A national political advisor has proposed establishing a state-level science fiction museum as a symbol of cultural and technological integration and national rejuvenation.

Qiu Huadong, a renowned writer and member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), poses for a photo during the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of China Association for Promoting Democracy]

Qiu Huadong, a renowned writer, vice chairman of the China Writers Association and member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), is currently in Beijing attending the annual session of China's top political advisory body. In a proposal, Qiu noted that China is at a pivotal moment as it transforms from a nation with abundant cultural resources into a powerhouse of cultural influence.

"Establishing a national sci-fi museum is essential for developing cultural infrastructure and advancing the nation's cultural strength in the new era," he emphasized. "This initiative is a long-term strategy for national cultural development, a key step for China to shape future civilization, and vital for enriching its cultural narrative and building a community with a shared future for mankind."

The proposed museum would serve as a demonstration project for integrating culture and technology, offering a space to explore the ethical implications of cutting-edge innovations. It would also aim to develop a cultural production system aligned with the needs of an advanced, technology-driven society.

Qiu envisions the museum as a spiritual landmark for national rejuvenation, building cultural confidence and reshaping global future narratives. The facility would establish a framework for imagining the future, develop an evaluation system for technological aesthetics and promote mutual learning among civilizations.

China's science fiction literature has gained global prominence in recent years, driven by works from authors like Liu Cixin and Wang Jinkang, as well as films and TV series such as "The Wandering Earth" and "Three-Body." According to the political advisor, this progress stems from the nation's rising technological strength, growing cultural confidence, an optimized creative ecosystem and deeper industrial collaboration. These factors have combined to forge a unique path blending local identity with international influence.

Qiu believes sci-fi culture, led by sci-fi literature, is a key arena in the growing cultural competition among major powers. He argued that leveraging China's sci-fi strengths and overcoming traditional cultural exchange limits are crucial. Qiu also suggested using sci-fi as a language to build future dialogue mechanisms, showcasing Chinese civilization's unique philosophical vision and boosting its sci-fi culture's soft power and global influence.