python-docx Document Timezone Issue - Help Request #1542

Issue Description

When using python-docx to generate Word documents and setting core_properties.created and core_properties.modified, the file timestamp shown in Windows Explorer is 8 hours ahead of the actual local time (Beijing Time, UTC+8).

Environment Information

• Operating System: Windows 10/11
• Python Version: Python 3.11
• python-docx Version: Latest
• Local Timezone: Beijing Time (UTC+8)
• System Time: 13:45 (correct)
• Word Document Displayed Time: 21:45 (incorrect, 8 hours ahead)

Reproduction Code

from docx import Document
from datetime import datetime

doc = Document()

# Set document metadata timestamps
core_props = doc.core_properties
core_props.created = datetime.now()
core_props.modified = datetime.now()

doc.save('test.docx')

Problem Analysis

After multiple tests, I found:

1. python-docx treats the passed datetime object as UTC time by default when storing
2. Windows system converts UTC time to local timezone (UTC+8) when displaying file properties
3. Result: System time 13:00 → docx stores as UTC 13:00 → Windows displays as 21:00 (UTC+8 conversion)

Current Workaround

from datetime import datetime, timedelta

# Pass "current time minus 8 hours" so Windows adds back 8 hours when displaying
correct_time = datetime.now() - timedelta(hours=8)
doc.core_properties.created = correct_time
doc.core_properties.modified = correct_time

Questions

1. Is this a design bug or expected behavior in python-docx?
2. Is there a more elegant solution (without manually subtracting 8 hours)?
3. Should I pass timezone-aware datetime objects? (Tested but didn't work)

Expectations

Hoping the official team can provide:

• Clear documentation on time handling
• Or direct support for local timezone time setting

Dear community experts, is this a known issue? Are there any better solutions?