A vision that is out of this world

You've mentioned that a good sci-fi work should make people look up at the stars for a while on their way home from work. Why is looking up at the stars important for humanity and for individuals?

Because the environment in which we live is very limited, while the universe is vast. If we only focus on the narrow surroundings of our daily lives and remain indifferent to the vast existence beyond us, including time and space outside our world, there's something lacking in our lives. From a broader perspective, a culture that is (only) inward-looking is not conducive to the advancement of civilization. Sci-fi has been striving to break free from this situation.

What are the problems with inward exploration?

Both inward and outward exploration are forms of scientific exploration, and they are not contradictory. In fact, they are interdependent. For example, large-scale space exploration and space travel rely on the development of information technology, especially in the realm of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, which we often perceive as inward exploration. However, we should not allow inward exploration to completely occupy our lives and create a comfortable environment, and in the process, lose the pioneering spirit that is essential for human survival.

What is your daily writing schedule like?

Most of my previous works were written during my limited spare time. Particularly, when writing long pieces, time is tight, and it's impossible to have a specific routine. It's not a matter of choosing to write in the morning or the afternoon. You have to make the most of your available time.

When it comes to habits, it's not so much a habit as a necessity, especially when writing long novels. You need to plan the work as thoroughly as possible in your mind, including the details. Then, if you have time, you need to concentrate and get the writing done. You can't always write casually or when you feel like it, as some professional writers might do.

Since becoming famous, what has been the most significant impact on your life?

Actually, there hasn't been a significant impact. As you mentioned, I don't engage in many social activities, and I have limited public appearances each year. Additionally, I don't live in a big city, and the people around me aren't particularly interested in science fiction, so the impact has been relatively minimal.

What do you believe is the biggest challenge currently faced by Chinese science fiction?

Our biggest challenge is the lack of influential works.

Do you think your own works lack influence as well?

The Three-Body Problem is an exception, and it has indeed had a significant impact. However, it is an exception. The film adaptation of The Wandering Earth was very successful, but it was a film, not a novel, and you can't attribute it to sci-fi literature, can you? It belongs to the domain of film creation. Can you name any other works besides these?

Why do you think sci-fi literature doesn't have such a great influence?

Multiple factors have contributed to this decline. In general, written literature, including not only sci-fi but other literary genres, faces challenges due to the rise of alternative media and changing preferences.