Abstract: During the late Qing and early Republic periods, in response to a profound national crisis, Chinese intellectuals initiated proactive efforts to translate and introduce science fiction from the West and Japan. This endeavor was not merely a literary introduction but a cultural practice aimed at “national salvation” and “enlightenment”. This paper analyzes the impact of global science fiction development on China and identifies the inadequacies within indigenous fantastical traditions regarding scientific rationality, thereby revealing the dual impetus behind these translation and introduction activities. From four dimensions knowledge medium, political vehicle, cultural entertainment, and formal experiment — this paper systematically examines the multifaceted nature of science fiction translation and introduction during this period. It functioned as popular literature for disseminating basic scientific knowledge, an ideological tool for advocating “national salvation through science,” a means to satisfy the public's taste for the exotic and the curious, and a catalyst for the modern transformation of Chinese literary forms. The translation and introduction of science fiction during the late Qing and early Republic periods had a profound impact. It not only promoted the dissemination of scientific concepts and inspired aspirations for national strength at the time but, more importantly, laid the generic foundation for Chinese science fiction literature. Through its unique practice of translational modernity, it provided valuable intellectual resources and methodological insights for exploring pathways to China's modernization.

Key words: science fiction, translation and introduction, late Qing and early Republic periods, national salvation through science, translational modernity