STORY: Sci-fi fans from around the world gather at Chengdu WorldCon
DATELINE: Oct. 19, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:56
LOCATION: CHENGDU, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Chengdu WorldCon
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LIU CIXIN, Sci-fi writer
3. various of the Chengdu WorldCon

STORYLINE:

The 81st World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon) opened on Wednesday in Chengdu, the capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Chengdu is the second city in Asia and the first in China to host the convention, which is one of the most anticipated, longest-running and largest sci-fi events in the world.

Themed "Meet the Future," Chengdu WorldCon will highlight the symbiotic relationship between science fiction and the city, presenting over 200 activities, panels and salons, the Hugo Awards, and themed exhibitions occupying an area of 5,000 square meters.

Famous sci-fi writers from around the world, including Hugo Award winners Liu Cixin and Robert J. Sawyer, are attending the five-day event, sharing their knowledge of new technology and their visions of a new world.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): LIU CIXIN, Sci-fi writer
"I hope that Sci-fi enthusiasts, writers, and professionals from different countries, cultures, and beliefs around the world can gather in Chengdu to look into the future, explore the universe, and especially explore how we can ensure that Sci-fi culture, a magnificent and magical culture constructed by technology and imagination, continues to develop in the era with tremendous changes we are facing."

Chengdu has made great efforts in recent years to develop its sci-fi culture industry and establish itself as China's science fiction base. It was selected to host the 2023 WorldCon in December 2021.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chengdu, China.
(XHTV)