Mascots of the Asian Games and the cartoon and animation festival. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The International (Hangzhou) Trail Walk Conference, a "fitness-for-all" event, kicked off on April 15 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium (commonly known as "Big Lotus") in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, as citizens of Hangzhou are gearing up for the 2023 Asian Games, local media reported.

As an important part of the conference, the animation element is meant to invigorate the national fitness event. The 19th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival, which will be held in June, launched warm-up activities by joining hands with the fitness event.

The trail-walk conference with the animation element has attracted the attention of both sports and anime fans.

During the event, the three mascots of the Hangzhou Asian Games - Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian, a trio of robots that act as envoys of the Olympic spirit, peace and friendship – were interacting with participants.

Cute anime balloons, tattoo stickers, and headwear were very popular among participants of the event. Many contestants took photos in front of colored anime-themed background posters.

Hangzhou animation and game companies Xuanji Technology, Suoyi Culture and Ruohong Culture set up "animation fuel stations" along the trail walk, offering contestants interesting anime interactions and animation-related gifts.

Designed by famous cartoonist Murong Yingdao, the Hangzhou-themed "animation trash bin” used animation and humor to direct participants to throw garbage into trash bins.

In June, Hangzhou will use animation to represent itself as the host city of the Asian Games, helping it "be a good host and welcome the Asian Games".

Crowds of people take part in the event. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]