Animation sensation

"The festival is also a precious opportunity for local fans to see prestigious animators from around the world," adds Murong.

As one of the largest festivals for fans of animation, the event will be held from April 26 to May 1 in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang.

And the event has attracted a large number of participants from 85 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, France, the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

"The annual festival is now the largest and most popular exposition about cartoon and animation in China," says Zhuo Chao, secretary general of the festival committee.

Last year, the festival attracted more than 15 million visitors, around 1.5 times the residential population of Hangzhou. Besides, the contracts and intentions for cooperation signed during the festival had an estimated total value of 128.5 billion yuan ($20.4 billion).

"The 14th event will be at a higher-level, more international and more fun," says Zhuo.

Lee Unkrich, the US director of this year's Oscar-winning best animated feature award, Coco, will take part in the festival, and will be joined by other creators behind Loving Vincent and Blade Runner 2049.