When the faint glimmer of stars meets the folds of book pages in the winter, a cultural journey spanning fantasy and speculation drew to a close today. Centering on the intersecting theme of science fiction and philosophy, this event offered teachers and students across the university a multidimensional cultural feast integrating imagination and in-depth thinking through exhibitions, seminars, technological experiences and community interactions.
Starry Pages, Wandering Philosophy
The Culture Carnival kicked off with an exhibition that blends ideas and visual art. The themed exhibition Cosmic Intelligence and Posthumanism was unveiled in the library atrium. Focusing on the profound propositions of life, intelligence and civilization, the exhibition combined philosophical reflections such as "cognition and existence" and "the Dark Forest Theory", turning abstract topics into a perceptible exploration journey. In addition, the exhibition incorporated visual design and interactive Q&A sessions, which not only demonstrated the connotation of texts but also strived to create an immersive experience, encouraging audiences to actively inquire into the existential significance of humanity and civilization during viewing and interaction.
Figure 1. Exhibition Venue
Figure 2. Exhibition Venue
Figure 3. Readers' Comments
Coinciding with the exhibition was the themed book fair The Fictional Universe, which featured a curated display of representative works by Stanisław Lem, Stephen Baxter and Liu Cixin, along with relevant philosophical reflection books, mapping out a coherent reading trajectory spanning from classic foundational works to cutting-edge explorations. The book fair drew many readers who stopped to browse, and the loan volume of related books rose markedly.
Figure 4. Themed Book Fair
A specially designed e-book zone named The Uncharted innovatively adopted digital waterfall flow technology, presenting science fiction texts in dynamic visual forms. Beyond traditional print reading, it created an immersive reading experience imbued with a strong sense of technology.
Figure 5. E-Book Zone
Virtual Avatars, Boundless Dreams
The Dimensional Rift VR Experience Zone launched an immersive journey blending virtual and real worlds with cutting-edge technology, leading participants to travel through the Three-Body universe and the Jurassic world. Stunning starship battles and vivid prehistoric landscapes turned science fiction imagination into tangible reality. Upon launch, the activity was met with a booking frenzy and over 20 teachers and students enjoyed, which won wide acclaim from them. “It was so much fun! The content, process and duration were all perfectly arranged!” commented a student participant, adding that he looked forward to more events that deeply integrate technology and culture.
Figure 6. VR Experience Venue
Figure 7. VR Experience Venue
Held concurrently was the Sci-Fi Wonder Night Cosplay Party, which offered an immersive experience of a different kind. Dressed in elaborate sci-fi costumes, students transformed themselves into "new humans" and engaged in interactive conversations and impromptu performances in the themed settings. From cyborg warriors to interstellar travelers, each costume paid homage to classic sci-fi icons, and every interaction re-interpreted the connotations of the original works.
Figure 8. Sci-Fi Wonder Night Cosplay Party Venue
Figure 9. Sci-Fi Wonder Night Cosplay Party Venue
Starry Whispers, Cosmic Echoes
As the experience shifted from virtuality back to reality, another exploration of existence and perception had already begun. The Celestial Reflections Star-Gazing Night brought together more than 50 teachers and students, who, under the guidance of the Astronomy Club, witnessed the magnificent scenes of Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s storms through telescopes. When the two-dimensional star charts unfolded into a three-dimensional universe through the lens, scientific rationality and romantic poetry resonated quietly at that moment, and the profound night sky became a tranquil classroom bridging imagination and reality.
Figure 10. Celestial Reflections Star-Gazing Venue
In a wonderful echo to this event was the Stellar Echoes project running throughout the entire carnival period. “Attention, library visitors, this space station of knowledge is now closing...” Every day at closing time, elaborately arranged sci-fi-themed music would fill the library. These soundscape works, blending electronic sounds with cosmic imagery, created a time-transcending auditory experience for teachers and students leaving the library. Many students deliberately slowed their pace, winding down their day’s study to the music. Positive recommendations from students also poured in during this period, infusing the quiet night with vivid anticipation.
From text to experience, from speculation to practice, Stellar Reflections:2025Library Cultural Carnival Series successfully built a cultural space integrating reading, thinking and creation. The library will continue to expand the boundaries of cultural services through innovative event formats and in-depth content planning, and keep exploring the delicate relationship between technology, humanities and the future.
Article: QIN Difan
Photos: LING Sijing，LIN Suting，QIN Difan
Editing: XIONG Weiwei
Editing in charge: YANG Linpei
Reviewer: CHEN Guogang