File photo: cosplayers interact with visitors during a previous edition of the event. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

The 22nd China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF), China's largest and most influential animation event, opened in Hangzhou, bringing together leading industry players, creators and fans from around the world.

This year's festival attracts the participation of exhibitors from 31 countries and regions and will focus on the integration of animation with technology, tourism and everyday life.

Since its launch in 2005, CICAF has grown into China's top national-level animation festival, attracting exhibitors and institutions from more than 80 countries and regions. It has also welcomed nearly 20 million visitors and generated intended transactions worth over 166 billion yuan ($24.5 billion).

This year, the festival features a main venue at the Baimahu International Convention and Exhibition Center, alongside eight sub-venues across the city and 12 themed animation-tourism routes.

Technology is a major highlight. Visitors can experience AI-generated content, virtual reality adventures, digital humans and interactive exhibitions. Local tech-driven animation and gaming companies, including NetEase, Zoland and Electronic Soul, are presenting their latest innovations.

The festival also aims to boost cultural consumption through exhibitions, themed markets, cosplay events and animation-inspired tourism experiences, while offering recruitment fairs and talent development programs for young creators.

File photo: a cultural parade is held during a previous edition of the event. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]