Most Ming literature in both prose and poetry was traditional, imitative, and old-fashioned. Two schools of writing challenged this trend, claiming that literature should change with the age instead of slavishly imitating the past. The influence of these schools did not last long, however.

It was in the vernacular literature of the period that writers made significant contributions. The dramatic form ch'uan-chi (tales of marvels) became popular. Some examples were full-length dramas with many changes of scene and many subplots, while others were one-act playlets. This drama form won gradual support from literary figures, and in the 16th century the influential K'un school, which was to dominate the theater until the end of the 18th century, was formed.

Qing was the last imperial ruling house of China. During its reign most Chinese literature tended to be old-fashioned and imitative; genuine creativity was rare. Toward the end of the period, however, China had its first extensive contacts with European powers, and ideas from the West began to filter into the literature th

The six most famous novels in this period were Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, Outlaws of the Marsh by Shi Nai'an, Pilgrims to the West by Wu Cheng'en, Plum in the Golden Vase by Lanling Xiao,Scholars by Wu Jingzi, and A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin. The first four of these listed books were honored as the "Four wonders of Books" in the Ming Dynasty and the "Four Classic Novels of China", and the lasy two were the most representative creations of the saga novel during the Qing Dynasty.