Turning to Hangzhou, where the China international Cartoon and Animation Festival is underway. The past two decades have seen the city transform into China's cartoon and animation capital. Chen Yilin visits one of Hangzhou's most successful animation studios to find out why.

The Hangzhou-based animation company Zoland is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

Established in 2003, it's among the city's oldest animation studios.

WU JIA Chairman, Zoland Animation "Back in 2003, Hangzhou has very few original animations. Many companies provide outsourcing services to other countries. So, we established Zoland hoping to create our own original content and IP."

The company made its first animation series, Magic eye, in 2005, which soon became a hit with children.

The same year, Hangzhou held the first international cartoon and animation festival to encourage industry exchanges

Last year, the revenue of city's animation and game sector reached nearly six billion USD, hitting a record high.

So, what's driving such rapid growth? Zoland says it's important to always keep up with the trends.

CHEN YILIN Hangzhou "This is the company's AI motion capture studio. It can capture the motion of 10 people at the same time. I'm going to see how the latest technology helps animation-making. First, I have to get suited up!

"Here we go! As you can see, now I'm covered with dots. From head to toe, there are all together 50 reflective markers, which can be captured by 150 cameras using infrared light.

This technology has helped improve the quality and efficiency of animation production.

Meanwhile, Chinese animation is expanding its presence internationally.

An Iranian film company is now collaborating with Zoland on an animation based on the ancient Silk Road.

HOSSEIN KHALIFI Representative, DANZHEFILM "I think these years China's animation improves so good. China and Iran also the eastern culture. We have so many stories that can explain together. We should be corporate together more and find more script for more understanding together."

The local government has pledged 100 million yuan in annual funding to support the growth of the city's AGI and esports sector.

As the industry becomes more vibrant, this veteran still hopes to see more stories highlighting China's own culture.

WU JIA Chairman, Zoland Animation "Disney has created a dream. Marvel and DC have created heroes. What is the feature of Chinese animation? I hope animators can hold on to our own culture and bring Chinese stories to the world."

CYL, CGTN, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.