Liu Cixin: The Three-Body Problem & Hard Sci-Fi Masterworks
Alternate Universes/4. Science Fiction, Space Operas & Cyberpunk • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
Liu Cixin is a Chinese science fiction writer, best known for his hard sci-fi trilogy 'Remembrance of Earth's Past' (Three-Body Problem). His works blend physics, cosmology, and Chinese history, earning him international acclaim including the 2015 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
Chronological Storyline (26 Milestones)
Jun 23, 1963 CE
Liu Cixin Born in Yangquan, Shanxi
Liu Cixin was born in Yangquan, Shanxi Province, China. His father was a coal mine engineer, and his family moved frequently due to his father's work. #scifi #author #birth
Liu Cixin Born in Yangquan, Shanxi By Henry Söderlund - https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMJFRwgP8unYX_UlCDge7EA49GiU2_yewzdT4NACvaSZE-ovZM_K_qa2Z_Obv2FZA?key=TUc0aEl4MGNxeWVhZnM5UUFVU0tqVmZ6bnBfaUpR "Worldcon 75 - Pre-Hugo Portraiture is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)", CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=115090681
1981 CE
Enrolls at North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power
Liu Cixin enrolled to study hydraulic engineering, a field he would later work in as a computer engineer at a power plant. This technical background influences his hard sci-fi writing. #education #engineering
Enrolls at North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power By ARandomName123 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151441981
1985 CE
Graduates and Becomes Computer Engineer
After graduation, Liu Cixin worked as a computer engineer at a power plant in Shanxi. He began writing science fiction in his spare time, inspired by Arthur C. Clarke. #career #writing
1999 CE
Publishes First Short Story 'With Her Eyes'
Liu Cixin's first published short story appeared in Science Fiction World magazine. It won the Chinese Galaxy Award for Best New Writer, launching his writing career. #scifi #shortstory
2000 CE
Wins Galaxy Award for 'The Wandering Earth'
His novella 'The Wandering Earth' won the Chinese Galaxy Award. The story depicts Earth being moved out of the solar system using giant thrusters, later adapted into a blockbuster film. #scifi #award
2001 CE
Publishes 'The Village Teacher'
This short story explores the theme of knowledge transmission across civilizations. It won the Galaxy Award and was later adapted into a film segment. #scifi #shortstory
2002 CE
Publishes 'The Three-Body Problem' Serialization Begins
The first novel of the 'Remembrance of Earth's Past' trilogy was serialized in Science Fiction World. It introduces the Trisolaran civilization and the cosmic sociology concept. #scifi #trilogy
2004 CE
Publishes 'Ball Lightning'
This novel explores the mystery of ball lightning and its military applications. It is a standalone work that shares thematic elements with the Three-Body universe. #scifi #physics
May 1, 2006 CE
The Three-Body Problem Published as Book
The first novel was published in book form by Chongqing Publishing House. It became a bestseller in China and won the Galaxy Award for Best Novel. #scifi #book
May 1, 2008 CE
The Dark Forest Published
The second novel in the trilogy introduces the dark forest theory of cosmic sociology. It deepens the conflict between humanity and the Trisolaran fleet. #scifi #trilogy
Nov 1, 2010 CE
Death's End Published
The final novel concludes the trilogy with a sweeping narrative spanning millions of years. It explores the ultimate fate of the universe and the concept of dimensional attacks. #scifi #trilogy
2011 CE
Wins Chinese Nebula Award for Death's End
Liu Cixin received the Chinese Nebula Award for Best Novel for Death's End. The award is one of China's top science fiction honors. #scifi #award
2012 CE
English Translation of The Three-Body Problem Begins
Translator Ken Liu started working on the English edition. The translation was published by Tor Books in 2014, introducing Liu Cixin to a global audience. #translation #scifi
English Translation of The Three-Body Problem Begins By PiggyQzy - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109846664
Nov 11, 2014 CE
English Edition of The Three-Body Problem Released
Tor Books published the English translation by Ken Liu. It received critical acclaim for its unique blend of Chinese history and hard science fiction. #scifi #bookrelease
Aug 23, 2015 CE
Wins Hugo Award for Best Novel
The Three-Body Problem won the Hugo Award for Best Novel, the first Asian novel to do so. This catapulted Liu Cixin to international fame and boosted Chinese sci-fi globally. #scifi #award #hugo
Aug 1, 2016 CE
The Dark Forest English Translation Published
Ken Liu's translation of the second book was released. It was a finalist for the Hugo and Locus Awards. #scifi #bookrelease
2016 CE
Death's End English Translation Published
Translated by Ken Liu, the final book was released. It was also a Hugo finalist and solidified the trilogy's legacy. #scifi #bookrelease
2017 CE
Wins Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel
Death's End won the Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel. The award is voted by readers and professionals. #scifi #award
2018 CE
Film Adaptation of The Wandering Earth Announced
A film adaptation of Liu Cixin's novella was announced, directed by Frant Gwo. It became a massive box office hit in 2019. #scifi #film
Feb 5, 2019 CE
The Wandering Earth Film Released
The film grossed over $700 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Chinese films. It boosted interest in Chinese sci-fi cinema. #scifi #film #boxoffice
2019 CE
Liu Cixin Named Vice President of China Writers Association
He was elected as a vice president, recognizing his influence in Chinese literature. This marked his official role in literary leadership. #literature #leadership
Liu Cixin Named Vice President of China Writers Association By N509FZ - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=140572249
2020 CE
Netflix Announces Three-Body Problem Series
Netflix announced a TV adaptation of the trilogy, with creators David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo. Liu Cixin served as consulting producer. #scifi #tv #netflix
Netflix Announces Three-Body Problem Series By Netflix - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lj99Uz1d50 – View/save archived versions on archive.org, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147027835
2021 CE
Liu Cixin's Short Story Collection 'To Hold Up the Sky' Published
A collection of 11 short stories was published in English, translated by various translators. It showcases his range beyond the trilogy. #scifi #shortstories
2022 CE
Chinese TV Series 'Three-Body' Premieres
A Chinese-produced TV series adaptation of The Three-Body Problem aired on Tencent Video. It was praised for its fidelity to the novel. #scifi #tv
Jan 15, 2023 CE
Netflix's '3 Body Problem' Trailer Released
The first trailer for the Netflix adaptation was released, generating massive global anticipation. The series is set to premiere in 2024. #scifi #netflix #trailer
Mar 21, 2024 CE
Netflix's '3 Body Problem' Premieres
The eight-episode series debuted on Netflix, becoming a global phenomenon. It introduced Liu Cixin's work to an even wider audience. #scifi #netflix #premiere
