The 17th China International Comic Festival, showcasing over 100 animation, comic and gaming franchises, was held in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province from Wednesday to Saturday.
Over 100,000 fans were drawn to the event both online and offline, and more than 1,000 dressed in creative cosplay for the occasion. The festival showcased and sold more than 1,500 types of animation and game-related merchandise, driving consumption to exceed 220 million yuan (about 31.4 million U.S. dollars).
For nostalgic visitors, a highlight of the event was a captivating "sheep village" inspired by the long-running Chinese animated series "Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf." The area showcased debut exhibits and interactive games, drawing in fans eager to take photos.
"Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf" revolves around a group of goats living on the Green Grassland and a bumbling wolf who always wants to eat them.
"This year marks the 20th anniversary of the release of the 'Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf' series. Here, visitors can rediscover many classic elements and even uncover some spoilers," said Cai Ruiqiong, a producer for the series.
The exhibition was also a chance for many up-and-coming animators to expand their fan bases, taking advantage of growing enthusiasm for the medium in China.
China's first 3A game, "Black Myth: Wukong", featured its inaugural themed exhibition -- the "Black Myth: Wukong photo exhibition" -- at the festival. This exhibition showcased over 200 game pages created by players worldwide, with stunning visuals of historic sites and scenic landscapes.
With over 10 million copies sold across all platforms in just three days after its release on Aug. 20 this year, the Chinese action role-playing game inspired by Wu Cheng'en's iconic 16th-century novel, "Journey to the West", stands as the most successful Chinese video game to date.
The festival also displayed a diverse array of original comics and animations rich in Chinese cultural elements, alongside mobile games that reflect traditional Chinese culture, which are gaining popularity among youth.
"Our domestic animation market is gradually experiencing explosive growth, with around 80 percent of our offerings here consisting of local content. We can also see that many young animation artists are now producing works that are rich in literary depth and traditional cultural elements," said Chen Xi, an exhibitor.
Costumed fans delight in animation, gaming at 17th China International Comics Festival
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
