Chinese animation strikes a chord with young audiences

The poster for Ne Zha 2. (Photo provided to China Daily)

Once deemed overshadowed by foreign productions, Chinese animation is now experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among younger audiences.

With improved storytelling, advanced visual effects, and a seamless integration of traditional Chinese culture, the industry is rapidly gaining recognition at home and abroad.

A recent survey conducted by China Youth Daily among 7,232 university students revealed that 40.64 percent actively follow popular domestic animation films and series, while 30.35 percent check for new releases on a weekly basis.

This growing interest is reflected in the success of major box office hits, including Ne Zha 2, which grossed over 15.2 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) in box-office revenue and stormed into the global box office top 5, cementing the Chinese original animation's place in the global industry.

Most respondents attribute this rise to the ability of Chinese animated works to blend traditional cultural elements with modern cinematic techniques, which 81.1 percent of surveyed students identified as a key factor in their interest. Nearly 45 percent believed that the technology used in Chinese animation is on par with international standards.

Recalling the release of Chang'an and Deep Sea, both widely acclaimed Chinese animated films, Huang Ziyi, a student at Wuhan University, feels as if the poems from her textbooks had come to life. "The adaptations based on history were well-executed and felt authentic, bringing the audience closer to the stories."

In recent years, driven by both technological advancements and a focus on Chinese cultural storytelling, the quality of Chinese animation has improved significantly. According to the survey, 67.78 percent of university students shared this view.

"For instance, the movie Chang'an used artificial intelligence to recreate the texture of Tang Dynasty (618-907) architecture, providing a visual representation of poetic imagination. Meanwhile, Ne Zha 2 reinterpreted a classic myth through the lens of modern family dynamics, proving that technology should ultimately serve cultural expression," says Chen Yanyu, a student of Jiangxi University of Technology.

"I believe Chinese animation can carve out a space in the industry," Huang says. She notes that while Japanese animation often focuses on youthful romance and American cartoons emphasize individual heroism, China has a vast pool of untapped storytelling potential.

"Whether it's history or modern times, mythology or reality, Chinese culture offers an abundance of material. These elements naturally resonate with Chinese audiences worldwide, providing both creative inspiration and a ready market," Huang adds.