So The Chinese do do sci-fi!

Six years ago, Xueting gave a talk called “The Chinese Don’t Do Sci-Fi?!”. Two Hugos, some blockbusters and several anthologies later, the world is at least aware that kehuan (Chinese Sci-fi), exists. This talk aims to show the breadth and depth of the genre beyond Three Body and Wandering Earth.

Xueting C. Ni was born in Guangzhou, during China's re-opening to the West. Having lived in cities across China, she emigrated with her family to Britain at the age of 11, where she continued to be immersed in Chinese culture, alongside her British education, realising ultimately that this gave her a unique a cultural perspective, and bridging her Eastern and Western experiences.

After graduating in English Literature from the University of London, she began a career in the publishing industry, whilst also translating original works of Chinese fiction. She returned to China in 2008 to continue her research at Central University of Nationalities, Beijing.

Since 2010, Xueting has written extensively on Chinese culture and China's place in Western pop media, working with companies, institutions and festivals, to help improve understanding of China’s heritage, culture and innovation, and introduce its wonders to new audiences. Xueting has contributed to the BBC, Tordotcom and the Guangdong Art Academy. She has created non-fiction works, including From Kuanyin to Chairman Mao: An Essential Guide to Chinese Deities (Weiser Books), Chinese Myths (Amber Books) and curated fiction in translation, including Sinopticon: A Celebration of Chinese Science Fiction (Solaris).

Her new book Sinophagia: A Celebration of Chinese Horror, will be published in September 2024. Xueting is currently working on a range of projects, including a book on the culture of Xia fiction. She lives just outside London with her partner and their cats, all of whom are learning Mandarin.

Manchester Confucius Institute public talks are free, informal and informative lectures aimed at anyone with an interest in Chinese culture and language.

Find out more about the Manchester Confucius Institute.