81st World Science Fiction Convention Opens in China's Chengdu

Chengdu - The 81st World Science Fiction Convention opened in Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province, on October 18.

On October 18, 2023, the 81st World Science Fiction Convention opens at the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum in Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The World Science Fiction Convention is the most prominent, longest-running, and largest science fiction-themed event in the world, and this marks its first time venturing into China. As a result, Chengdu has become the second Asian city to host the World Science Fiction Convention. 

Over the next five days, science fiction enthusiasts worldwide will gather in this city where history and modern civilization blend seamlessly.

This year's World Science Fiction Convention, with the theme "Symbiosis Era," will continue until October 22. In addition to the opening and closing ceremonies and the Hugo Awards ceremony, the event will feature over 200 themed salons, exhibitions, "Hugo Night" lakeside parties, fan gatherings, and other exciting activities. 

On the evening of October 21, the international science fiction literary field's most prestigious "Hugo Award" will be announced at the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum.

Ben Yalow, a member of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) Brand Protection Committee and co-chair of the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention, spoke during the opening ceremony. 

Ben Yalow, a member of the World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) Brand Protection Committee and co-chair of the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention, addresses at  the opening ceremony on October 18. (Photo/Deng Yan)

He underscored the international scope of the event, uniting science fiction aficionados from every corner of the globe to commemorate the 81st World Science Fiction Convention. With palpable enthusiasm, he spoke of the exhilaration of collaborating with Chinese fans to create a convention experience that is both diverse and engaging. Yalo took the opportunity to urge everyone to relish the event, spotlighting the ever-expanding global science fiction community.

The distinguished science fiction author and honorary guest of the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention, Robert James Sawyer, ceremoniously inaugurated a time-travel portal to pay homage to the convention's 80-year legacy.

In his keynote address, Sawyer fondly recalled his maiden visit to Chengdu some 16 years ago, where he heard fans vocalize their aspiration to host the World Science Fiction Convention in China one day. He acknowledged the fervor of Chengdu's dedicated fans, expressing confidence that the experiences gained by young attendees over the upcoming five days would indelibly impact their lives.

Before an international assembly of science fiction enthusiasts, Ben Yalow, alongside the co-chairs of the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention, Chen Shi and He Xi, honored guests Liu Cixin and Robert James Sawyer, Richard Taylor—co-founder and CEO of Weta Workshop, celebrated actor and director Wu Jing, Frant Gwo—director of "The Wandering Earth" film series, Neil Clarke—founder and editor-in-chief of the American science fiction magazine "CLARKEWORLD," and Helen Montgomery—chair of the 2022 Chicago World Science Fiction Convention, collectively inaugurated the 81st World Science Fiction Convention. The ceremony reached its pinnacle as Chen Shi emphatically struck the "gavel," symbolizing the monumental occasion.

Guests jointly inaugurate the 81st World Science Fiction Convention on October 18, 2023. (Photo/Deng Yan)

The opening ceremony revealed the highly anticipated base of the Hugo Award trophy—an adorable panda emerging from a time-space tunnel, gazing curiously at a rocket heading toward the future. This marked the first appearance of Chinese cultural elements on the base of the Hugo Award trophy. 

The opening ceremony of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention on October 18 reveals the highly anticipated base of the Hugo Award trophy—an adorable panda emerging from a time-space tunnel, gazing curiously at a rocket heading toward the future. (Photo/Chengdu Science Fiction Association)

During the ceremony, Dave McCarty, vice-chair of the 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention organizing committee and head of the Hugo Award selection committee, merged the base with the award, symbolizing the connection between collaboration and a bright future for humanity.

A touching moment occurred during the opening ceremony as Liu Cixin, the honorary guest of the 2023 World Science Fiction Convention and a celebrated Chinese science fiction writer, fulfilled a "ten-year promise" with a group of Chengdu students and their teacher, Xu Min. 

A touching moment occurred during the opening ceremony as Liu Cixin, honorary guest of the 2023 World Science Fiction Convention and a celebrated Chinese science fiction writer. (Photo/Chengdu Science Fiction Association)

A decade ago, Xu Min reached out to Liu Cixin via email, attaching notes and questions from her students about "The Three-Body Problem." Remarkably, she received a response from Liu Cixin just two days later. Fast forward to today, and one of those students, Li Rui, is now a graduate student specializing in materials science at the South China University of Technology. The opening ceremony served as a poignant moment when Xu Min and her students gifted Liu Cixin a commemorative book containing the notes and correspondences from their past interaction.

The opening ceremony was an extraordinary blend of the ancient Shu civilization's richness with the marvels of contemporary science fiction. It boasted an array of science fiction-themed shows, live stage performances, and visually captivating magical displays.

Set against the backdrop of harmonious 432Hz music, the audience was taken on an awe-inspiring journey that began at the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum. From there, it ventured through the enigmatic Sanxingdui ruins, past pyramids and through the solar system, across the Milky Way, and through the annals of ancient and modern history. The journey culminated in the arrival at the "Pillar of Creation," situated an astonishing 6,500 light-years away.

The countdown of the opening ceremony of the 81st World Science Fiction Convention on October 18, 2023. (Photo/Deng Yan)

Using stage technology to showcase traditional arts like Sichuan Opera's face-changing, water sleeves, and Flying Immortals fulfills China's age-old aspiration for multi-ethnic and multi-cultural unity.

The live performance "Time Travel" led the audience through a journey, tracing the roots of science fiction ideas from their conceptual stages to their technological realization. Meanwhile, the original musical dance piece, "AI & You," examined the nuanced emotional interplay between humans and artificial intelligence. The performance captured the allure of technology while also prompting audiences to reflect on the human experience.

A tribute to iconic science fiction works, the ceremony commemorated the Hugo Awards' inauguration of the Best Dramatic Presentation award in 1958. This honor acknowledges excellence in science fiction and fantasy across various media platforms, including film and television. By featuring elements from classic science fiction films and TV series, the opening ceremony highlighted the creation of a universally appealing science fiction visual realm deeply rooted in Chinese culture, technology, and ideals.

The ceremony drew to a close with a communal rendition of "Meeting the Future." A fleet of a thousand drones took to the sky, painting vivid scenes that included singularity bursts, expansive nebulae, star births, and the infinite expansion of the universe.