Chinese writer Hao Jingfang is among the 2016 Hugo Award Finalists for her novel "Folding Beijing." The science fiction novel is one of five candidates for the "Best Novelette" category. Hao was excited to be shortlisted, and said she didn't expect to receive this honor.

"Folding Beijing" was first published in an e-magazine. Hao was inspired to write the story by her experience of living in suburban Beijing.

Hao also expressed regret that Liu Cixin, who won the 2016 Hugo Award for Best Novel with his "The Three-Body Problem," was not shortlisted this time for his second volume of fiction.

Established in 1953, the Hugo Awards are given annually to the best works of science fiction or fantasy, and are seen as the highest honor bestowed on science fiction and fantasy writing.