At the Huabiao Film Awards in Beijing, celebrated Chinese writer Liu Cixin took the stage to redefine science fiction for a new generation. Far from thought experiments on distant planets, he argued, sci‑fi is “a very romantic literary genre” that spans the infinite dimensions of time and space.
Unlike traditional romance, which often zeroes in on the drama between two characters, Liu said sci‑fi gives storytellers a grand canvas. “It’s not just love,” he explained, “it’s the romance of exploring the unknown—across galaxies, centuries, and the laws of nature.”
Next up in his creative universe is the TV adaptation of his 2004 novella Ball Lightning, now in production. Liu promises the series will dive deep into the eerie beauty of ball lightning phenomena and the human drive to unravel nature’s greatest secrets.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, Liu’s vision taps into a broader cultural moment: a craving for stories that blend scientific wonder with emotional depth. As streaming platforms push sci‑fi into mainstream entertainment, these narratives invite us to ask big questions—about our future, our planet, and our place among the stars.
With Ball Lightning on the horizon, Liu Cixin reminds us that science fiction is more than gadgets and robots. It’s an invitation to dream, explore, and fall in love with the vast unknown.
Reference(s):
Liu Cixin: Sci-fi is a romantic journey through time and space
cgtn.com
