In Yangquan, located in North China’s Shanxi Province, the city pulsed with anticipation as it played host to the inaugural Liu Cixin Hometown Sci-fi Cultural Event Week, launched this Tuesday. Themed “Meet in Yangquan, Science fiction lights up the future,” this week-long festivity seeks to nurture a dynamic hub for science fiction aficionados to interact, learn, and delve deeper into the myriad layers of this literary genre. In doing so, the organizers aim to cater to the evolving spiritual and cultural appetites of its patrons.
Synthesizing the elements of literature and art, the event is a broad spectrum of activities and showcases. A notable segment includes the accolade distribution for both literature and art contests, recognizing and uplifting emerging and established talents in the realm of science fiction. Visitors are treated to exhibitions showcasing exemplary art contest entries, screening sessions of seminal sci-fi films, and an expansive exhibition dedicated to science fiction literature. The event is a rich tapestry that captures the zeitgeist of modern science fiction while paying homage to its roots.
Yangquan holds a special significance in the annals of Chinese science fiction. It is the birthplace of Liu Cixin, the celebrated author who won the Hugo Award for his seminal works like “The Three-Body Problem” and “The Wandering Earth.” With such a legacy to uphold, the city envisions transforming itself into a “science fiction city,” fortifying its commitment to nurture and champion the growth of Chinese science fiction.
Li Bin, associated with the Shanxi Federation of Literary and Artistic Circles, accentuated Yangquan’s unique cultural charisma. He reflected upon Liu Cixin’s indelible mark on the world of science fiction. Through his profound scientific acumen and a distinct narrative style, Liu has offered readers a unique lens into Chinese science fiction. Under Liu’s influence, the realm of Chinese sci-fi has expanded beyond just books. It now encompasses various media formats including movies, TV dramas, animated series, games, interactive escape room experiences, and even musical compositions. This multi-faceted approach has not only captured the imagination of Chinese youth but has also galvanized a nationwide appreciation for sci-fi art.
A significant highlight of the event was the award ceremony for the inaugural National Youth Science Fiction Literature Competition. With an overwhelming submission of 465 entries, the competition has garnered considerable attention and enthusiasm.
Lei Jiankun, a key figure of the CPC Yangquan Committee, expressed his belief in the transformative power of the event. He envisions that through such initiatives, younger generations can perceive the boundless potential embedded in science fiction culture. Such platforms, he believes, will also foster a conducive environment for creators to ideate and innovate.
The event, as shared by Wang Xue from the Yangquan Publicity Department, is slated to entertain and educate attendees until August 20, ensuring that science fiction remains not just a genre but an experience.
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