The Ninth Reality-based Online Literature Contest Award Ceremony was held in Shanghai on Aug 2. With a total of 56,700 submissions, the contest attracted a record number of entries.

Among them, the special award — the top honor surpassing first place — was given to Mei Shiniang, a post-95 writer from Hangzhou, for her work Yun Qu Shan Ru Hua ("The Clouds Move, the Mountains Are Picturesque").

This year's contest saw a 15.49 percent increase in submissions, attracting 54,000 online writers and resulting in 56,700 works. Several winning entries combined reality-based themes with other genres such as intangible cultural heritage, science fiction, workplace drama, and suspense, reflecting the diverse innovation and creativity in the field.

According to official statistics, reality-based works have become the second-fastest-growing genre in online literature, serving as a vibrant platform for promoting mainstream social values and fostering cultural innovation.

Yun Qu Shan Ru Hua tells the story of the wartime relocation of a national art college, focusing on the preservation of national treasures, artistic heritage, and patriotism. The novel explores how ordinary individuals, amidst the chaos of war, maintain their commitment to art, love for their country, and dedication to justice and cultural preservation.