The China Science Fiction Convention 2025 (CSFC 2025) opened in Beijing on Friday, showcasing cutting-edge technologies alongside a report revealing that the country's sci-fi industry generated 108.96 billion yuan ($15 billion) in revenue last year.

A futuristic clip plays on a large LED screen during the opening ceremony of the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

More than 1,000 representatives from China's technology, literary and industrial sectors attended the opening ceremony on Friday at Beijing's Shougang Park, which was held as a parallel event of the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum.

The ceremony featured an immersive extended reality experience with glasses-free 3D displays and high-definition spatial projections, blending virtual and real elements. A bipedal robot named Huanhuan headlined the event, showcasing advanced humanoid technology from Chinese robotics company Unitree. The robot engaged in AI-powered dialogue and demonstrated fluid movements.

"The Science Fiction Convention has become an important platform where technology and humanities intertwine, and science fiction converges with economic development," said He Junke, chief executive secretary of the Secretariat of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in his speech. He emphasized sci-fi's role in popularizing science, stating it should inspire, forecast and critically examine technological advances.

He emphasized sci-fi's potential to drive technological breakthroughs, inspire young people to explore science and promote mutual learning among civilizations to build consensus on a shared future for mankind.

Beijing Mayor Yin Yong said the city prioritizes sci-fi industry development, attracting over 800 sci-fi enterprises with a local industry output of 48 billion yuan. He noted that emerging sci-fi clusters like Shougang Park are taking shape.

"Beijing will leverage its strengths in science, technology and culture to support original sci-fi content, enhance technological capabilities, improve structure, foster industry ecosystems and promote high-quality industry growth," he said.

Officials, organizers and guests, including sci-fi writer Liu Cixin, launch the Beijing Science Fiction Carnival 2025 during the opening of the China Science Fiction Convention in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Beijing's Shijingshan district now hosts 60% of China's sci-fi film and television resources, with preparation for the sci-fi epic "The Wandering Earth 3" currently underway at Shougang Park.

Sci-fi author Liu Cixin said China's rapid technological advances provide unique inspiration for sci-fi. He noted that the country's breakthroughs in manned spaceflight, quantum communications and AI can all inspire sci-fi stories.

"Science fiction is like a key that opens the door to science and technology," he said.

At the opening ceremony, the China Science Fiction Research Center released a report highlighting the industry's role as a key global market driver. The study showed strong growth and creative advancements in five sectors: literature, films and TV shows, video games, merchandise and themed tourism. It noted particular originality in literature, merchandise and tourism.

According to the report, sci-fi literature continued its growth trend last year, generating 3.51 billion yuan, up 10.7% from the previous year. The film and TV sector earned 6.71 billion yuan in revenue. While theatrical returns declined, the sector saw growth in short-form content and film festivals.

Video games led the industry with 71.81 billion yuan in revenue, showing quality improvements. Merchandise sales increased 11% to 2.53 billion yuan. Themed tourism brought in 24.4 billion yuan, with domestic theme parks gaining market share.

The report noted a trend toward premium content development and upscale operations in sci-fi stage productions and scripted entertainment experiences.

Visitors experience an immersive exhibition at the China Science Fiction Convention 2025 in Beijing, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

During the opening event, organizers announced several achievements, including China's first space documentary film, "Shenzhou 13," shot entirely in outer space by the Shenzhou-13 crew, and the launch of a pilot zone for future digital space innovation in Beijing. 

CAST and the Beijing government signed a strategic cooperation agreement to promote Beijing's sci-fi industry development. The Science Fiction Planet Competition has also joined the convention for the first time, with winners to be announced March 30 and a total prize pool of 6.65 million yuan.

CSFC 2025, themed "Science Dream, Creating the Future," runs from March 28 to 31, jointly hosted by CAST and the Beijing government. It features over 30 events, including AI ethics debates, sci-fi exhibitions, a sci-fi market, space mission showcases and robot performances.

New this year are industry matchmaking events, tech debut showcases and an international sci-fi forum. The event will host 11 high-level forums with over 40 international academics and hundreds of Chinese sci-fi experts and industry representatives. The Beijing Science Fiction Carnival 2025 will run concurrently.

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