Sci-fi author Liu Huiying [Photo provided to China Daily]

In the last four years, more than 50 writers from seven countries and regions have published more than 80 short stories on platforms such as the FAA's WeChat and Sina Weibo accounts, and Bucunzai (Non-exist Daily), an online science fiction news journal. These include well-known sci-fi writers Liu Cixin, Ken Liu, Hao Jingfang, Han Song, Li Yi and Fujii.

The gala provides a different perspective for people to observe one of the oldest traditions on Earth, from the viewpoint of the future against the backdrop of the whole universe.

Sci-fi writer Li (whose pen name is Wan Xiang) says that the gala has helped to develop a fictional genre with loose boundaries. He agreed with the organizer's interpretation that "this gala has developed its own unique aesthetic value by combining local Chinese stories with all kinds of eccentric sci-fi images, boldly but seamlessly".

Relationship goal

The theme for this year is "The Rule of a Happy Meeting Moment".Writers must explore the meaning of the keyword guanxi (relation or relationship).

"When you go back to your hometown during Spring Festival, you will meet not only your parents, but also many other relatives, former classmates and teachers," explains Liu Yao, editor of Bucunzai. "You might see the fast pace of changes in your hometown and maybe your family cat which will barely recognize you. It is almost the only time you can meet all of them.

"We want writers to capture these touching moments to represent the truth of ordinary but powerful relations, whether it is between family members, friends, or between someone and their hometown, or between people and science and technology."

In Fujii's story Just Like Migratory Birds, even when human beings have moved to outer space far away from Earth, emotional connection still urges Chinese space migrants to conquer scientific barriers to build transportation fast enough to travel between Earth and other planets. This reflects "in reality how Chinese people have constructed the efficient high-speed rail network", he says.