The "vulgarity" of so many chuanyue novels is inevitable, given the lack of editing or gatekeeping online. Online fiction websites pay their writers purely through the number of clicks, votes and subscriptions to their stories. It has both pros and cons – it can stimulate writers to publish more stories, but it also forces writers to run after readers' preferences.

Some writers deliberately add pornographic descriptions in their works, but such moves are risky because of online censorship. Time travel fantasies are an easier way to please readers.

Unpleasant realities are exposed by these fantasies. Take those novels that feature rebirth and officialdom. The hero is usually part of the second generation of high-ranking officials, who have complicated affairs with different lovers, as well as leading a life of luxury. Internet users are crazy for such content but are mad about real-life officials flaunting their wealth. Perhaps they're only angry about corruption because they can't be a part of it.

Why do young Chinese Internet users prefer to "travel back" to anesthetize themselves? A major reason is that the realities of the present can't match the fantasies of the past.

In recent years, China's economy has been growing conspicuously.

But national happiness, at least for the youngsters, hasn't increased at the same time. There's fiercer competition, tougher work, a more unfair social environment, and difficulties in having babies, education, employment, home-purchasing, and healthcare. All of them lead the younger generation to feel frustrated and insecure, leading to these kinds of fantasies.

There is a popular online story called "Ten Periods I Would Like to Live in." In the article, the author listed several past periods.But if he could travel in time, he said he wouldn't even have to chose "today."

How many among the younger Chinese generation feel proud to be born at the current time?

The author is an IT industry commentator based in Beijing. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn