The Story

The book follows Tang Ao, a disappointed scholar who joins a merchant voyage. After a storm, he's stranded in strange countries, each with its own odd customs—like the Land of Gentlemen where people are so polite it's comical, or the Country of Two-Faced People. The adventure is wild and satirical.

But the heart of the story belongs to his brilliant daughter, Little Hill. When Tang Ao doesn't return, she won't accept it. Her quest leads her to the Kingdom of Women, a place where women hold all political power and men stay home. To advance her search, she must take—and pass—the grueling national exams that are only open to women.

Why You Should Read It

What blew me away was how modern this 19th-century novel feels. Li Ruzhen uses fantasy and humor to ask serious questions about talent, power, and why society boxes people in. The scenes in the women's kingdom are clever and satisfying. You're cheering for Little Hill, but you're also laughing at the absurdity of the reversed stereotypes. It's social commentary that never feels like a lecture.

The world-building is imaginative and playful. Each strange country Tang Ao visits holds up a mirror to some quirk of human behavior, making you think, "Wait, do we do that?"

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love classic adventure but want something different. If you enjoyed the travel satire of 'Gulliver's Travels' or the cleverness of 'Journey to the West,' you'll find a friend here. It's also a fantastic, accessible entry point into Chinese literature. Most of all, it's for anyone who likes a story that entertains you first, and makes you think second.