China's animation industry celebrates 20 years of growth and success

The 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival, or CICAF, is being held from May 29 to June 2 in Hangzhou. Since its inception in 2005, CICAF has been held every year in celebration of the development of Chinese animation.

At the turn of the millennium, China's annual animation production was only a few thousand minutes. By 2010, the figure had soared to over 220,000 minutes, making China the world's largest producer of animation. The rise of mobile internet further accelerated the industry's growth, leading to the emergence of blockbuster domestic animated films. The 2015 release of Monkey King: Hero Is Back marked a pivotal moment, bringing Chinese animation into the limelight.

Today, China's animation industry boasts a market value exceeding 220 billion yuan ($30.35 billion), with an annual production of over 200 series and a massive viewer base. The industry has transitioned from its "emergence" phase to a period of robust growth. Quality improvements have garnered market recognition, and animated content has increasingly gained mainstream appeal.

By 2024, China's broader anime viewer base is expected to reach 500 million, with 120 million core viewers. Chinese animations like The Legend of Luoxiaohei, Ne Zha, and Boonie Bears have also gained international popularity. Initially broadcast primarily on TV, Chinese animated series have expanded their reach through global streaming platforms like YouTube, where major Chinese networks have established popular animation channels.

The future looks bright for Chinese animation. As echoed in Monkey King: Hero Is Back, the industry remains resilient and full of potential, much like the timeless hero who "never dies, just sleeps".