From June 7 to 8, the Fourth New Era Marine Literature Academic Conference 2026, themed “New Oceans, New Technology, New Future,” was held at the High-Tech Zone of the Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City.

As the largest and most influential annual academic gathering in China’s marine literature sector, the conference was held in Hainan for the fourth consecutive year, bringing together leading voices from across the country’s literary and academic communities to support the development of Hainan’s marine culture and the prosperity of marine arts and literature.

More than 150 renowned writers and scholars from across China gathered on the shores of the South China Sea to engage in in-depth discussions on topics including the development of a strong maritime cultural nation, innovation in marine literary creation, and theoretical research on marine literature and arts.

During the conference, the2026 China Marine Literature Annual List was announced, with ten outstanding marine literary works selected for inclusion, showcasing the year’s most notable achievements in marine literary creation. The conference also released the 2025 China Marine Literature Development Report, which systematically reviews industry trends and summarizes key developments in literary creation and academic research.

In addition, five major publications on marine literature and research made their debut at the event:

• Selected Marine Literary Works of 2025

• Selected Theoretical Studies on Chinese Marine Literature 2025

• Studies in Marine Literature (Volume I)

• Studies in Marine Literature (Volume II)

• The Sea and Sky in Pristine Clarity (Marine Literature Collection)

Covering literary creation, theoretical studies, and academic compilations, these publications represent a significant milestone for China’s marine literature community. Their release marks the first time that a comprehensive ecosystem spanning creative practice, academic research, and theoretical development has taken shape within the field of marine literature.