Last year, the Chinese science fiction sector experienced a significant surge in popularity, achieving numerous milestones. Highlights included the 81st World Science Fiction Convention, the sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth II" and the TV series "Three-Body." These events drew fans worldwide closer to Chinese sci-fi culture, a genre that can transcend boundaries and borders. China.org.cn reviews 10 events that defined China's sci-fi development in 2023.

# The 81st Worldcon held in Chengdu

Winners, organizers, and guests pose for a group photo at the end of the Hugo Awards ceremony held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, Oct. 21, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Chengdu Worldcon]

The 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in October 2023, attracted acclaimed sci-fi writers from around the globe, including Hugo Award laureates Liu Cixin and Robert J. Sawyer. Over five days, these luminaries shared insights into emerging technologies and envisioned new worlds. The convention featured over 200 events, including film, literature, game, and industry salons, exhibitions, and fan parties. At the prestigious Hugo Awards, Chinese creativity was prominently displayed: author Hai Ya won best novelette for "The Space-Time Painter," becoming the third Chinese recipient of this distinguished honor, after Liu Cixin (2015 Hugo Award for "The Three-Body Problem") and Hao Jingfang (2016 best novelette for "Folding Beijing"). However, Hai was not the only highlight. Celebrated computer graphics artist Zhao Enzhe won the award for best professional artist. At the same time, Zero Gravity Newspaper, created by founder and editor RiverFlow and Ling Shizhen, received the award for best fanzine. This event marked a monumental milestone in China's sci-fi history, offering an unparalleled platform for dialogue and collaboration among leading sci-fi writers and professionals. It also represented a significant achievement for the Chinese sci-fi community, which has tirelessly worked across generations to bring Worldcon to China, showcasing their enduring commitment and passion for the genre.