Year-ender: Top 10 cultural events from 2016

Cao Wenxuan (M), children's literature writer [Photo provided to China Daily]

7. Cao Wenxuan wins "Nobel Prize" for children's books

Children's literature writer Cao Wenxuan, 62, won the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his work, the International Board on Books for Young People announced at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair in Italy on April 5.

With this award, Cao became the first Chinese to claim the world-renowned "Nobel Prize for children's literature".

The award is the highest international recognition given to living authors and illustrators of children's books for their whole body of work. Every year since 1956 it has honored one author and one illustrator.

Related: Cao Wenxuan wins 'Nobel Prize' for children's books