A number of Chinese science fiction film projects were announced at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival by various film studios, with many aiming to serve as the benchmark for future Chinese sci-fi films. 

According to a list publicized by Wanda Pictures during the festival, China plans to produce the first Chinese martial arts film featuring mechanical robots titled, "Kung Fu Robot," and another Chinese superhero film to showcase Chinese-influenced sci-fi visuals, with the working title, "Stone Man," which will be directed by Hong Kong director Law Chi-leung.

At an event organized by Tencent Pictures, the film studio and Huayi Brothers Media unveiled their new cooperation "Bureau 749," a potential Chinese sci-fi blockbuster by renowned director Lu Chuan. Huayi Brothers executive Jerry Ye believes this film will be a milestone for the Chinese sci-fi film genre.

Another sci-fi project which was highly publicized at the film festival was "Pathfinder" directed by Zhang Xiaobei. The film developed by Tencent Pictures is based on a popular animated series with the same title, about a group of Chinese astronomers' adventure in the vast desert of a remote planet.

Huayi Brothers also worked with Taiwan director Leste Chen to develop the time travel adventure "Death Loop," a film adaptation of renowned writer Zhang Muye's novel.

In the project list released by Le Chuang Entertainment, formerly Le Vision Pictures, working title film "Star Pet" will tell the story of how humans survive in a world controlled by robots. The film project will be helmed by Hong Kong film wizard Tusi Hark.

Le Chuang also announced they will develop a sci-fi trilogy with the working title "The Future Never Comes," which will be written and directed by writer-director Guo Jingming. 

Wanda Pictures further announced it has invested in developing various major Hollywood sci-fi projects, such as "The Meg," "Dune," "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" and "Kong vs. Godzilla."

Sci-fi films are not new for Chinese audiences. "Jurassic World," "Star Wars" and "Interstellar" all reaped huge box office returns during their China debut. However, the development of domestic sci-fi films has not yet set any milestones that could change the status of the genre and potentially, the entire Chinese film industry.

A few Chinese action or comedy films with sci-fi elements were released in recent years, such as Sun Zhou's "Impossible," Benny Chan's "Meow" and Leo Zhang's "Bleeding Steel." Other sci-fi projects in the pipeline include Ning Hao's "Crazy Alien," Teng Huatao's "Shanghai Fortress," and Guo Fan's "The Wandering Earth."

The most anticipated film is Zhang Fanfan's film adaptation of Liu Cixin's Hugo Award-winning "Three Body" trilogy. Yoozoo Pictures acquired the rights of "Three Body" to make six films and has finished shooting the first installment. However, the project has yet to hit theaters due to reported post-production and quality issues. The trilogy's film adaptation was expected by many to triumph in the market, ushering in a new era for Chinese sci-fi.

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