Harbin embraces sci-fi-themed events

A sci-fi-themed-book fair was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province from May 22 to 26 alongside the 2025 Children Science Fiction Convention. Writers, publishers, editors and industry professionals examined developments in the children's publishing sector.

Publishing leaders and event organizers launch a sci-fi book fair in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, May 23, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

During the fair, themed forums, reading lectures, book launches and signing sessions created a platform to promote public reading and showcase achievements in this field. This not only marks a strategic enhancement of Harbin's soft power, but pioneers a new model for China's sci-fi creation and the promotion of nationwide reading among children.

At the opening ceremony, six authors launched a public reading initiative, alongside six institutions releasing the 2024 list of outstanding Chinese popular science books. Additionally, the Taofen Foundation donated books valued at 2 million yuan (about $277,808) to primary and secondary schools in Harbin. 

In recent years, children's science fiction writing has flourished in China. To better summarize the experiences, events like the Children Science Fiction Convention have also been launched. This not only gives enthusiasts something to look forward to, but serves as a great enabler for future industry development. 

"The era of sci-fi has truly arrived," said Bai Yunpeng, an organizer and chairman of Harbin Huiwen Academy Cultural Media Group and president of the Harbin Publication Distribution Industry Association. "We've now entered an age where science, science fiction and popular science education form an integrated three-in-one."

Bai expected that the authors, critics, publishers, and reading promoters participating in this inaugural sci-fi book fair will come up with fresh content, formats, and ideas through intellectual exchanges, providing valuable experience for future exhibitions.

A photo captures the China International Communications Group booth at a sci-fi book fair in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, May 23, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Yin Chuanhong, vice chairman of the China Science Writers Association, observed that contemporary children's sci-fi is demonstrating both diversified genres and a convergence of science and culture. 

"This genre pushes beyond traditional boundaries, evolving from sensory narratives dominated by scientific wonders to more complex expressions rich in cultural depth and intellectual substance that embody Chinese characteristics and contemporary spirit." he said, "It provides fertile ground for Chinese sci-fi's cultural identity and academic framework in the new era."

Popular science and science fiction leader Dong Renwei, founder of the Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards, delivered a work report for the Children's Science Fiction Reading Promotion Alliance, which he also chairs. He highlighted the achievements of the alliance, including collaborating with 11 publishers and 39 established and emerging Chinese science fiction authors to produce original and innovative works. The alliance also published award-winning titles from the Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards while expanding reading promotion programs to 20 provincial-level regions across China.

Participants gather for a group photo during the 2025 Children Science Fiction Convention held in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, May 23, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

He said the Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards aim to strengthen the key position of children's science fiction in the broader industry ecosystem. The event aims to build multidimensional collaboration platforms, promote the development of Chinese and global children's science fiction, amplify China's voice in the international sci-fi community, and contribute Chinese solutions to the joint effort of building a beautiful future for humanity.

The 2025 Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards were presented on May 23 in Harbin, with prominent writers Chen Qiufan and Wu Yan receiving top honors in the novel and short story categories.

Sci-fi critic Cui Xinping, vice chair of the Shanxi Writers Association, highlighted children's science fiction in China shows three trends: The first is how Chinese sci-fi works integrate elements from popular science, mythology, history, and military education. The second is the support from awards and talent programs for both new and experienced writers. The third, symbolic of Chinese long-term planning, where publishers develop expansive sci-fi universes around award-winning authors, allowing for rapid serialization and continued growth. All of this expands narrative boundaries and pushes for cross-genre innovation. 

A photo captures "The Three-Body Problem" booth at a sci-fi book fair in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, May 23, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Roundtable forums with the themes of "Focusing on Sci-fi, Strengthening Collaboration, and Seeking Growth" and "The 'Sci-fi Vision' in Children's Science Fiction," along with new book launches, were also held later that day.

Zheng Zhong, president of Zhejiang Juvenile and Children's Publishing House, said science and literature have long been promoted in China. "If we were to identify a literary genre that unifies and embodies both scientific and humanistic literacy, it would be science fiction. That's why science fiction literature is an essential nutrient for the growth of children in the new era and is absolutely indispensable."