Henry David Thoreau's *Walden*, first published in 1854, has gained significant international recognition, including a substantial following in China over the past three decades. This growing interest is evidenced by the numerous Chinese translations of *Walden* and the increasing body of Chinese scholarship on Thoreau and his work. This study aims to investigate the translation and reception of Thoreau in China through a descriptive and diachronic lens, focusing on the perspectives of translators, literary scholars, and writers. The increasing popularity of Thoreau in China, while mirroring his growing reputation in the United States, also presents unique nuances in its reception and interpretation. The study's significance lies in understanding how a foreign text is adapted, interpreted, and integrated into a different cultural context, revealing the complex interplay between translation, reception, and cultural exchange. The article also seeks to explore the reasons behind the enduring popularity of *Walden* in China, offering insights into the text's lasting appeal and relevance.

Existing scholarship on Thoreau's international reception notes the broad and deep impact of his work across various languages and cultures. However, studies specifically focusing on the Chinese reception of Thoreau and *Walden* have been relatively limited. This study builds upon previous research by providing a comprehensive overview of the translation history of *Walden* in China, analyzing different translation strategies and their impact on the construction of Thoreau's image. It also examines existing Chinese scholarship on *Walden*, tracing the evolution of interpretations over time and highlighting the key debates and discussions within the field. This study’s literature review will integrate both Western and Chinese scholarship on Thoreau to gain a more nuanced understanding of the global reception of his work, specifically within the Chinese context.

This study employs a descriptive and diachronic approach to investigate the translation and reception of Thoreau's *Walden* in China. The researchers sampled a range of Chinese *Walden* versions, analyzing their ideological frameworks, principal themes, textual details, contextual information, and paratexts (editor's introductions, translator's prefaces, etc.). The study also surveyed recent Chinese scholarship on *Walden*, employing Hans Jauss's concept of the "horizon of expectations" to understand how Thoreau's work was perceived by contemporary Chinese readers at different historical points. The selection of *Walden* versions for close analysis was based on their year of publication and popularity, ensuring representation from different periods and reader demographics. The selection included the first translation (Hua'erteng, by Xu Chi) and popular versions by Kong Fanyun, Chen Bocang, and Li Jihong, representing different periods and translation strategies. This allows for a reliable portrayal of changes in the way Thoreau has been perceived in China. The study further analyzed the images of Thoreau constructed by Chinese translators, scholars, and writers, examining how these portrayals evolved over time and in response to broader cultural shifts.

The study reveals a multi-layered and evolving reception of Thoreau and *Walden* in China. Early Chinese translators (1940s-1980s), such as Xu Chi, often presented Thoreau as a spiritual mentor aligned with traditional Chinese values like Tianrenheyi (harmony between nature and man), emphasizing his meditative solitude and simple life. These early translations often retained foreign sentence structures, reflecting a more "foreignized" approach. However, later translations (1990s-present) exhibited a greater tendency towards domestication, adapting the text more freely for diverse readerships (scholarly, juvenile, etc.). Chinese scholars initially viewed Thoreau as a fellow traveler in anti-capitalist movements or as a spiritual figure echoing ancient Chinese philosophers (Tao Yuanming, Laozi). Later scholarly work emphasized the hybridity of Thoreau's thought, acknowledging the interplay between his engagement with Chinese philosophies and his unique American context. This led to debates about the extent of Chinese influence on Thoreau's work and the accuracy of interpreting him solely through a Chinese lens. Finally, Chinese writers, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, adopted Thoreau's style and themes, particularly his focus on the relationship between humanity and nature, contributing to the rise of Chinese eco-literature and ecocriticism. Writers such as Hai Zi, Wei An, and Hua Hai explicitly acknowledged Thoreau's influence on their work, though often reworking his ideas within their own cultural context. The surge in translations since the 1990s correlates with a general thawing of attitudes toward the West in China, highlighting the dynamic interplay between political climate and literary reception. The diversity of translations—full translations, adapted editions, excerpts, and even explanatory paraphrases—points to a widespread and multifaceted engagement with Thoreau's work in China.

The study's findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of intercultural literary exchange. The evolving reception of Thoreau in China demonstrates how a foreign author and text can be interpreted, adapted, and re-imagined within a different cultural context. The shift from a primarily philosophical and spiritual interpretation to a more politically and ecologically oriented understanding reflects changing intellectual and social landscapes in China. The engagement of Chinese writers with Thoreau's themes and styles further illustrates the dynamic interplay between translation, scholarship, and literary creation. The study's emphasis on the evolving "horizon of expectations" among Chinese readers contributes to a richer understanding of reception theory and the ongoing process of cultural exchange and adaptation. The diversity of approaches to translating *Walden* itself becomes a reflection of the evolving relationship between China and the West, illustrating how cultural translation is never a purely linguistic endeavor but rather a dynamic exchange of ideas and interpretations.

This study demonstrates the complex and multifaceted reception of Henry David Thoreau and *Walden* in China, showing an evolution from an initial alignment with traditional Chinese values to a more nuanced understanding of his work as a blend of Eastern and Western thought. The study highlights the significant role of translators, scholars, and writers in shaping this reception, illustrating the interplay between translation strategies, scholarly interpretations, and creative adaptations. Future research could explore the specific impact of Thoreau's ideas on contemporary environmental movements in China and compare the reception of *Walden* in China with its reception in other non-Western contexts.

The study's scope is limited by the selection of *Walden* translations analyzed. While the selected translations are representative of different periods and approaches, a more exhaustive analysis of all available translations might reveal further nuances. Furthermore, the study relies on existing scholarship and translations, potentially overlooking less prominent or readily accessible materials. Finally, the study focuses primarily on literary and scholarly interpretations, potentially neglecting other forms of reception, such as popular culture references or informal discussions.