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.

 

The Zhongshuge Bookstore in the Sunac Mall in Chengdu

 

Currently, Chengdu is building a technological innovation center with national influence. A series of "Made in Chengdu" technological achievements such as domestically produced nanopore gene sequencers, cadmium telluride power-generating glass, flying cars and high-temperature superconducting maglev trains are emerging at an unprecedented speed.

 

According to the Global Innovation Index 2023 recently released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Chengdu surpassed Chicago and Houston in the top 100 list of technological clusters, ranking 24th globally, rising five places compared to 2022.

 

Chengdu will be the first city on the Chinese mainland to host the 81st World Science Fiction Convention from Oct 18 to 22.

 

The main venue for the 2023 World Science Fiction Convention, Chengdu Science Fiction Museum

 

As one of the world's largest and most influential sci-fi events, the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention, or the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon, will foster greater participation from sci-fi fans and experts in the fields of sci-fi, games, literature and education at home and abroad.

 

According to tradition, the Hugo Award sets up 19 categories, with 114 works and individuals being nominated each year.

 

In the next step, Chengdu will issue favorable policies for the sci-fi industry, launch high-quality sci-fi projects and attract more leading enterprises, talent teams and technological innovation platforms.

 

Source: China Daily