A seminar commemorating science fiction writer Su Xuejun’s 30-year career was held in Beijing on Feb. 5, gathering fellow sci-fi writers, students and trade representatives to have a good time his work.
Writer Su Xuejun speaks at a commemorative seminar in Beijing, Feb. 5, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]
Wu Yan, a outstanding Chinese sci-fi scholar, writer and professor on the Southern University of Science and Technology, praised Su as a uncommon writer who embodies “an independent character, unique literary pursuit, pure artistic sensibility and a sense of responsibility to the industry.”
He additionally famous that Su self-funded {a magazine} throughout the sci-fi trade’s downturn to offer a platform for younger writers, a testomony to his dedication to the sphere.
Guests additionally watched an AI-generated quick movie based mostly on Su’s sci-fi work “Crimson,” produced by Liu Jian of Mulan, an AI-powered video creation platform. The quick movie visualized the narrative with putting imagery, showcasing AI’s potential for sci-fi creation.
During a roundtable dialogue, sci-fi writers together with Su, Liu Cixin and Zhu Yuqing, researchers Li Ying, Peng Chao and Chen Ruogu, and Mulan’s Liu Jian mentioned “From ‘Martian Dust Storm’ to Digital Existence: A Dialogue on the Future Space of Su Xuejun’s Sci-Fi Universe.”
Sci-fi luminary Liu Cixin, impressed by Su’s work, mentioned future Mars improvement would possibly contain modifying people to adapt to extraterrestrial environments. Zhu warned of potential “new alienation” introduced by know-how and emphasised the resilience of weak communities.
Li, Peng and Chen recognized core themes in Su’s work: “universe, history, civilization, realism, tradition, the unknown and the perseverance of the insignificant.” They praised his epic narrative model that locations the inheritance of Chinese civilization towards an unlimited spatial and temporal backdrop.
A panel discussing Su Xuejun’s classics is held throughout a commemorative seminar in Beijing, Feb. 5, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]
Liu Jian, additionally an MBA mentor on the University of International Business and Economics, shared his expertise utilizing AI instruments to rework textual content into audiovisual content material, describing it as “the second Renaissance in human history.”
In distinction, Su expressed ambivalence towards know-how, stressing the necessity to stay vigilant about its dangers whereas cherishing civilization’s continuity.
Several fellow sci-fi writers took the stage after the panel to debate Su’s affect, recalling their friendship {and professional} exchanges. They agreed that the “pioneering spirit of space exploration,” the “grand cosmic view” mixing fantasy and sci-fi, and the humanistic depth in Su’s works kind an indispensable spine of unique Chinese sci-fi.
Liu Cixin once more praised Su’s position in connecting previous and future generations of sci-fi writers, notably citing works reminiscent of “Ancient Stars” and “The Times of Great Antiquity” for his or her integration of classical Chinese tradition with hardcore science fiction.
In his response and to thank everybody for the tributes, Su mentioned he stays extremely productive, writing 200,000 to 400,000 phrases yearly, and has a big physique of unpublished work. He additionally famous that sci-fi concepts have formed developments in sensible cities and hearth security laws, changing into a part of the nation’s modernization efforts.
The occasion additionally launched the fourth Science Fiction Planet Awards competitors. Founders Liu Cixin and Wu Yan took the stage to handle what they referred to as “AI anxiety.”
Liu instructed that within the quick time period, AI would battle to switch human creativity based mostly on real-life expertise, however in the long run, know-how could basically reshape literature and artwork.
Asked what sort of entries can stand out, Wu mentioned successful submissions ought to possess 4 key qualities: originality, deep integration of science and know-how, humanistic worth and concise expression suited to modern studying habits.
This yr’s competitors is open to international submissions throughout seven main fields, with the entry deadline set for Feb. 25.
Su Xuejun, organizers and friends pose for a bunch picture at a commemorative seminar in Beijing on Feb. 5, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]
The seminar served as each a tribute to Su’s career and a showcase of Chinese sci-fi’s depth and potential. Many friends mentioned they hoped Su would proceed contributing to Chinese and international sci-fi literature, enhancing the worldwide affect of Chinese sci-fi.