China’s science fiction sector is entering a new era of high-quality development, with total revenue reaching 126.1 billion yuan ($18.25 billion) in 2025, a 15.7% year-on-year increase, according to the 2026 China Science Fiction Industry Report released in Beijing. The milestone marks the third consecutive year that the sector has surpassed 100 billion yuan in annual revenue.
Multi-Sector Growth: Books, Games, Film, Derivatives, and Tourism
The report, published by the China Research Institute for Science Popularization, analyzes China’s sci-fi ecosystem across five pillars: reading, film and television, gaming, derivatives, and cultural tourism.
- Publications: Sci-fi books, magazines, and online literature achieved 5.19 billion yuan, driven by eight consecutive years of growth, with online literature emerging as the key engine at 3.73 billion yuan.
- Film and TV: Domestic sci-fi films, series, and animations posted 8.16 billion yuan, a 21.6% year-on-year rise, while AI-generated short and medium-form content (AIGC) gains rapid traction.
- Gaming: The sector dominates with 77.91 billion yuan, with strong overseas performance from domestic IP.
- Derivatives: Revenue soared 179.4% year-on-year to 7.07 billion yuan, highlighting opportunities in AI-powered toys and other tech-enhanced products.
- Cultural Tourism: Generated 27.77 billion yuan, led by sci-fi-themed attractions, reflecting the growing link between immersive entertainment and local tourism economies.
Sci-Fi as a Bridge Between Culture and Technology
Renowned writer Liu Cixin emphasized the strategic role of science fiction in shaping China’s technological and cultural future:
“Science fiction goes beyond depicting technology. It compels us to consider why we embark on a journey and where we aim to go. Its development mirrors China’s modernization journey and sense of the future.”
The report introduced two new metrics: science fiction technology & equipment and search popularity. Sci-fi tech revenue reached 24.74 billion yuan, fueled by AI-driven digital content production and immersive experiences. Online search interest in Chinese sci-fi surged 203% year-on-year, underscoring growing domestic and international curiosity for homegrown IP.
Strategic Significance Amid the 15th Five-Year Plan
With the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), experts see the sci-fi sector as a strategic lever for high-quality economic development:
- Technological integration: AI, AIGC, and immersive technologies are fostering innovation in both content and production.
- Cultural export: Overseas audiences for Chinese sci-fi IP continue to expand, creating commercial opportunities for publishers, gaming companies, and tech innovators.
- New productive forces: Sci-fi is a tool for stimulating creativity, nurturing talent, and driving the convergence of cultural and industrial innovation.
Yu Junqing, executive secretary of the China Association for Science and Technology, noted:
“Science fiction can ignite scientific dreams, stimulate creativity, and drive integration between technology and industry. This is essential for cultivating new quality productive forces and supporting China’s vision for a strong nation in science and culture.”
Hans d’Orville, UNESCO adviser, highlighted China’s position in the global creative economy:
“Through cross-border collaboration and AI-driven innovation, China is well-placed to lead in sustainable development of cultural and technological sectors.”
Investment and Market Potential
For investors and creative enterprises, China’s sci-fi market signals opportunities across multiple dimensions:
- Digital IP monetization: From gaming exports to AIGC-generated content, the sector demonstrates rapid revenue scalability.
- Derivative products: AI-powered toys, merchandise, and immersive theme parks present untapped revenue streams.
- Global expansion: Rising overseas interest in Chinese IP suggests potential for licensing deals, co-productions, and international tech partnerships.
As the sci-fi industry matures, it is increasingly seen not only as entertainment but as a strategic pillar of China’s tech-driven creative economy, blending culture, innovation, and international market potential.