As a left-wing writer, Lu played an important role in the history of Chinese literature. His books greatly influcenced thousands of Chinese youths. He was a lecturer in the Peking University, after returning from Japan in 1909.
In May 1918, he published the first baihua novel ever, Kuangren Riji (A Madman's Diary). He heavily criticized many old Chinese traditions and family rules. Another of his well-known novels, Ah Q Zhengzhuan (A True Story of Ah Q), was published in the 1920s. His other novels include Na Han (Call to Arms), Ye Cao (Wild Grass), Pang Huang (Wandering) and many many more.
He was also the editor of several left-wing magazines such as Xin Qingnian (New Youths) and Mengya.