Li Yu books in order
Chinese writer（1611–1680）
- Lived
- 1611–1680
- Country
- China
- Books
- 3
- Also writes as
- Hu-shang-li-weng, Hushangliweng, Li-hung Li, Li-tao-jen
Li Yu published 2 novels and 1 short story collection, beginning with The Carnal Prayer Mat (1657).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Li Yu
Start here
The Carnal Prayer Mat
Li Yu's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Silent Plays (1656)
The Carnal Prayer Mat (1657)
Short story collections in order
Li Yü's Twelve Towers (1658)
About Li Yu
Li Yu, also known as Li Liweng, was a Chinese playwright, novelist and publisher.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Li Yu FAQ
- How many books has Li Yu written?
- Li Yu published 2 novels and 1 short story collection that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Li Yu's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Carnal Prayer Mat.
- What is Li Yu's last book?
- Li Yü's Twelve Towers (1658).
- What is Li Yu's most famous book?
- The Carnal Prayer Mat (1657) is Li Yu's most widely read book.
- Does Li Yu write under a pen name?
- Yes: Li Yu has also published as Hu-shang-li-weng, Hushangliweng, Li-hung Li and Li-tao-jen.
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.