Hangzhou’s 21st China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) has become a vibrant showcase of China’s growing influence in global pop culture, with record-breaking attendance and international buzz surrounding its flagship attraction: the myth-inspired game Black Myth: Wukong.
The action RPG, developed by Hangzhou-based Game Science, has emerged as this year’s festival star. Drawing from the 16th-century novel Journey to the West, the game reimagines Sun Wukong – the legendary Monkey King – through cutting-edge graphics and immersive combat mechanics. Its demo stations at CICAF attracted hour-long queues daily, reflecting its viral success since its global gameplay reveal last year.
Industry analysts highlight the game’s potential to redefine perceptions of Chinese creative industries. \"This isn’t just a technical achievement – it’s cultural storytelling that resonates worldwide,\" noted Li Wei, a digital media researcher at Zhejiang University. The project has reportedly attracted partnerships with major international distributors, signaling growing confidence in China’s gaming exports.
Beyond Wukong, CICAF 2025 features over 3,000 exhibitors across animation, comics, and gaming sectors. The event coincides with new government initiatives to grow China’s ACG industry to $50 billion by 2027, leveraging both traditional cultural IP and emerging technologies like AI-assisted animation.
For global attendees, the festival offers a unique window into China’s creative economy. \"I came for the gaming insights, but I’m leaving with a deeper appreciation for how ancient stories shape modern entertainment,\" said Singaporean investor Rajesh Kumar, among thousands of international visitors at the week-long event.
