China's Science Fiction Industry Achieves Record Revenue Amid AI Predictions
The 2025 China Science Fiction Convention highlights significant growth and discusses the potential role of AI in writing.
The 2025 China Science Fiction Convention, held at Shougang Park in Beijing, concluded with the announcement that China's science fiction industry generated a record total revenue of 108.96 billion yuan (approximately $15.01 billion) in 2024. This milestone reflects the growing popularity and economic significance of the genre in China, showcasing its increasing influence both domestically and internationally.
Prominent Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin, known for his acclaimed _The Three-Body Problem_ trilogy, engaged in discussions regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of writing during the convention.
When asked whether AI technologies like DeepSeek could eventually replace human authors, Liu indicated that while such a transition is unlikely in the immediate future, it is a conceivable possibility within the next two decades.
Liu expressed a vision where AI could personalize reading experiences by allowing readers to specify preferences, leading to AI-generated novels tailored to individual tastes.
He noted that if readers find the generated content unsatisfactory, they could request alternative versions.
He posited that with advancements in AI, the quality of AI-generated writing might surpass that of human authors.
Despite recognizing the potential of AI, Liu maintained that the intrinsic joy of writing lies in personal creativity, emphasizing that writing should not devolve into a mechanical process dictated by technology.
He cautioned against underestimating AI's capabilities, acknowledging a diminishing cognitive gap between human creativity and AI-generated content.
The convention underscored the distinctiveness of Chinese science fiction, which often reflects traditional cultural values and philosophical perspectives.
Liu's works, such as _The Wandering Earth_ and _Ball Lightning_, have transcended literary boundaries through adaptations into films and television series, which contribute to the global visibility of Chinese science fiction narratives.
Liu noted that China’s rapid technological progress, including advancements in manned spaceflight and quantum communication, provides a fertile ground for creative storytelling in science fiction.
The themes of global collaboration found in _The Wandering Earth_ have resonated with audiences and exemplify how Chinese ideals are interwoven in these narratives.
Industry professionals, including Chen Tao, highlighted the role of AI as a catalyst for human creativity rather than a threat to it.
Chen reflected on how AI might redefine concepts of originality, suggesting that works that encapsulate human experiences and emotional depth will retain their value, especially in contrast to AI-generated outputs.
Significantly, the 2025 China Science Fiction Industry Report presented at the convention revealed a steady growth trajectory for sci-fi literature and related sectors, including derivative products and sci-fi tourism.
The reading segment alone generated 3.51 billion yuan in revenue, marking a year-on-year growth of 10.7 percent and continuing an upward trend that has persisted since 2017.
Experts at the convention noted that the synergy between the science fiction industry and educational frameworks is becoming increasingly vital.
With the incorporation of sci-fi themes into science education, the genre is recognized as an effective medium for fostering creativity and cultivating innovation among students.
The future of China's science fiction industry appears to be poised for further development, fueled by ongoing technological advancements and supportive policies, which are anticipated to enhance collaborative innovation across its value chain.
Prominent Chinese science fiction author Liu Cixin, known for his acclaimed _The Three-Body Problem_ trilogy, engaged in discussions regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of writing during the convention.
When asked whether AI technologies like DeepSeek could eventually replace human authors, Liu indicated that while such a transition is unlikely in the immediate future, it is a conceivable possibility within the next two decades.
Liu expressed a vision where AI could personalize reading experiences by allowing readers to specify preferences, leading to AI-generated novels tailored to individual tastes.
He noted that if readers find the generated content unsatisfactory, they could request alternative versions.
He posited that with advancements in AI, the quality of AI-generated writing might surpass that of human authors.
Despite recognizing the potential of AI, Liu maintained that the intrinsic joy of writing lies in personal creativity, emphasizing that writing should not devolve into a mechanical process dictated by technology.
He cautioned against underestimating AI's capabilities, acknowledging a diminishing cognitive gap between human creativity and AI-generated content.
The convention underscored the distinctiveness of Chinese science fiction, which often reflects traditional cultural values and philosophical perspectives.
Liu's works, such as _The Wandering Earth_ and _Ball Lightning_, have transcended literary boundaries through adaptations into films and television series, which contribute to the global visibility of Chinese science fiction narratives.
Liu noted that China’s rapid technological progress, including advancements in manned spaceflight and quantum communication, provides a fertile ground for creative storytelling in science fiction.
The themes of global collaboration found in _The Wandering Earth_ have resonated with audiences and exemplify how Chinese ideals are interwoven in these narratives.
Industry professionals, including Chen Tao, highlighted the role of AI as a catalyst for human creativity rather than a threat to it.
Chen reflected on how AI might redefine concepts of originality, suggesting that works that encapsulate human experiences and emotional depth will retain their value, especially in contrast to AI-generated outputs.
Significantly, the 2025 China Science Fiction Industry Report presented at the convention revealed a steady growth trajectory for sci-fi literature and related sectors, including derivative products and sci-fi tourism.
The reading segment alone generated 3.51 billion yuan in revenue, marking a year-on-year growth of 10.7 percent and continuing an upward trend that has persisted since 2017.
Experts at the convention noted that the synergy between the science fiction industry and educational frameworks is becoming increasingly vital.
With the incorporation of sci-fi themes into science education, the genre is recognized as an effective medium for fostering creativity and cultivating innovation among students.
The future of China's science fiction industry appears to be poised for further development, fueled by ongoing technological advancements and supportive policies, which are anticipated to enhance collaborative innovation across its value chain.
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