The CICAF draws crowds of visitors. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The 21st China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF) concluded in Hangzhou on June 2, drawing more than 1.46 million visits over five days and hosting over 200 events.

Co-hosted by the National Radio and Television Administration, China Media Group, and the Zhejiang Provincial Government, this year's CICAF brought together 2,573 enterprises and institutions from 42 countries and regions, achieving a total transaction and consumption value of approximately 1.48 billion yuan ($205.5 million).

Visitors are eager to take photos of characters from Black Myth: Wukong. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

The festival highlighted the integration of animation with technology, tourism, and daily life, showcasing cutting-edge innovations such as AIGC-powered creative platforms, humanoid robots, and immersive AI experiences. Key exhibits included the debut of Black Myth: Wukong figures and multiple tech-driven installations blending digital culture with physical interaction.

On the international front, the iABC conference connected over 600 companies from 33 countries, resulting in 449 signed preliminary cooperation agreements worth 1.1 billion yuan. International partnerships flourished, with themed events and exhibitions from Russia, France, and South Korea.

Cosplayers pose for a group photo. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

CICAF also featured top-tier national animation works, including award winners of the prestigious Golden Monkey King Award and activities celebrating Chinese animation icons like Nezha and Big Head Son and Little Head Dad.

A variety of community and tourism tie-ins, such as drone light shows, cosplay parades, and pop-up events across the city, helped animate Hangzhou's urban life, while new ventures like the China Illustration Festival and CPOP Wave spotlighted emerging cultural IPs.

As the festival transitions into a year-round animation season, Hangzhou continues to build on its reputation as a global "City of Animation", empowering youth talent and expanding cultural influence through creativity and innovation.

Cosplayers pose for a group photo. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A boy tries on a VR device. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]