"Water Margin" is a long novel written by Shi Nai'an from the late Yuan Dynasty to the early Ming Dynasty (most of the existing published editions are signed by Shi Nai'an, or Luo Guanzhong, or both). It is the first long chapter - novel written in vernacular Chinese in Chinese history.

The whole book depicts the grand story of 108 heroes on Liangshan led by Song Jiang, including their elimination of treacherous officials and villains, the growth of Liangshan Marsh, their acceptance of amnesty from the Song Dynasty, and their battles for the Song Dynasty after being amnestied.

"Water Margin" is one of the four great classical novels in China. After its publication, it had a huge impact on society and became a model for later Chinese novel writing. "Water Margin" is one of the earliest chapter - novels written in vernacular Chinese in Chinese history. It is widely circulated and well - loved; at the same time, it is also one of the works with epic features in Chinese literature, having a profound influence on narrative literature in China and even East Asia.