Science Fiction World Magazine: Latest Updates

Science Fiction World Magazine: Latest Updates

Science Fiction World (SFW) is China's oldest and most influential sci-fi literary magazine, founded in 1979. It is the cradle where Three-Body was born — Liu Cixin's trilogy was first serialized in this magazine from May to December 2006. Without SFW, there would be no Three-Body.

In early 2026, SFW underwent its most significant redesign in 47 years. Changes include:

Upgraded paper quality: Thicker paper stock and full-color printing throughout

Cover design innovation: Digital artist collaboration program launched, with each issue's cover created by a different AI-assisted artist

Column restructuring: New columns including "Sci-Fi AI" and "Metaverse Sci-Fi"

Page expansion: From 96 to 128 pages per issue

The first redesigned issue (January 2026) sold out immediately, with the initial 50,000-copy print run selling out within a week, prompting an emergency reprint.

The Galaxy Award, one of China's highest sci-fi literary honors hosted by SFW, underwent major reforms in 2026:

Significantly increased prize money: Best Novel award raised from ¥100,000 to ¥500,000

New "Overseas Chinese Sci-Fi Award": First-ever category for Chinese-language creators worldwide

Expanded reader jury: From 3 to 10 reader representatives

The 2026 Galaxy Award ceremony will be held in Chengdu in October 2026, forming a key part of the Three-Body 20th-anniversary commemorations.

Major serialized works in the first half of 2026 include:

Jiang Bo's "Galactic Heart IV" — latest installment in the Galactic Heart series, a landmark Chinese space opera

Chen Qiufan's "Personal AI" — near-future sci-fi exploring AI ethics

Emerging Writers Feature — "New Generation: Fresh Voices in Chinese Sci-Fi," featuring debut works from 12 post-90s and post-00s authors

In late 2025, SFW's digital edition (WeChat mini-program, Kindle, and standalone app) surpassed 1 million cumulative subscribers, an all-time high. Print circulation remains stable at around 150,000 copies per month.

SFW × Three-Body 20th Anniversary Special

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Three-Body's serialization in SFW (2006-2026), the magazine has planned:

May 2026 Special Issue — Reproducing the original 2006 layout with extensive commentary and archival materials

National Touring Exhibition — "From Red Coast to Dual-Vector Foil: The Evolution of Three-Body"

Liu Cixin × SFW Special Dialogue (format TBD)

- 投稿邮箱 | Submissions: sfw@sfw.com.cn