With the release of the final two volumes at the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, the "Chinese Science Fiction: An Oral History" collection is now complete. The first volume was introduced in December 2022, and together, the three books capture the progression of China's science fiction from the founding of the People's Republic of China, immortalizing these memories for generations to come.

China's sci-fi luminaries reunite at a book launch salon for "Chinese Science Fiction: An Oral History" in Chengdu during the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) on Oct. 20, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Eight Light Minutes Culture]

Yang Feng, founder and CEO of Chinese sci-fi brand Eight Light Minutes Culture, authored this book set as a tribute to the genre, aiming to preserve notable Chinese tales from fading into obscurity. The project was initially conceived to celebrate the Chengdu Worldcon, and with its release, that mission is now fulfilled.

"I hope that through this convention, we can bridge the gap between Chinese and foreign sci-fi fans, strengthen the bonds between sci-fi writers from different countries, and introduce the world to the vibrant vitality of Chinese science fiction," she told China.org.cn. Naturally, this aspiration is realized by fostering deeper mutual understanding. Her new book can serve as both a reference and a historical document.

"Chinese Science Fiction: An Oral History" encompasses over 1.1 million words and features over 500 valuable photographs. Compiling this set took seven years and involved interviews across 10 cities. This comprehensive collection includes conversations with 21 eminent sci-fi luminaries who have significantly influenced the landscape of Chinese science fiction. The first volume already earned a nomination for Best Related Work at the 2023 Hugo Awards.

At a book launch salon during Worldcon on Friday, the figures from the book were brought to life. The interviewees, including Yang Xiao, Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang, He Xi, Han Song, Yao Haijun, Tan Kai, Dong Renwei, Wu Xiankui, and Wu Yan, reunited to reminisce and contemplate the future.

Liu Cixin, China's most renowned sci-fi writer featured in the book, recalled several pivotal moments from his career. For instance, in 1997, unsure where to submit his "Supernova Era" draft, he approached Yang Xiao, the then-president of Science Fiction World. Yang not only responded with enthusiasm but also connected him with publishers and introduced experienced editors to assist and offer suggestions. This gesture deeply moved Liu. Yang also advised him to start with short sci-fi stories and to persist in the genre.

"Without Ms. Yang Xiao's encouragement, I might have remained just a sci-fi fan today, sitting in a corner listening to others reminisce about history," Liu reflected.

The book set titled "Chinese Science Fiction: An Oral History." [Image courtesy of Chengdu Times Press]

During the segment "Recalling Everything Everywhere in China," Tan Kai, Dong Renwei, Wu Xiankui, Wu Yan, Ko Tomari, and Yang Feng shared their personal experiences with Chinese science fiction. Even before Worldcon's debut in Chengdu, China's sci-fi institutions and practitioners have actively participated in international exchanges over the past few years. They have created a bridge of communication, opened doors for Chinese readers to global science fiction, and showcased Chinese sci-fi to enthusiasts worldwide.

In the segment "Discussing the Starting Point of China's Sci-Fi Golden Age," Yang Xiao, Wang Jinkang, Liu Cixin, Han Song, He Xi, and Yao Haijun passionately spoke about their "first intimate encounters" with science fiction. They also delved into the history of Science Fiction World magazine and its journey to overcome challenges, providing insights from both the perspectives of sci-fi literature editors and authors. Across various eras, their mutual passion drew them to the realm of sci-fi, where their paths intertwined, and together, they crafted the legend of Chinese science fiction. As Han Song eloquently stated, "With over 7 billion people on Earth, how lucky are we, a group of ordinary individuals imagining the farthest reaches of the universe, to have found each other?"

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