Representatives from various sectors attended a sci-fi industry forum on Saturday in Beijing to explore how to build a new pattern of integrated development of China's science fiction cultural industry with other industries.

Sci-fi writer Zhu Yuqing (right) signs a contract with the chairman of 1905 (Beijing) Technology Service Co., Ltd., Wei Xiaogang (left), to develop and commercialize the writer's novel "Welkin Journey" at a sci-fi industry forum held during the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, June 3, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Currently, China's sci-fi industry is showing a booming development trend. With the continuous popularity of intellectual properties (IP) such as "The Wandering Earth" and the "Three-Body" series, innovative achievements have emerged one after another in various related fields of sci-fi culture, driving the rapid growth of the industry. 

It is worth mentioning that renowned sci-fi writer and media veteran Zhu Yuqing, supported by the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, signed a deal at the forum with 1905 (Beijing) Technology Service Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Movie Channel, to commercialize the intellectual property of his novel "Welkin Journey." This achievement set a new record for the fastest IP copyright operation deal signing for Chinese sci-fi novels, as it was completed within four months after the book's publication.

More than 70 experts and industry leaders attended the forum, including representatives from relevant government agencies, literature, publishing, film and television, media, gaming, animation, and financial industries.

Wang Jianxin, the president of China Education Publications Import & Export Corporation Ltd. (CEPIEC), shared his experience in exporting Liu Cixin's "Three-Body Problem." The novel has sold over 3.5 million foreign-language copies in more than 30 languages, and Tor Books, the English-language publisher of the trilogy, continued the copyright contract with a $1.25 million advance payment in 2022.

Wang emphasized the importance of selecting high-quality works based on literary value, market value, and cultural dissemination power. According to him, CEPIEC also focused on improving the process of mother tongue translations and management throughout the entire process. In addition, they participated in international marketing and formed strong alliances for publishing and distribution with top publishers in target markets.

Wang Weiqi, a data scientist and Chinese-American sci-fi writer, believes that the Chinese sci-fi industry is well-positioned for cultural expansion abroad since Chinese sci-fi has a broad worldview that considers the common destiny of humanity. He believes the original Chinese text of sci-fi novels is strong enough, with profound thoughts and high artistry, and China has increasingly strong film and TV adaptation abilities, as well as more resources and channels overseas. 

Ji Shaoting, founder of the Future Affairs Administration, observes that science fiction and new technologies are integrated into people's lives in various ways. Her company collaborated with state-owned enterprises and the Chinese Academy of Sciences to help top sci-fi writers better understand China's current developments in science and technology and envision its future based on that understanding. They have also translated many sci-fi works for import into China and export to the world. Ji hopes that science fiction will continue to integrate into daily life, including necessities, derivative products, and sci-fi films and TV shows with international influences. These could involve more Chinese elements and inspire innovations.

Participants of the sci-fi industry forum pose for a group photo after a meeting during the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, June 3, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

The Chinese sci-fi film and television industry also reflect the booming development of Chinese technology. Zhu Xiangjun, vice president of the Nuclear Industry Management College, believes that "behind Chinese sci-fi is China's strong sci-tech and manufacturing industries." The success of the sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth 2" also reflects the rise of Chinese technology, Zhu said. He noted that an industrialized system in the film industry is an important support for sci-fi movies.

Tu Lagu, the film director and founder of SkyMaper, sees a bright future in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Tu, utilizing AI in creative processes can reduce costs and encourage relevant entities and organizations to establish new standards. 

Renowned sci-fi writer, Jiang Bo, shared his opinions on sci-fi cultural education. He suggests that sci-fi should be combined with science education to promote scientific knowledge and with Chinese language education to supplement the language education system. He also recommends combining sci-fi with social practice to create a learning platform as well as cultivating interest in the fundamental significance and aesthetics of sci-fi works.

Chao Xia, the writer of "Superhero Kong Xiaolong" and co-founder of the China Children's Sci-fi Union, stated that the union had conducted thousands of school activities across the country, with nearly 100 children's sci-fi writers lecturing and communicating with children. Their aim is to immerse children in science fiction, and turn works into various products, including picture books and toys, inspiring the children to become the future builders of sci-fi and the great cause of science and technology for the country.

Wang Weiying (right), director-general of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ge Hongyan (left), vice president of Anhui Toycloud Tech Co., Ltd., to promote the development and operation of the "Sci-Fi China" Anhui base at a sci-fi industry forum held during the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, June 3, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Gong Chengguang, the director of the advisory committee of the International Technology and Economy Institute under the Development Research Center of the State Council, stated that sci-fi has a strong market and requires industrial integration for development. 

"When it comes to industry development, sci-fi is the integration of multiple mature industries. Only by forming industrial integration can we grow and strengthen the industry," he said. "Real integration necessitates a strategic management team that serves as the backbone of top-level design, takes responsibility, and integrates various resources."

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