Beijing has once again become the epicenter of imaginative innovation as the eighth China Science Fiction Convention launched in grand style on Saturday. The event kicked off with “Dream of the Future,” an interactive short science fiction film that seamlessly integrates advanced sound and light technology, captivating audiences with a glimpse into futuristic storytelling.
The opening ceremony took place at the renovated No. 1 Blast Furnace SoReal Science Fiction Park in Shougang Park. This venue, once a dormant industrial furnace, has been transformed into a “space starship,” equipped with cutting-edge innovations such as Extended Reality (XR), space computing, and digital twin technology. The fusion of these technologies offers visitors an immersive science fiction experience, blurring the lines between reality and the fantastical.
Incorporating holographic imaging, artificial intelligence, and motion capture, the convention showcases China’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in the arts. Over the past few years, Beijing has cultivated its science fiction industry across the entire production chain, turning Shijingshan’s Shougang Park from a conventional conference venue into China’s first dedicated science fiction industry cluster. This transformation has attracted more than 200 related companies from across the country, solidifying Beijing’s status as a hub for science fiction innovation.
Statistics reveal that in the past five years, approximately 50% of China’s science fiction film and television productions and 40% of its science fiction literary works originated in Beijing. The science fiction industry is seen as a crucial driver for the development of “new quality productive forces,” contributing significantly to the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
Beijing is accelerating the construction of common technology platforms like the Zhongguancun Science Fiction Industry Innovation Center. By facilitating the use of avant-garde technologies such as artificial intelligence and large language models, the city aims to bolster the upgrading and development of the science fiction industry. Efforts are also underway to establish master studios, encouraging the creation of high-quality literature, film, and television works.
The city’s support extends to the expansion of Shougang Park as a science fiction industry cluster. Beijing is implementing industry development action plans to attract leading companies and key projects, fostering an environment where creativity and technology converge.
The China Science Fiction Convention, held in Shougang Park, Shijingshan District, runs until April 29 in conjunction with the annual Zhongguancun Forum. Under the theme “Scientific Dreams, Creating the Future,” the event features eighteen activities across four sections, including the opening ceremony, forum meetings, industry promotion activities, and a science fiction film week. The convention aims to contribute to the construction of the Beijing International Science and Technology Innovation Center while promoting the high-quality development of China’s science fiction industry.
For academics, industry professionals, and enthusiasts worldwide, this convention represents not just a celebration of science fiction but also a reflection of China’s rapid advancements in integrating technology with creative industries. As the science fiction genre continues to inspire innovation, Beijing is positioning itself at the forefront of this exciting intersection between imagination and reality.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
