Known for his controversial writing style, Su is regarded as one of the pioneering novelists in China. He has written seven full-length novels and over 200 short stories, some of which had been translated into English, German, Italian and French.

He is best known for his book Wives and Concubines in the West, published in 1990. The book was adapted into the film, Raise the Red Lantern by director Zhang Yimou. The book has since been published under the name given to the film.

His other works available in English translation are Rice, My Life as Emperor, Binu and the Great Wall (tr. Howard Goldblatt) and Madwoman on the Bridge and Other Stories.

In 2009, he was awarded the Man Asian Literary Prize for his work The Boat to Redemption, the second Chinese writer ever to win the prize.

Alternate Names: 苏童, 蘇童, Sū Tóng, Tong Zhonggui, 童忠贵