Chinese Magic: The Gathering Books and Magazines (1998–2002)
While most collectors focus on Chinese-language Magic cards, printed publications from the late 1990s and early 2000s are often far rarer and, in many cases, more fragile. Strategy guides, translated novels, and competitive magazines were produced for a relatively small audience and were not widely exported. As a result, surviving copies are limited.
Among the most significant releases were large strategy and card guide books covering sets such as Fifth Edition, Sixth Edition, Urza’s Saga, and Mercadian Masques.
These guides provided complete card lists in Chinese, detailed rules explanations, pricing references, and competitive decklists. At a time when internet access was limited, these books served as essential tools for understanding the game.
Chinese translations of Magic novels were also released, including major story arcs like The Brothers’ War, Time Streams, and Invasion. Some of them were only printed in 5000 copies.
These editions introduced Chinese readers to the Dominaria storyline and key characters such as Urza and Mishra, helping to build a deeper connection with the game’s lore.
Around 2000 and 2001, competitive-focused magazines such as Magic Information (万智牌通讯) appeared. These publications featured international tournament reports, DCI rankings, professional decklists, strategy analysis, and card reviews.
For many players, they were the main source of global Magic news before widespread online coverage.
Today, these Chinese MTG books and magazines are more than simple printed material. They document early localization, preserve historical terminology, and capture the formative years of competitive Magic in Asia. For collectors interested in the development of Magic in China, they represent a unique and historically valuable category.