writers exploring the contemporary value of traditional culture in realistic themes, which infuses new expressions into traditional Chinese culture," Hou adds.