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To Community and Beyond: Chinese Sci-Fi’s Next Giant Leap

Acclaimed Chinese sci-fi magazine Science Fiction World broke literary ground when it launched 40 years ago, but today it faces competition from upstart outlets and new media.

An illustration of a scene from the novel “The Three-Body Problem.” Courtesy of COLTZ/Studio Surgical Scalpels

For 40 years, Science Fiction World has been the center of the Chinese sci-fi universe. By shining a light on works from a wide range of innovative and thoughtful authors — from ice giants like Liu Cixin to fiery comets like Hao Jingfang — the influential magazine has played a crucial role in Chinese sci-fi’s rise to acclaim.