XVIII: Chinese Sci-Fi Fandom w/ Regina Kanyu Wang

This week we hosted Regina Kanyu Wang, an award-winning writer and editor of Chinese science fiction. In 2022, she co-edited The Way Spring Arrives, a pioneering collection of stories from Chinese female and non-binary authors. We were super excited to have someone from the scene help us develop our thoughts about Chinese science fiction, which eventually turned into Kevin’s article “Golden Age Science Fiction is Being Reborn… in China?”.In this episode, we discuss Regina’s curatorial approach, the differences between America and China, and what it’s like to be a sci-fi fan outside of the Anglosphere. Plus… whether learning Chinese can expand your cognition? Listen to find out!TIMESTAMPS00:00:12 - Intro00:00:53 - What was it like to see sci-fi become wildly popular in China?00:04:13 - To what extent does Cixin Liu define Chinese science fiction?00:10:50 - Why are Chinese science fiction fans younger than their American counterparts?00:11:52 - The “Bus Theory” of Chinese science fiction fans00:15:35 - China still romanticizes science as a culture00:18:54 - The “triangle” driving Chinese science fiction00:20:21 - Why doesn't China have more cultural exports, and why is Three-Body Problem the exception?00:24:24 - Is there a lot of censorship in Chinese science fiction?00:28:09 - The Way Spring Arrives, edited by Yu Chen & Regina Kanyu Wang00:31:35 - “Dragonslaying” by Shen Yingying, translated by Emily Jin00:36:28 - Is Chinese web fiction more addictive than hard drugs?00:41:46 - What is cultivation fantasy? / “The Tale of Wude’s Heavenly Tribulation” by Count E, translated by etvolare00:44:56 - Regina's travels in Northern Europe + being adopted by Finnish fandom00:50:48 - Does Chinese sci-fi have different attitudes about AI?00:56:18 - Could AI-assisted language learning be used to expand human cognition?00:59:05 - Haruki Murakami's weird writing process01:02:25 - Conclusion and final recommendations01:04:17 - Synthesized Stage Backstage Begins01:05:41 - Why does China have so much more of a university sci-fi club experience?01:09:11 - How is Western science fiction different from American science fiction?01:11:30 - Why Kevin became slightly less intimidated by the Chinese government during the episode01:12:23 - Gordon appreciates the simplicity of Chinese Golden Age-style SF story01:13:28 - Why Chinese SF is kind of like George R. R. Martin in its effects01:14:09 - Kevin and Gordon review the Hugo Award for Best Short Story nominees01:15:28 - “We Will Teach You How to Read, We Will Teach You How to Read” by Caroline M. Yoachim01:19:34 - Kevin was surprised by how postmodern the Hugo Awards slate was01:20:25 - “Why Don't We Just Kill the Kid in the Omelas Hole” by Isabel J. Kim01:23:25 - “Three Faces of a Beheading” by Arkady Martine01:27:20 - “Five Views of the Planet Tartarus” by Rachael K. Morgan and “Marginalia” by Mary Robinette Kowal01:31:09 - “Stitched to Skin Like Family Is” by Nghi Vo01:35:11 - ConclusionLINKS* “The Winter Garden” by Regina Kanyu Wang* “The Language Sheath” by Regina Kanyu Wang* “A Record of Lost Time” by Regina Kanyu Wang* Kevin’s article “Golden Age Science Fiction is Being Reborn… in China?”* Kevin and Gordon review the Hugo Award for Best Short Story nominees* Douban, a very interesting Chinese site that combines Goodreads, IMDB, and Rate Your Music all in one* “US Man Credits Chinese Web Novels for Curing His Addiction to Drugs” This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit synthesizedsunsets.substack.com/subscribe