ZHANG Xinyue

PhD student in Chinese Internet literature, fan studies and popular culture


Biography

Xinyue Zhang 张新月 (she/her) is a PhD candidate in the School of Chinese at the University of Hong Kong. Her research delves into contemporary East Asian popular culture, exploring a range of topics, including Chinese Internet literature, Danmei fiction, and fan studies. By adopting an interdisciplinary methodology, she conducts critical analyses that bridge various fields. Her doctoral thesis focuses on Infinite Flow Fiction 无限流小说, a captivating literary subgenre that blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, adventure, mystery, and horror, allowing for a rich exploration of narrative possibilities and reader engagement.

Xinyue holds a Master of Science in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London. Prior to this, she received a dual degree in Philosophy and Psychology (Honours) at the University of Edinburgh.



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About Me

I am a final-year PhD candidate at the University of Hong Kong. I specialise in contemporary East Asian popular culture, particularly Chinese Internet literature and fan studies. My PhD thesis comprehensively examines Danmei Infinite Flow genre fiction. More broadly, I am interested in genre, gender, Boys’ Love, fandom (idol and shipping culture), critical discourse analysis, and why certain things become popular.

I have a background in social and cultural anthropology (UCL) as well as philosophy and psychology (UoE).

CV