Path of his own pen

A writer of Yan Lianke's stature can write what he wants, and he doesn't worry much if the truth hurts his readers - or his book sales, he tells Mei Jia.

Acclaimed Chinese writer Yan Lianke is constantly pushing himself for new approaches and new stories in his literary creation.

The 56-year-old Beijing-based writer has been in the spotlight since his residence became a target of "forceful dismantling", which cost him the place where he has long been weaving pastoral stories and dreams. But he doesn't want to write about that, he says - or about the foggy haze that is worsening outside.