The 8th China Science Fiction Convention, themed "Dream of the Future," kicked off on Saturday at Shougang Park in Beijing.
The event showcased cutting-edge technologies such as holograms, artificial intelligence, and motion capture, creating a futuristic and scientifically vibrant atmosphere that offered audience a novel experience.
At the opening ceremony, clips from the adaptations of "Earth Canon" and "Song of Life," based on the sci-fi novels of Liu Cixin and Wang Jinkang, were presented.
In addition, The China Science Fiction Research Center released the 2024 China Science Fiction Industry Report which analyzed typical business models and multiple derivatives, including reading materials, movies, and games. The report highlighted the industry's performance and trends, and unveiled that the science fiction industry's gross revenue reached 113.29 billion yuan (approximately 15.63 billion dollars) in 2023, marking a 29.1 percent year-on-year increase.
This year's convention also introduced new elements such as e-sports and e-syllables to the science fiction carnival.
"It’s the fourth time that the China Science Fiction Convention has been held in Shijingshan District. To date, Shijingshan is home to 200 science fiction companies. We aim to leverage the pioneering role of the science fiction industry in transformation by promoting the integration of the science fiction industry with related innovations, showcasing cultural products, and advancing the digital economy. This will contribute to the development of both Shijingshan and the broader Chinese science fiction industry," said Li Wenhua, deputy head of Shijingshan district.
China Science Fiction Convention 2024 opens in Beijing
China Science Fiction Convention 2024 opens in Beijing
China-Cambodia ties received a boost from Chinese investments in Cambodia's nascent new energy industry on Thursday, as the Cambodian Confederation of Investors Association hosted an event in the capital city of Phnom Penh to welcome these new investments.
The association is expected to better coordinate among ministries and enterprises to start this fresh phase of new energy investment.
Addressing delegates at the ceremony, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized his government's strong focus on foreign investments in Cambodia, especially in the private sector.
He said Cambodia and China are engaged in close economic cooperation and promised that the Cambodian government will try its best to create a better business environment and solve problems. In recent years, several Chinese companies in the new energy technology and electric vehicle (EV) sector – including the Huaneng Group, Great Wall, BYD and Midea – have started building infrastructure in Cambodia.
"China-Cambodia trade relations have prospered in recent years. We've chosen to invest in new energy projects in Cambodia, including factories and charging equipment. We believe the investments in industries in Cambodia will further improve China-Cambodia friendship," said He Dong, president of ZM Trucks China.
For Cambodia, Chinese investment in electric vehicles and renewable energy plants offers an opportunity to benefit from technology transfers and industrial upgrading.
It would also help Cambodian businesses, create employment opportunities and improve people's living conditions.
"We welcome the investment very much because it helps Cambodia's economic development. It creates more job opportunities for Cambodians and is also good for the environment," said Kun Thai, general chairman of Cambodia Confederation of Investors Association.
The association is working actively with the Chinese new energy sector – to get more companies into Cambodia, and a wave of investment that will usher in positive changes.
Cambodia welcomes more Chinese investment in new energy industry
