Taiwan Travelogue, written by Taiwanese author Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and translated into English by Lin King, has won the prestigious International Booker Prize 2026, becoming the first novel originally written in Mandarin Chinese to receive the honour.

Set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Taiwan, the novel blends historical fiction, romance and postcolonial commentary through the journey of two women travelling across the island. Presented as a fictional rediscovered travel memoir, the book explores themes of identity, language, colonial power and human relationships.

The award, announced at London’s Tate Modern, carries a prize of £50,000, shared equally between the author and translator. Judges praised the novel for its layered storytelling and emotional depth, calling it both a compelling romance and a sharp examination of colonial history.

The victory marks a historic milestone not only for Taiwanese literature but also for translated fiction globally, shining a spotlight on voices and stories from Taiwan on the international literary stage.