Wolf or mastiff?

While the Tibetan Mastiff and the wolf have been waging a head-on battle for survival for millions of years on the vast pastoral lands, two bestsellers based on these species have been dividing Chinese readers.

Wolf Totem (Lang Tuteng) by Jiang Rong (2004) and the trilogy Tibetan Mastiff (Zang'ao) by Yang Zhijun (2005), both became an instant hit amid a publicity blitzkrieg.

The wolf has traditionally been seen as cruel, blood-thirsty and selfish by the Chinese. Yet, Jiang brings a new perspective, praising the animal for its team work and iron will.