For those who want to understand Chinese culture, I suggest you read "Journey to the West". #西游记
It is not a simple myth novel or adventure novel, but a textbook about China's bureaucracy and political system - How does China's society work.
History and now.
If your Chinese reading level is high enough, you can try to read "Dream of the Red Chamber".#红楼梦
Similarly, it is not a simple romantic story. It is the peak of ancient Chinese literature and the interpretation of China's social system formed over thousands of years.
If you are interested in war, you can read the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms". #三国演义
It is the heroic epic of Chinese people - the values of Confucianism.
It is a war novel, but as Mao Zedong said, "it is not only war, but also diplomacy and politics."
As for "The Water Margin", it's not a novel similar to Robin Hood.#水浒传
It tells how Chinese people fought against the imperial power and state machinery.
It is a dark & tragic novel.
It describes hundreds of roles, both ancient people - also ourselves live in the present.
The above is my ranking of the four best-known novels of pre-modern Chinese literature according to my personal preference.
I believe that every Chinese has its own ranking.
What is your ranking?🤔