Ten science fiction writers, publications and organizations won the second Xingyun Awards, the only international awards for Chinese-language sci-fi writers.

The event was the largest sci-fi gathering in the country's history, with about 150 writers, editors, publishers and critics from several countries and more than 1,000 fans in attendance.

The awards cover 10 categories, such as best saga novel, best short story, best writer and best commentary. Nobody won the science fiction film &TV or the most popular novel among mobile phone readers awards this year.

The best saga novel prize went to the final book of the trilogy Three Body by 47-year-old electrical engineer and China's most acclaimed sci-fi writer Liu Cixin. Rebirth Brick by journalist Han Song won best short story.

Liu Cixin and Wang Jinkang were crowned best writers. The world's best-selling sci-fi magazine, Science Fiction World, claimed the top spot in the sci-fi magazine category.

The annual Xingyun (Nebula) Awards are organized by the World Chinese Science Fiction Association (WCSFA), which is based in Sichuan province's capital Chengdu.

Science fiction is important because it demonstrates a nation's imagination and creativity, WCSFA president Wu Yan says. He hopes the Xingyun Awards will help Chinese culture go global.

This year's winners were selected from among 47 nominees.

China Daily - Xinhua