London Book Fair launches Sanxingdui-inspired Chinese fairy tale

"Where Stories Meet History," a seminar organized by China National Publications Import & Export (Group) Co., Ltd, took place at the London Book Fair on Tuesday, local time. International experts and authors gathered to discuss the rising importance of children's literature themed on history and cultural heritage in cross-cultural exchange.

The event also marked the official English-language launch of Three Thousand Years In a Glance, an award-winning long-form fairy tale by Chinese writer Li Shanshan.

Published in 2023, the book is inspired by the mysterious Bronze Age Sanxingdui civilization in Southwest China's Sichuan province. It follows the 3,000-year journey of Duidui, a lump of ancient clay with dreams of becoming something great. After enduring floods and centuries of being buried, Duidui is eventually rediscovered by modern archaeologists, witnessing the rebirth of relics like the Bronze Sacred Bird.

Blending historical facts with personified storytelling, the book explores themes of cultural heritage and personal growth. It won the 12th National Outstanding Children's Literature Award in 2025.

Author Li Shanshan emphasized that fairy tales associated with cultural heritage must be grounded in real archaeology. To write this book, she spent a year interning at an excavation site. This hands-on experience allowed her to portray the emotional connection between relics and restorers, using the concept of "becoming a talent" as a metaphor for a child's journey toward maturity.

Translator and author Zhang Huaicun noted that British readers have a long-standing love for historical fiction. She praised Li's ability to "let the relics speak for themselves," transforming dry historical terms into relatable characters. This approach complements traditional science books by creating an emotional bond between young readers and the past.

Ferelith Hordon, representing the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) UK, highlighted that fairy tales prevent artifacts from being seen as "cold objects" in glass cases. She stressed that such literature is essential for children as they form their worldview, helping them find warmth and human connection in history.

The panel agreed that translating and promoting children's books that explore themes of history and heritage is vital for building "spiritual ties" between civilizations. These stories can help children appreciate global diversity, fostering a more harmonious future.