Chinese screens are tapping into a goldmine of online literature, with a significant shift in the entertainment industry’s approach to capitalize on the country’s vibrant, crowd-sourced online fiction. This trend is evident in the adaptations of serialized web novels, which have become a major force in programming, attracting a built-in audience and pre-tested stories. The ‘co-creation’ model, as described by Jia Wenting, IP content director at Fanqie Novel, is a unique advantage, as stories that survive the rigorous verdict of online readers have essentially already passed a market test. The adaptation process, as He Liang, an associate professor at the Beijing Film Academy, describes, is a ‘structural remake’ that transforms text-based narratives into visual and emotionally immediate experiences. This transformation involves changing the rhythm, sharpening the focus, and capturing the essence while making it work as television. The adaptations span a wide spectrum, from heartfelt realist dramas like ‘Like a Flowing River’ to lavish fantasy series like ‘Lost You Forever’, and a significant and profitable segment focuses on modern women’s lives, with shows like ‘Nothing But Thirty’ exploring themes of career, family, and self-worth. Chinese screen adaptations are now traveling far beyond China’s borders, with ‘Joy of Life 2’ becoming the most-watched drama from the Chinese mainland on Disney+ and other series topping viewing charts in countries like Thailand and the Republic of Korea. The industry is also turning to technology, using artificial intelligence to analyze plot logic, assist in casting and set design, and predict audience preferences, making the adaptation process more data-informed. The next step, as He Hong, head of the China Writers Association’s online literature center, noted, is to further streamline the pipeline ‘from online creation to film and television production’, aiming to deepen the synergy between writers and film and TV producers and enhance the appeal and reach of China’s cultural stories.