Chinese sci-fi cinema has reached new heights, marking 100 years of cinematic imagination. The genre, which began with the 1925 film “The Invisible Clothing,” now inspires filmmakers and innovators across the country. Sci-fi cinema continues to evolve, blending technological innovation with cultural storytelling.
Renowned writer Liu Cixin recently watched “Shenzhou-13,” an 8K documentary filmed aboard China’s space station. He said the visuals exceeded even the wildest sci-fi imagination, showing real astronauts and real space environments. The experience blurred the line between fiction and reality, illustrating how Chinese sci-fi cinema increasingly reflects actual achievements.
Chinese sci-fi began as a curiosity in the 1920s, when filmmakers explored unusual concepts despite limited technology. Early works, including comedies with fantastical elements, reflected the creative aspirations of writers like Xu Zhuodai, often described as China’s Charlie Chaplin. While many reels from that period are lost, imported films and novels inspired audiences and future creators.
The 1980 release of “Death Ray on Coral Island” marked a milestone, introducing lasers, robots, and futuristic storytelling. Afterward, the genre experienced decades of limited output, until Hollywood blockbusters in the 1990s reignited interest. Films like Star Wars inspired a new generation of Chinese writers and filmmakers, contributing to the modern resurgence of sci-fi cinema in China.
In 2015, Liu Cixin won the Hugo Award for his Three-Body Problem series, laying the foundation for Chinese sci-fi on the global stage. The 2019 release of “The Wandering Earth,” adapted from Liu’s story, became a blockbuster, earning 4.6 billion yuan and demonstrating the commercial potential of Chinese sci-fi cinema. Director Guo Fan praised China’s space industry for providing the technical expertise that made the film credible.
Today, sci-fi cinema extends beyond the screen. Exoskeleton devices, similar to those in “The Wandering Earth 2,” are already available for industrial and recreational use. At Wuyi Mountain, tourists can rent exoskeletons to climb steep cliffs. Researchers also experiment with invisibility cloaks and stealth technology. China’s technological advances reflect its commitment to innovation, ranking 11th in the Global Innovation Index and leading in patent applications.
Experts note that Chinese sci-fi cinema blends imagination with cultural identity. Director Guo Fan emphasizes the emotional bond to China, while writer Chen Qiufan highlights the global relevance of Chinese storytelling. The domestic sci-fi industry generated nearly 109 billion yuan in 2024, signaling its mainstream success.
Looking forward, writers and filmmakers plan to venture into deep space, the oceans, and the frontiers of physics. As Chinese science fiction filmmaking expands, it connects culture, technology, and creativity, motivating both creators and audiences around the world.
