Imaginative visions of future create new dynamic to city

Chengdu, Sichuan province, is making a name for itself with sci-fi tradition and credentials, thanks to best-selling book that led to a blockbuster movie

Relying on technological innovation and a cultural atmosphere, Chengdu, a city renowned for diverse cultures and giant pandas, is once again on the world stage through its endeavors and innovations in science fiction.

The various imaginative ideas of sci-fi may become a key variable in bolstering the emergence and development of new productive forces in Chengdu, thereby giving rise to emerging industries, experts say.

China's renowned sci-fi writer, Liu Cixin, won the Hugo Award for Best Novel at the 73rd World Science Fiction Convention with his work The Three-Body Problem, becoming the first Asian sci-fi writer to win the Hugo Award in more than half a century since its establishment.

The Hugo Award is an annual literary prize for the best sci-fi or fantasy works and achievements given at the World Science Fiction Convention and chosen by its members.

Behind the success of The Three-Body Problem lies the mention of a sci-fi magazine that was founded in Chengdu 44 years ago — Science Fiction World.

The Three-Body Problem was serialized in Science Fiction World in 2006 and published as a book in 2008. Besides Liu, the creative paths of many top Chinese sci-fi writers such as Han Song, Wang Jinkang and He Xi also started from the magazine.

Today, Science Fiction World is one of the largest and most influential professional sci-fi literary journals in China, making Chengdu a hub with a rich sci-fi atmosphere and fan activities.

Chengdu has established student sci-fi associations in 10 universities. Sichuan University and University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have also set up research institutes for sci-fi.

"Chengdu is a geographical basin in China while a highland in Chinese sci-fi," said Wu Xiankui, chairman of the Sichuan Science Writers' Association and the first winner of the Galaxy Awards, one of the country's most prestigious sci-fi literature awards.