If you had the opportunity to recommend a book to a head of state, which one would you choose?
A profound economic treatise on governance, a philosophical classic that delves into human nature, or perhaps a wildly imaginative science fiction?
At the Paris Book Festival this spring, two self-proclaimed introverted female readers became "Three-Body Problem Ambassadors," enthusiastically pitching their favorite book to French President Emmanuel Macron. The video of this bookish yet lively conversation was posted on Xiaohongshu (one of China's most dynamic social platforms) and soon went viral on Chinese social media.
(credit:小红书@Estella_)
This million-word trilogy transformed Chinese sci-fi from a tight-knit fandom to a global publishing phenomenon. It has not only dominated domestic bestseller lists but has also been translated into 35+ languages, garnering 21 international awards for Liu Cixin — most notably the Hugo Award. Netflix secured global adaptation rights, with its high-profile series premiere slated for 2024. The discourse continues to evolve, with new waves of organic engagement across platforms.
Science fiction is a laboratory built by imagination, where we can "travel the cosmos without moving a muscle" and experience dazzling alternate worlds, mentally rehearsing the myriad possibilities of civilization. It keeps us vigilant about technological pitfalls while preserving the courage to gaze at the stars.
This is why we love reading science fiction.
The Three-Body trilogy: The Three-Body Problem, Dark Forest, Death's End
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Rights Open for Acquisition：Hindi, Hebrew
Other science fiction works by Liu Cixin
More science fiction
Worlds of Liu Cixin, A Graphic Novel Adaptation Collection of Liu Cixin’s SF Classics
Rights Sold: English, French, German, Spanish
