Bei Dao books in order
Contemporary Chinese (PRC) avant garde poet
- Born
- 1949
- Country
- People's Republic of China
- Books
- 4
Bei Dao has published 1 poetry collection and 3 other books, beginning with The August Sleepwalker (1990). The latest is Unlock (2000).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Bei Dao
Start here
The August Sleepwalker
Bei Dao's most-read book.
Newest
Unlock
Published 2000.
Poetry in order
Forms of Distance (1992)
Other books in order
The August Sleepwalker (1990)
Waves (1990)
Unlock (2000)
About Bei Dao
Bei Dao is the pen name of the Chinese-American writer Zhao Zhenkai. Among the most acclaimed Chinese-language poets of his generation, he is often regarded as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. In addition to poetry, he is the author of short fiction, essays, and a memoir. Known as a dissident, he is a prominent representative of a school of poetry known variously in the West as "Misty" or "Obscure" Poetry.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Bei Dao FAQ
- How many books has Bei Dao written?
- Bei Dao has published 1 poetry collection and 3 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Bei Dao's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The August Sleepwalker.
- What is Bei Dao's latest book?
- Unlock (2000).
- What is Bei Dao's most famous book?
- The August Sleepwalker (1990) is Bei Dao's most widely read book.
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.