'The Three-Body Problem' celebrates a decade of global impact, charts future expansion

A decade after its international debut, Hugo Award-winning The Three-Body Problem is being hailed as a groundbreaking success for Chinese science fiction, selling 6.5 million copies in 42 languages and impacting readers worldwide. The novel's international success was celebrated at the "Cosmic Echoes - The Three-Body Problem's Overseas 10-Year Impact Release Conference" held on Aug 30 during the 15th China International Digital Publishing Expo in Zhengzhou, Henan province.

The conference drew over 400 attendees, including author Liu Cixin, experts, scholars, publishers, and avid readers from around the globe, gathered to reflect on the novel's decade-long journey and discuss the future of Chinese science fiction on the global stage.

First published in English in November 2014, The Three-Body Problem quickly became a global phenomenon, culminating in a 2015 Hugo Award for Best Novel – a pivotal moment for Chinese science fiction. The novel's impact was underscored by the release of the "Report on the International Impact of The Three-Body Problem in the Overseas Decade", which revealed global sales exceeding 30 million copies and widespread availability in libraries across Europe and the United States.

"The success of The Three-Body Problem's overseas publication proves that Chinese literature can speak to human concerns in a global language," stated author Liu Cixin during his address, expressing gratitude to China Educational Publications Import and Export Corporation (CEP) and Science Fiction World magazine.

At the event, the National Archives of Publications and Culture announced the upcoming launch of The Three-Body Problem Overseas Translation Collection (Collector's Edition), documenting the novel's impressive international reach.

A video tribute, "10th Anniversary of The Three-Body Problem's Cosmic Echoes: Tributes from Around the Globe", was presented by China Daily Website and CEP. It featured remarks from prominent figures such as American science fiction author David Brin, who stated that the novel had transformed the field of science fiction not just in China but around the world.

Panel discussions explored the novel's unique appeal and successful localization strategies, with insights from international publishers like Nicolas Cheetham, Head of Zeus (UK) and Marta Rossich of Nova (Spain). Science fiction writer Wu Yan noted, "The success of The Three-Body Problem marks the fact that Chinese narratives have become a part of the world's imagined community."

The conference concluded with a sense of optimism, signaling a new chapter for Chinese science fiction's global expansion, evolving from simply "going out" to establishing deep cultural connections and influencing the international literary landscape. Organizers expressed the belief that, moving forward, Chinese science fiction will continue to explore universal themes through its unique cultural perspective.