Award-winning Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin said at a Beijing academic forum Saturday that he believes the sci-fi era has only just begun, even as rapid technological advances already make some fictional ideas a reality.

Writer Liu Cixin speaks at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base during the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 (CSFC 2025) in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

"Many ask if science fiction will lose its prophetic power in this era of technological explosion," Liu said. "I believe true sci-fi is only beginning. Sci-fi has never been a crystal ball predicting the future, but rather a torch illuminating the unknown — keeping us vigilant on the eve of AI awakening, inspiring reverence in the age of genetic decoding and reminding us, as we venture toward the stars, of our original aspiration."

Liu made the remarks at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base, an arm of the China Science Writers Association, in Beijing on March 29. The event drew more than 70 notable guests from popular science, science fiction, literature, education and sci-fi-related industries.

The writer said Chinese sci-fi's greatest opportunity comes from China's development path, with scientific advancements fueling creative possibilities. Yet, he emphasized that sci-fi is inherently global — a genre transcending cultures, races and national boundaries. "The dreams it envisions and the crises it confronts are universal to humanity," he noted. "It serves as a bridge, connecting people from all cultural backgrounds."

Liu, who also serves as president of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute, noted that since its founding in 2016, the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base has united creative talents, built international platforms and advanced theoretical research to support the flourishing of Chinese sci-fi. The base also nurtures new authors through writer studios and seminars, supporting the genre's growth.

(From left) Writers Wang Jinkang, Peng Liurong, A Que and Liu Cixin pose for a photo as they launch new studios for Peng and A Que at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

"As a member of this base, I understand that what unites us here goes beyond mere attention and expectations - it represents our shared responsibility and commitment to sci-fi's future development," he said.

Later at the meeting, Wang Weiying, the base's executive deputy director and secretary-general, reviewed its 2024 achievements and unveiled its 2025 roadmap. She highlighted collaborative book publications and progress in commercializing sci-fi works, education programs, talent development and academic exchanges. For the coming year, she outlined plans to focus on publishing, research, industrial innovation, talent cultivation and global promotion.

"Science fiction transcends literature — it represents humanity's collective vision for the future. More than mere imagination, it's a driving force for progress," Wang stated. "At this new historical juncture, we will join hands to build a fresh ecosystem for sci-fi culture and compose an even more brilliant chapter for Chinese science fiction."

The event featured two roundtable discussions: one on using science fiction in education to boost scientific literacy, and another on the emerging "Sci-Fi+" literary trend that blends classical traditions with futuristic visions. The base also unveiled new publications and inaugurated writer studios for authors Peng Liurong and A Que, bringing the total to 18.

Attendees and guests pose for a group photo at the eighth annual meeting and academic forum of the Science Fiction Creation and Research Base in Beijing, March 29, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

"Against the backdrop of rapid global technological advancements — from AI and quantum computing to biotechnology — sci-fi not only transforms people's daily lives but also stands at the intersection of technology and humanity," said Qiu Huadong, author and vice chairman of the China Writers Association.

Qiu added that Chinese sci-fi creators have a unique historical mission. "The next generation must draw inspiration from scientific frontiers, trace narrative roots through history and explore human nature's depths," he said. "Through innovation, they can create works that are both globally significant and distinctly Chinese."