Zhao Ting (赵挺)

Zhao Ting is known for his first-person road stories, which explore everyday life through humor, absurdity, and irony. His protagonists are often rebellious young men in their Odyssey years, taking odd jobs, listening to punk rock, and setting off on road trips. Born in 1988 in the port city of Ningbo, Zhao cites his seaside hometown as the source of the curiosity and wanderlust that have shaped much of his writing. In his two essay collections, Zhao also reflects on the everyday exchanges he shared with his grandmother, memories that have resonated with many young readers. His short story has appeared in leading Chinese literary magazines, including Harvest, Beijing Literature, and Youth Literature. “Tropical Assassin” was originally published in Writer magazine in 2023 and won the journal’s Gold Short Story Award in 2025.