Sci-fi writers debut new works at Beijing Book Fair

Four science fiction writers debuted new works at the 2026 Beijing Book Fair last week, holding launch and dialogue events to introduce their latest stories to readers as enthusiasm for more sci-fi works and future visions grows in China.

(Left to right) Host Chen Liuqi and writers Ling Chen and Su Xuejun at a launch and sharing event for their new books in Beijing, Jan. 9, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Established writer Ling Chen presented "Earth Channel: Feline Column — The Collected Short Science Fiction of Ling Chen," featuring 11 of her short stories, at the event. Using a unique feline perspective, the work weaves hard sci-fi themes into everyday life, offering up a carefully observed study of human tenderness through the eyes of a cat. 

"The reason behind choosing the soft perspective of a 'cat' was to carry technological themes through a small entry point, making the sci-fi stories warmer and more resonant and reflecting my detailed care for real life," Ling said.

Renowned writer Su Xuejun also brought along his new collection, "The Universe History Archives: Novellas and Short Stories by Su Xuejun," which includes seven works such as "Martian Dust Storm" and "Ancient Stardust," examining the course of civilizations from a vast perspective of time and space. 

"Within such a grand temporal and spatial framework, I want to explore how the emotions and destinies of individuals can survive and not be overwhelmed. What I have always focused on are the experiences and choices of specific individuals amid the tides of civilization," Su explained.

Both veteran writers agreed that the core concern of science fiction has always been "people." They noted that facing an era of rapid technological development, the responsibilities of sci-fi writers lie not only in imagining the future but also in safeguarding the enduring emotions and values within humanity.

Writer Xiao Xinghan (second from right) poses alongside guests with his new book at a launch and sharing event in Beijing, Jan. 9, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

The renowned sci-fi writer Xiao Xinghan debuted "Chongqing on the Dinosaur's Spine," a work that plunges readers into a world where highly intelligent dinosaurs return to Earth through time-travel, and the city of Chongqing becomes a battleground, forcing humanity to find its way out. 

Xiao shared his inspiration behind the work, admitting that choosing the bold premise of a "dinosaur civilization invading the modern era" was not only a scientific response to ancient mysteries but also a profound inquiry into the future of humanity. He hopes through the story to explore the rise and fall of civilizations, the weight of time, and humanity's place in the universe.

Ling Chen joined a discussion panel with Xiao, where she praised his approach for bridging scientific knowledge and public imagination, bringing fields like paleontology and evolutionary theory to a wider audience in an engaging way, and sparking enthusiasm for exploration.

Writer Shi Yu'ang (second from right) poses alongside guests with his new book at a launch and sharing event in Beijing, Jan. 9, 2026. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Meanwhile, emerging sci-fi writer Shi Yu'ang launched his debut collection, "Eternal Winter," at the 2026 Beijing Book Fair. The collection is composed of 10 short sci-fi stories, showcasing a diverse range of styles. Using cutting-edge technological premises such as "cloud-brain," virtual reality and consciousness uploading as vessels, the works delve into the widespread spiritual crises faced by contemporary youth, including social atomization, information overload and the dissolution of life's meaning. 

"This book is my literary response to the spiritual landscape of Generation Z," Shi said. "When technology promises immortality, connection and infinite possibilities, we instead need to confirm who we are and why we are worth remembering." Shi Yu'ang revealed that he will continue to delve deeper into the theme of "technological ethics" in the future, exploring more science fiction expressions that belong to a Chinese context.

All four books are published by Popular Science Press.

The 2026 Beijing Book Fair was held from Jan. 8-10 in Beijing, with over 400,000 titles on display. This year's book fair featured more than 10 themed zones as well as an exhibition area for cultural products. More than 420 cultural activities were held both inside and outside the venue, attracting participation from bookstores, libraries and library suppliers nationwide, with over 100,000 visitors attending.