The night sky above Chengdu shimmered as 1,000 drones painted a celestial canvas, seamlessly shifting to depict scenes from the explosion of a singularity, expansive star nebulae and the birth of stars, to the ever-evolving universe. Before long, the drones formed the panda Kormo, the mascot of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon). The majestic performance beckoned sci-fi enthusiasts worldwide with the event's slogan: "Meet the Future."

People take photos of drones which formed the panda mascot Kormo at the opening of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chengdu Worldcon]

This drone spectacle graced the opening ceremony of the world's foremost sci-fi convention, making its inaugural appearance in China. The convention, which kicked off in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Wednesday, saw its opening day bustling with activities, culminating in the spectacular evening ceremony at the Chengdu Science Museum. 

"This is my fourth visit to the wonderful city of Chengdu," Canadian sci-fi titan Robert J. Sawyer recalled on stage, his voice tinged with nostalgia and excitement. "The first time I was here, 16 years ago, a few fans were whispering about the dream of one day bringing the World Science Fiction Convention to China. Look at us now!"

Back in 1973, 13-year-old Sawyer yearned to attend Worldcon in his hometown of Toronto, but couldn't afford to. Now, half a century later, he's in Chengdu as a guest of honor. "I am sure there are young people here today attending their first Worldcon who will have their life changed forever by the seeds that will be planted in their hearts over the next five days," he said.

Organizers and guests announce the opening of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chengdu Worldcon]

Two months after the success of the 31st summer edition of the FISU World University Games, Chengdu is hosting yet another world-class event. With over 80 years of history, the world's largest and most influential science fiction event will see its Chengdu edition, themed "Symbiosis Era," feature more than 200 activities, including salons, exhibitions, fan parties and of course, the prestigious 2023 Hugo Awards ceremony, in a city where history and culture elegantly blends with modern civilization.

"We have added the family of Chinese science fiction fans to the family of the rest of the Worldcon. This provides a better, more interesting, and diverse future for all of science fiction fandom, both inside and outside China. The family has grown, and the family will continue to grow," said Ben Yalow, co-chair of the Chengdu Worldcon.

Liu Cixin, China's own sci-fi luminary, whose "The Three-Body Problem" clinched the Hugo Award in 2015 at the 73rd Worldcon, expounded on the universality of the genre: "Science fiction depicts our shared dreams and, of course, showcases the crises we must confront together. Thus, science fiction is a literary genre that resonates deeply with readers from different cultures and countries, acting as a bridge to connect the world."

Liu added, with a hopeful vision: "The Chengdu Worldcon, I believe, is a tangible manifestation of the unique qualities intrinsic to sci-fi. "

Dave McCarty, the administrator of the Hugo Awards, showcases the trophy for this year's Hugo Awards at the opening ceremony of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chengdu Worldcon]

Later, organizers and guests, including co-chairs of the Chengdu Worldcon Chen Shi, He Xi, Ben Yalow as well Liu Cixin, Robert J. Sawyer, Weta Workshop co-founder Richard Taylor, editor-in-chief of Clarkesworld magazine Neil Clarke, director Frant Gwo and action movie star Wu Jing, as well as Helen Montgomery, chair of the 2022 Worldcon in Chicago, stepped on stage to declare the opening of this year's convention. Dave McCarty, the administrator of the Hugo Awards, also showcased the trophy design for this year's Hugo Awards, adorned with a giant panda and Chinese elements.

On the opening night, attendees at the museum's Nebula Pavilion were immersed in a visual extravaganza of lighting, projection, illusion and live performances, going on a journey from Sichuan's Sanxingdui and Jinsha archaeological sites, to the iconic Pyramids and other unresolved global mysteries, before traveling through the solar system and culminating at the distant "Pillars of Creation" 6,500 light-years away. While a sci-fi show artfully blended traditional arts like water sleeves dancing, flying immortals and Sichuan opera face-changing, other performances showcased time travel, and included a dance from a China's sci-fi musical "AI & You." The evening was complemented by a video tribute to iconic sci-fi films and a performance of the "Meet the Future" theme song.

A performance combining elements from the ancient Shu civilization and science fiction is staged at the opening ceremony of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 18, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chengdu Worldcon]

The 2023 Chengdu Worldcon is being held from Oct. 18 to 22. Hosting the event in Chengdu is a testament to China's burgeoning scientific and technological strength and the dedication of generations of Chinese sci-fi enthusiasts.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)