Prominent science fiction and popular science writer Ling Chen, widely regarded as China's sci-fi stalwart, was honored during the 30th anniversary celebration of her writing career in Beijing on Aug. 6.

Ling Chen speaks at an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her writing career in Beijing, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing YuanYu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Born in 1972, Ling is a pivotal figure in contemporary Chinese sci-fi. She began writing sci-fi in 1995 with her debut short story "The Messenger," winning the Galaxy Award for it in 1996 — China's premier sci-fi literary honor. She later solidified her status through novels including "The Far Side of the Moon" and "Ghosts Caught by Cats." Over her career, Ling has published more than 100 works and won numerous sci-fi awards.

During the celebration attended by leading figures in Chinese sci-fi, including prominent writer Liu Cixin, Ling described herself as "a steadfast believer in Chinese sci-fi."

Ling recalled teaching middle school and editing magazines before becoming a part-time writer in the 1990s, when few believed professional sci-fi writing in China could pay the bills. She left the magazine to become a full-time writer in 2011.

"As long as I sit in front of the computer, the daily trivialities disappear, and I immediately enter another world, one that has little to do with reality," she said.

Ling credited the internet with giving her vast resources — news, information, references and inspiration — which fueled her confidence to write across genres, from fantasy to romance novels. But sci-fi remained her favorite. Her writing spans from adult sci-fi to children's literature, from space exploration tales to youth classics like the "Happy Robot" series.

The writer described herself as a witness to Chinese sci-fi's rise and a promoter of the genre. She has also contributed to various initiatives supporting China's sci-fi development.

During a panel discussion, Chen Ruogu, associate researcher at Shandong University, and Peng Chao, associate professor at China University of Petroleum, analyzed her works, exploring her blend of technological realism and emotional depth. Tian Songsong of the Beijing YuanYu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute concluded the session with a dramatic reading from Ling's short story "Sky Falcon."

Liu Cixin praised her approach: "Ling Chen's sci-fi worlds always integrate ordinary human lives and emotions with the grand cosmic backdrop, creating a profound sense of ethereal grandeur."

The celebration ended with the announcement of Ling's forthcoming collection, "Earth Channel: Feline Column - The Collected Short Science Fiction of Ling Chen." Popular Science Press will publish the work.

The event was part of the "Never-Ending China Science Fiction Convention" series in Beijing's Shijingshan district.

A sci-fi panel is held to explore AI and aerospace innovations in Beijing, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing YuanYu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Shijingshan has emerged as Beijing's sci-fi industry hub, hosting 236 enterprises that generated 15.3 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in revenue during 2024, nearly one-third of the city's sci-fi sector revenue. Sci-fi has become a key component of the district's economy.

The celebration also marked the launch of a new cross-disciplinary salon series bridging sci-fi with technology, industry and capital. The platform explores how sci-fi ideas can drive industrial development by bringing creative properties together with tech innovation.

A sci-fi panel explores how technological advances are reshaping storytelling methods in Beijing, Aug. 6, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Beijing YuanYu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

The first "Sci-Fi+" industry salon event included two panels: one examining how sci-fi inspires AI and aerospace innovation, featuring Liu Cixin, aerospace professionals and industry experts. Another looked at how technology is changing storytelling.