Abstract: Tan Ge’s novels have distinctive characteristics of realism, which is the writer’s self conscious pursuit of art. But Tan Ge’s realism is not invariable and stagnant, which experiences four stages:“realism shock wave”, “literary sketches”,” “city series” and “historical novel”. Meanwhile, Tan Ge’s novels have different degrees of exploration and innovation in the theme content, concept of creation and means of artistic expression.

Key words: Tan Ge, realism shock-wave, literary sketches, city serines, historical novel