Rights: World Available

Nearly 1 million copies sold!

A riveting historical novel inspired by the Forbidden City’s epic wartime evacuation—the longest and most perilous cultural relocation in history.

“A living piece of history. With its rich storytelling and emotional depth, Treasures on the Move brings cultural heritage to life and introduces historical truths through the lens of drama and romance in the book.” — Xiao Han, Director of Masters in the Forbidden City

In the wake of the 1931 Mukden Incident, the Palace Museum in Beijing receives an urgent command: evacuate thousands of irreplaceable cultural relics to the south, away from the advancing Japanese forces. A diverse team of unlikely heroes—curators, scholars, soldiers—becomes entrusted with protecting this national treasures. What follows is a remarkable journey: 13,427 crates of ancient artifacts transported over 6,213 miles, across 14 years during a devastating war, and zero lost or broken.

Blending humor with history, and romance with rich cultural detail, bestselling author Xuan Se vividly reimagines the largest and most complex relocation of cultural treasures in world history. Drawing on deep knowledge of antiques, traditional Chinese culture, and historical research, Treasures on the Move brings to light the often-overlooked beauty and resilience of China’s heritage.

Franchise Highlights

• Animated adaptation in collaboration with Bilibili
• Live-action film/TV project in development