Win FREE tickets——celebrate year of horse with animated films

On Jan 24, the 2026 Hangzhou “Animation New Year” event officially opened at the China Cartoon & Animation Museum, kicking off the new year with animation.

Creators from different fields gathered at the opening to share their stories around animation, creativity, and technology. Renowned cartoonist Tsai Chih-Chung sent his New Year greetings via video and shared on his creative journey. Novelist Wang Yurong talked about how her popular work Lantern Festival evolved from a web novel into a micro-series. Chen Faling, co-founder of Hangzhou cultural company Yuguangtongchen, discussed innovative applications and future possibilities of AIGC in animation, while Yu Bohong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Cartoonists Association, presented his zodiac-themed comic works, including creations for the Year of the Horse.

Located on the second floor of the China Animation Museum, the special exhibition Riding High in the Spring Breeze has quickly become a favorite stop for visitors. This exhibition introduces the cultural symbolism of horses and the Year of the Horse through comic storytelling. At the same time, interactive displays invite visitors to tap, explore, and even use NFC on their phones to hear the voice of the horse, offering a fun and accessible way for all ages to experience zodiac culture.

As online dramas, web novels, and video games gain momentum as China’s most dynamic cultural exports, Hangzhou has also emerged as a major hub of creative production. Works developed in the city—ranging from animation and games to screen content—are increasingly finding audiences around the world. In 2025, China’s first AAA video game Black Myth: Wukong maintained strong global popularity, while the teaser for Black Myth: Zhong Kui drew widespread international interest. Meanwhile, other Hangzhou-made projects such as Where Winds Meet and Legend of Zang Hai, continue to expand their global reach.

This year’s event runs through the Lantern Festival. Hangzhou will host a series of public animation film screenings and showcases of outstanding Chinese animated works at cinemas, museums, reading spaces, and other cultural venues across the city. The lineup includes renowned Chinese animated films such as Nobody, I Am What I Am 2, Into the Mortal World, Chang’an, White Snake: Afloat, and Three Kingdoms: Starlit Heroes, alongside international hits like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash. With a wide-ranging selection, the program offers something for audiences of all ages and interests.
Win free tickets now!
Follow Hangzhoufeel on WeChat and leave a comment under this post telling us your favorite animated film. We will randomly select three lucky readers to receive tickets—join us and enjoy the magic of animation on the big screen.

Journalist & Editor: Fang Jingyi
Senior editor: Zhou Ji, Li Zheng
Source: Hangzhoufeel