Three-Body 20th Anniversary Timeline

Three-Body 20th Anniversary Timeline: 2006→2026

In May 2006, a Shanxi engineer named Liu Cixin published a story called "Three-Body" in Science Fiction World magazine. No one knew — including the author himself — that this story would ignite a 20-year cultural phenomenon.

Today is May 2026. Let's回顾 this epic journey spanning 20 years.

"Three-Body" is serialized in Science Fiction World for 8 issues, creating a sensation among core sci-fi readers. Liu Cixin builds a civilization-spanning story in less than a year.

The "Three-Body" novel is published. First print run: only 8,000 copies. No one foresees this seemingly niche sci-fi novel will change Chinese literature.

"The Dark Forest" is published. Wallfacer Project, Dark Forest法则, Droplet — these concepts first enter public consciousness.

"Death's End" is published. The trilogy is complete.

Three-Body trilogy sales exceed 1 million copies — an unprecedented height for Chinese sci-fi.

"My Three-Body" fan animation premieres on Bilibili, starting a new era of fan creation. Ken Liu's English translation of "Three-Body" launches in the US.

"The Three-Body Problem" wins the Hugo Award for Best Novel! First Asian work to win. China realizes it has world-class science fiction.

Global sales exceed 10 million copies

Yoozoo Film announces Three-Body movie (later encounters difficulties)

Three-Body enters university curricula, becomes academic research subject

Netflix acquires Three-Body adaptation rights

"The Wandering Earth" film released — the dawn of Chinese sci-fi cinema

Three-Body discussion breaks out of sci-fi circles into mainstream

Tencent Video announces Three-Body TV series

Three-Body becomes the most frequently referenced sci-fi work in tech

"Dimensional reduction strike" becomes a business buzzword

Tencent's "Three-Body" TV series premieres. Douban rating 8.7. Hailed as "the most faithful adaptation."

"My Three-Body: Zhang Beihai" recognized as the peak of all Three-Body adaptations (Douban 9.5).

Netflix's "3 Body Problem" launches globally. Three-Body IP goes worldwide.

Three-Body stage play tours 14 countries

Official Three-Body AAA game announced

Three-Body immersive experience center opens in Beijing

SFW magazine announces Three-Body 20th anniversary special

Three-Body 20th Anniversary! From the 2006 serialization to 2026, Three-Body has completed 20 full years.

Major awards: Hugo, Locus, Galaxy Award Special Award

The Three-Body story is far from over. Season 2, AAA games, animated films... so much more is yet to come. But most importantly, Three-Body has transcended "novel" to become a cultural icon.

Thank you, Liu Cixin. Thank you, Three-Body. Happy 20th Anniversary!