UFO in Ancient China

Summary

In the 1980s, following the spiritual vacuum of the "Cultural Revolution," China experienced a flourishing of thought and interest in knowledge. This enthusiasm, fueled by economic reforms, gave rise to unofficial sciences, such as UFO studies. A magazine called "Feidie Tansuo" ("Exploration of Flying Saucers") became a key platform for these discussions. Chinese scientists sought historical evidence of UFOs in ancient texts, generating interest among sinologists and philosophers of science. These efforts reflected the methodology and goals of Chinese historical science, showing how extraordinary aerial phenomena were addressed with modern approaches. Some critics questioned these attempts, but generally did not deny the possibility that UFOs were the product of extraterrestrial intelligence. This movement was not only a scientific phenomenon but also a symptom of social and cultural change in China.