Great Wall of China Science Fiction, Marching & Chop Suey Society

The Great Wall of China, also known as the Great Wall of China Science Fiction, Marching & Egg Foo-Yung Society and other such elaborations, was an entirely informal group, consisting of whomever wanted to attend. It marched off en masse to a Chinese restaurant, usually on the Saturday night of a convention — including Worldcons — for a dinner served family-style. Participating was sometimes called “Great Walling” (e.g. “Where are we Great Walling this year?”).

This custom originated in the 1960s, at a time when Chinese food was still an exotic rarity in much of the US. For many fans, Great Wall dinners were their introduction to Chinese food.

In 1965, it actually had officers (but no dues or membership requirements). The officers in 1965 were president Ron Bounds and Secretary-Treasurer Cindy Heap.

Though fans still go out for Chinese food together, the custom of the mass gathering under this title lapsed in the 1970s.

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Group

1960s—1970s

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