Cao Wenxuan (b. 1954) is a distinguished Chinese novelist, scholar, and a pivotal figure in contemporary children’s literature. Serving as a Professor at Peking University and Vice Chairman of the Beijing Writers Association, his career deeply intertwines academia and literary leadership. Set predominantly in rural China, his stories are celebrated for their aesthetic realism, profoundly exploring the emotional lives of children to reveal resilience and beauty amidst hardship.

In 2016, Cao made history as the first Chinese author to receive the Hans Christian Andersen Award, widely regarded as the "Nobel Prize for Children's Literature." A leading force in globalizing Chinese literature, his acclaimed novels have been published in over 50 countries and adapted into award-winning films. Through his masterful storytelling, Cao cements his legacy as a cultural ambassador, connecting worldwide readers through the universal experiences of youth.