The first-ever Shanghai Summer International Animation Month has transformed Shanghai into a metropolis of creative energy, drawing fans of global cartoons and games by the thousands.
Running from July 4 to August 10, the month represents Shanghai's efforts to build on the excitement surrounding three major animation expos held during the period, beginning with the three-day China International Cartoon and Game Expo (CCG Expo), which attracted 480 exhibitors from Japan, Mexico, Singapore and France.
Bilibili World, organized by the popular Chinese video-hosting site Bilibili, was held from July 11 to 13 and featured animation, comics and games.
Finally, the China Digital Entertainment Expo and Conference, better known as ChinaJoy, is running from August 1-4. The event highlights the latest in smart entertainment hardware and AI-powered gaming innovations and has attracted industry insiders from around the world.
"We came to CJ (ChinaJoy) to meet some of our clients and establish new partnerships. China's IPs are growing very fast. The Chinese video game 'Black Myth: Wukong' is very popular in Brazil," said an animation industry professional from Brazil.
The animation month has attracted about 800 companies from 37 countries and regions, with the combined exhibition area reaching nearly 400,000 square meters.
Data shows that bookings for popular hotels near the venue for Bilibili World—the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center—surged by 475 percent during the event.
Outside the expos, commercial districts are capitalizing on the excitement, setting up pop-up stores and themed markets featuring animation-themed merchandise.
"Today, I'm cosplaying as Kaito Kid because there's a Detective Conan-themed pop-up event here. The immersive setups inside are amazing," said a cosplayer.
"I came all the way from Huangshan, Anhui Province just for this pop-up shop. My daughter loves it, so I accompanied her," said a visitor.
According to shop owners, the month has been a boon for business as animation enthusiasts pour in from across the country.
"Our core customers are young people aged 18 to 25, mostly animation fans who come to buy merchandise of their favorite characters," said Zhu Rui, manager of an animation pop-up store in Shanghai.
Meanwhile, the city has organized animation-themed city walk routes linking cultural landmarks like the Bund and Yuyuan Garden. Special animation-themed decorations have been added to buses, taxis, cruise ships and railway stations.
"During the international animation month, we're coordinating art performances, major exhibitions, 15 commercial districts, and various tourism routes," said Yang Yinyu, an official from the Publicity Department of Shanghai.
Int'l animation month draws global fans to Shanghai, fuels city's cultural economy
