Making a mark with animation

Thanks to Magic Eye's popularity, the sequel quickly sparked interest in overseas markets and is being distributed in 38 countries and regions.

Separately, Zoland's Zheng He's Voyages to the West Seas, a 52-episode animated series about the Chinese legendary mariner from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), has been sold to 23 countries and regions, including Kazakhstan.

The company's Panda Fanfare, an animal-themed fable, has also been translated into 11 languages for 15 countries and areas in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Speaking about how to succeed abroad, Wu says: "First, the works should be good. And, you need an experienced team who knows international markets."

Chen Boyan, the founder and chief executive officer of the Beijing-based animation studio Boyan Pictures, says he finds that foreign audiences are keen to know more about China. Stories rooted in China's history and culture are very attractive to foreigners, says Chen, who is also the director of the hit animated series The Young Imperial Guards.

The series, set against the backdrop of Jinyiwei, the Ming court's most notorious espionage agency, follows a young warrior's efforts to clear the name of his framed father, a former high-ranking officer with the agency.