Li Zining often listens to audiobooks (有声读物) on the subway. With earphones in, she enjoys sci-fi stories, forgetting the noisy world around her. She is part of China’s Generation Z — young people born between 1995 and 2009.

Gen Z has changed how people read. They like e-books more than printed books, downloading them to phones or tablets. They also love audiobooks. 46% of WeChat Reading’s monthly users are Gen Z, and they spend much time reading online.

They don’t just read — they share. They post reviews on social media, follow book bloggers, and find someone to read with. Many watch explainer videos about books on platforms like Bilibili. These videos make classics easier and more fun to understand.

Publishers are now using digital (数字的) tools too. They use big data to find readers and livestream to launch new books. For Gen Z, reading is not just with books — it’s a digital, shared experience that makes reading more enjoyable.