The 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival offers a diverse range of popular domestic and international IP displays, live performances, interactive experiences, and merchandise sales. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 20th China International Cartoon and Animation Festival concluded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on June 2.

According to official statistics, the festival attracted 2,156 enterprises and institutions from 52 countries and regions, with 3,072 professional attendees. The event showcased over 147,000 domestic and international animation works and products, drawing more than 9 million participants both online and offline. The main and sub-venues alone saw 233,000 visitors, with on-site transactions and intended agreements totaling 1.28 billion yuan ($176.66 million).

Since its inception in 2005, the China International Cartoon and Animation Festival has grown and evolved over two decades in Hangzhou. It has become an annual rendezvous for countless animation fans and a crucial driver for the city's industry, offering a cultural feast enjoyed by all.

In addition to the traditional exhibitions, the festival organized over 30 projects, including displays, screenings, business exchanges, competitions, and talent training. These activities catered to both animation enthusiasts and industry professionals, providing a comfortable and engaging experience for all attendees.

Marking its 20th anniversary, this edition of the festival also saw the 2024 International Animation and Game Business Conference achieving impressive results.

The conference attracted 493 enterprises and 891 professionals from 39 countries and regions, including South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. Over two days, the conference hosted 10 professional activities and facilitated 1,649 scheduled meetings, resulting in cooperation intentions with 135 enterprises and potential transactions amounting to 1.01 billion yuan.

In 2005, Hangzhou set a clear goal to become a "City of Animation" and established a 50-million-yuan special fund for the development of the animation and game industry. Over the past 20 years, the city has launched six rounds of policies to support the industry, encouraging original creations and promoting high-quality productions. In 2023, the cultural industry, led by animation and games, accounted for 16 percent of Hangzhou's GDP, ranking first among Chinese cities.