Sci-fi conference to star integration of cutting-edge technology

The 2026 China Science Fiction Conference will be held from Friday to Sunday in Shougang Park in Beijing. The event will feature more than 20 activities across four main sections: the opening ceremony, forums and meetings, industry promotional events, and public activities. At the same time, significant events such as the 2026 Beijing International Science Fiction and Future Industry Expo and the 2026 Beijing Science Fiction Carnival will also take place.

Themed "Scientific Dreams, Creating the Future", this year's conference aims to integrate science fiction with technology, culture, industry, and experience, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and applications in fields like artificial intelligence and humanoid robots, says Ren Haihong, deputy director of the Science Popularization Department of the China Association for Science and Technology, at last Thursday's news conference.

This year's conference will feature advanced technology prominently.

For the first time, the opening ceremony will be "space-based", using in-orbit filming technology to capture stunning images of Earth and space. The event will also debut a fully intelligent hosting process, with robots playing key roles, from mech robots and robot lion dances to robot guides and hosts. An immersive environment will allow guests to experience a sci-fi theater by passing through an air-projected "Mist Forest" and "Time-Space Gate", says Zhang Shengjun, deputy district chief of Beijing's Shijingshan district, at the news conference.

The conference will also focus on key areas such as the integration of science fiction and technology, film innovation, talent development, industry growth, and cultural empowerment.

It will host 10 new forums with topics including science fiction and technology integration, sci-fi film development, and the role of sci-fi culture in technology communication. These forums aim to address industry challenges, provide policy guidance, and foster a collaborative development model.

In addition, the conference will host high-level dialogues, such as the UNESCO Creativity 2030 International Forum and a meeting on promoting sci-fi film development to help tech innovation companies expand internationally.

The 4th Science Fiction Planet Competition, a global platform bridging creative incubation with industrial transformation, connects expertise from around the world through professional events, attracting 793 projects from 19 countries and regions.

The 2026 Beijing Science Fiction Carnival will connect various locations like the Yongding River Fair, Shougang No 1 Blast Furnace SoReal Sci-Fi Paradise, the No 3 Blast Furnace Digital Museum, and historical and cultural streets, offering activities such as sci-fi markets and film screenings.

To make participation easier, service points will be set up at transportation hubs to distribute "interstellar passports". Additionally, Shijingshan district will release a sci-fi consumption map to enhance the visitor experience.

China's science fiction industry has exceeded 100 billion yuan ($14.53 billion) in scale for three consecutive years, with strong growth across reading, film and television, games, derivatives, and cultural tourism. Since its inception in 2016, the China Science Fiction Conference has grown into a national-level platform, playing a vital role in policy, education, international communication, and industry development.