If you were intrigued by Zhang's navigation of complex cultural expectations and the nuanced depiction of future societies in China Mountain Zhang, you'll be captivated by The Dispossessed. Le Guin masterfully explores two contrasting societies through the eyes of physicist Shevek, delving into questions of identity, belonging, and the social forces that shape individuals. The focus on how culture and community influence personal growth will resonate with your appreciation for McHugh's future China and its richly imagined world.

If you were moved by Zhang's personal evolution and the quiet, deeply felt changes he undergoes in China Mountain Zhang, you'll find Never Let Me Go equally powerful. Ishiguro's story follows Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy as they navigate friendship, love, and loss in a world that quietly restricts their futures. The subtle, poignant character development and introspective storytelling deliver the same emotional depth and growth you valued in McHugh's work.

If you admired the immersive, meticulously crafted world of future China and Mars in China Mountain Zhang, you'll love The Space Between Worlds. Johnson paints a vivid, multi-layered vision of parallel Earths and the societies that arise from disparate circumstances. As protagonist Cara traverses worlds, you'll relish the intricate cultures, social hierarchies, and the sense of lived-in reality that echoes McHugh's detailed worldbuilding.

If the wide-ranging identities, backgrounds, and nuanced portrayals of marginalized characters drew you to China Mountain Zhang, you'll be delighted by The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet. Chambers offers a joyful, character-driven story with a crew that spans species, gender identities, and personal histories. The novel’s focus on found family and acceptance mirrors the diversity and authenticity you appreciated in McHugh's narrative.

If you enjoyed the interconnected vignettes and shifting perspectives in China Mountain Zhang, Station Eleven will appeal to your love of multi-threaded, character-focused storytelling. Mandel weaves together the lives of actors, artists, and survivors before and after a pandemic, creating a tapestry of personal stories that echo across time and space. The novel’s structure and emotional resonance will feel familiar and rewarding.