Shenzhen—a city built on the blueprint of “the future.” In the midst of its rapid development, one after another architectural marvels full of sci-fi wonders have risen, fully showcasing the city’s vibrant vitality and creativity. These highly futuristic buildings are not only spaces for people to work and live but also spiritual landmarks that face the future. The city is not only the birthplace of modern technology but also an important setting for stories in science fiction. To this end, the Digital Humanities Research Center of the School of Humanities at Shenzhen University has launched the “Shenzhen Architectural Rhapsody: Writing the City of the Future” Sci-Fi Writing Competition. We invite you to take Shenzhen’s sci-fi-tinged architectural landmarks as imaginative anchors and write your vision of the future city.
Reference List of Shenzhen’s Sci-Fi Architectural Landmarks:
China Resources Tower
Tencent Headquarters Building
Shenzhen Bay Sports Center
Shenzhen Bay Cultural Square
DJI Sky City
Shenzhen Science and Technology Museum
Marisfrolg Building
Shenzhen Natural History Museum
Shenzhen International Energy Mansion
Eye of the GBA
...
Submission Requirements:
Title and Content: The title of your work is self-determined. Based on Shenzhen’s sci-fi architectural landmarks, construct your story’s setting. All entries must be original, unpublished, and not signed under any licensing agreement. There is no restriction on literary form—novels, scripts, poetry, etc., are all welcome. For novels, the word count should be between 2,000 and 10,000 words. AI-generated writing is prohibited. Please include your contact information when submitting.
Submission Deadline: Submissions must be received by April 15, 2026.
Awards and Recognition:
First Prize (1 winner): 2,000 RMB
Second Prize (2 winners): 1,000 RMB each
Third Prize (5 winners): 500 RMB each
Winning entries will receive a certificate and be promoted on the official WeChat public platform.
Submission Email:
shenzhenDH2025@163.com
Selection Guidelines:
All awards will be jointly determined by the Digital Humanities Research Center of the School of Humanities at Shenzhen University and the judging panel. The Digital Humanities Research Center of the School of Humanities at Shenzhen University reserves the final right to interpret the terms and conditions of this event. Everyone is welcome to submit their work. We look forward to seeing the future city you create!
Digital Humanities Research Center, School of Humanities, Shenzhen University
February 8, 2026
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