Young sci-fi writers draw inspiration from GUi

What happens when science fiction writers set foot in a tech innovation hub like the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi) in Hefei, East China's Anhui province? The answer, perhaps, lies in the kind of dynamic "chemical reaction".

In a bid to enrich local creative materials for the second edition of Hefei Science Fiction Competition, four young authors embarked on an immersive exploration of the cutting-edge industries in the GUi on Aug 13, 2026. 

Four young Sci-fi authors embarked on an immersive exploration of the cutting-edge industries in GUi.

The writers visited several pioneering companies, including ZEROG Aircraft Industry, Hefei Xeonova Technology, USTCFQ, Anhui Easpeed Technology, Anywit Robotics Technology and China Telecom Quantum Group.

Fei Siren, a writer from Central China's Hubei province, was particularly captivated by aviation themes. His vision of aerial travel in his works has become a reality with the new energy manned aircraft. He highlighted how technology is reshaping the boundaries of life.

Shanghai-based Xiu Xinyu gained insights into controlled nuclear fusion and field-reversed configuration technologies, seeing their potential in deep space exploration and mining, which reinforced his optimism about humanity's future.

Liu Shijiu, who studied in Hefei in 2006, witnessed the transformation of Hefei High-tech Zone from farmland to an innovation hub. Her long-standing interest in brain-computer interface stories was enriched with realistic material from the medical imaging equipment exhibition. 

Local writer Ai Deng, who focuses on near-future sci-fi, found his imagination challenged by self-illuminating plants and highly realistic humanoid robots, acknowledging the pace of technological advancement outstripping creative imagination.

On the afternoon of Aug 13, a symposium was held at GUi, gathering representatives from GUiTEK, competition organizers, the media, and the four sci-fi writers to explore new pathways for the fusion of technology and literature. 

A symposium was held at GUi on August 13, gathering representatives from GUiTEK, competition organizers, the media, and the four sci-fi writers to explore new pathways for the fusion of technology and literature. 

Hong Fang, vice-chairman of the Anhui Writers Association, emphasized that while early sci-fi relied on fanciful technological frameworks, real-world advancements in GUi provide a solid scientific foundation and a humanistic core for imaginative storytelling.

He Li, vice-president of GUiTEK, said that young researchers flocking to Hefei are actively pursuing their innovative dreams, creating a vibrant and dynamic collective image that provides unique prototypes for local science fiction. He proposed the romantic idea of establishing a "Lunar Science Dreams' Station," hoping that creators would use their writing to depict the lives of Chinese innovators amid the vast expanse of space.

The two-day exploration trip concluded with a wealth of fresh material for the writers, who will now craft narratives reflecting Hefei's unique blend of cutting-edge innovation and human warmth, bridging the gap between technology and humanity for a broader audience.