“The Wine Country” is a morality tale, a parable, a historical allegory, and a masterpiece of the literature of absurdity—all taken together. At the same time, it is the sharpest, most biting satire in modern Chinese literature. But in its deeply philosophical and political context, this novel is not only about China, and it belongs not only to Chinese art, but to all humankind. As for the Russian-speaking reader, the author is certain: “If Russian readers liked Bulgakov’s novel ‘The Master and Margarita,’ then they will accept my ‘The Wine Country.’”