I think 'Natsume's Book of Friends' might be similar. It has a similar tone and focus on character emotions.
I think 'Overlord' could be similar. It has elements of necromancy and fantasy adventure like The Lone Necromancer.
I think 'Tokyo Revengers' might be somewhat similar. Both deal with aspects of urban life and have characters facing various challenges.
One possible theme could be solitude. Since there's a 'lone swan' in the title, it might be about a character's feeling of being alone. Another theme could be transformation, like how the swan changes or how a character changes in the story.
Another option is to check some specialized Chinese literature websites. However, make sure they are legal and reliable sources. Some websites may require you to register and may offer the novel for free or for a small fee for reading.
I'm not certain of its popularity. As for the plot, it could center around a character who is like a lone swan. Chinese novels often draw on cultural and natural elements to tell stories. So, this 'lone swan' might be associated with certain Chinese cultural values such as perseverance or elegance. The novel might depict the character's experiences, relationships, and how they interact with the world around them while being in their 'lone swan' state, perhaps facing hardships, making choices, and ultimately finding their own path in life.
One manga that might be similar is 'Blade of the Immortal'. It has a similar dark and gritty tone with complex characters.
The manga 'Miunohri to Swan' is similar to other works in certain aspects like character emotions and story arcs, but it has its own original twists and turns that make it a one-of-a-kind read.
I think 'Fruits Basket' could be similar. It has a similar emotional depth and character-driven storylines like 'Swan'.
Well, the 'lone swan chinese novel' might have some really unique cultural elements. It could feature the beauty of Chinese landscapes through its descriptions. Maybe it has complex characters with deep emotions and moral dilemmas.