Virtual reality facility demonstrates country's sci-fi industry boom

Zhao expresses confidence in the future of the VR project, with plans to enhance the experience by developing more original story-based content and upgrading technologies.

China has experienced significant advancements in science and technology over the past few decades. The rise of sci-fi culture is a natural outcome of this rapid progress, fueling people's imagination for the future.

Sci-fi works like The Three-Body Problem meet people's need to envision the future, Zhao says. "Three-Body IP offers an exciting chance to create a globally resonant cultural phenomenon and symbol here in China."

According to the 2024 China Science Fiction Industry Report, the total revenue of China's sci-fi industry exceeded 100 billion yuan ($13.7 billion) for the first time in 2023, marking year-on-year growth of 29 percent and exceeding 10 times the figure in 2016.

An increasing number of domestic sci-fi novels are finding success both in China and internationally, with film and television adaptations of these works also achieving widespread global acclaim.

The Chengdu municipal government has also rolled out the Chengdu Science Fiction Industry Development Plan (2023-27), outlining seven goals that include expanding the sci-fi industry cluster and building a vibrant sci-fi market.

Leveraging Chengdu's abundant sci-fi resources and strong policy support, Zhao says that the company plans to fully explore the "sci-fi plus "cross-industry model and develop more projects with educational, economic and entertainment value to further promote sci-fi culture.

At the VR facility, guests can also enjoy themed drinks inspired by the novels, such as "Green Tempest "and "Commander's Tea", combining the thrill of shopping with the immersive atmosphere of the Three-Body Universe.

Tang, a 51-year-old sci-fi enthusiast visiting for the second time, says she ordered a drink called "Humanity's Sunset" and carefully framed her shots, searching for the perfect photo to capture the moment.