Hangzhou, May 30 (Cao Dan) "Hong Kong has changed so fast over these decades. I want to record Hong Kong's past with my brush, to let today's young people 'see' Hong Kong's old neighborhoods through comics, and to let readers around the world understand Hong Kong's culture," Hong Kong comic artist So Man-yee (Su Minyi) said in an interview with China News Service.

On May 29, the 20th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival opened in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. More than 40 companies and over 30 animation IP characters from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan of China are exhibiting.

Some of the works created by Hong Kong comic artist So Man-yee, on display at the 20th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival. Photo by Cao Dan

Stepping into the "Hong Kong Pavilion" on the first floor of the exhibition area, So Man-yee was sketching quick portraits of visitors. On the counter of the booth were some of her works: in the drawings, she wears a white beret and leads her cat running in front of an herbal tea shop, drinking tea in a morning tea restaurant, riding a bicycle on the street...

"I've loved drawing since I was a child, and I've always hoped to draw out Hong Kong's most interesting yet easily overlooked local culture, using playful and cute comics to spark readers' imagination and anticipation of Hong Kong culture," So Man-yee said. This was her first time participating in the China International Cartoon & Animation Festival. "There are many young people here, as well as many new animation technologies. I hope to strengthen cultural exchange in the animation field between Hong Kong and the mainland, and find new opportunities for promoting and implementing animation."

In the view of Macao comic artist He Jiayi, animation is one of the internationally common languages, and the mainland market is large with many opportunities. "I turned my original animation character 'Garden Elf' into animated emoji stickers, which have already begun spreading on mainland social media," He Jiayi said.

While setting up the booth for this animation festival, He Jiayi also did her homework, designing "Garden Elf" together with Hangzhou's Broken Bridge and Leifeng Pagoda. "In my story, 'Garden Elf' travels all over the world, taking photos with historic sites and scenery. While telling adventure stories, it also lets readers take in the beautiful scenery of the world at a glance," He Jiayi said.

As the permanent home of the China International Cartoon & Animation Festival, animation has gradually become a cultural calling card for Hangzhou's exchanges with the outside world. More and more young people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan are getting to know Hangzhou and coming to Hangzhou because of animation.

Taiwanese comic artist Yang Minxiang (first from left) is introducing his animated character "Ugly White Rabbit" to overseas visitors. Photo by Cao Dan

"Because the rabbit we designed has very short, small ears, we named it 'Ugly White Rabbit,' but it doesn't think it's ugly and is always full of confidence in life and work." Taiwan's post-95 young comic artists Zhang Jiayu and Yang Minxiang were introducing their creative inspiration to passing visitors. In front of the exhibition hall, a huge poster of "Ugly White Rabbit" sunk into a sofa, holding snacks in its hands, attracted a group of young people.

Ms. Mao, a post-2000 comic fan, said while buying a cushion merchandise, "Life is full of challenges, but I still love life. 'Ugly White Rabbit' gives me a healing feeling; its lazy image looks just like me at home."

"This is our first time on the mainland. Taking advantage of this exhibition opportunity, we visited West Lake, Lingyin Temple and other scenic spots, and the whole experience was great!" Yang Minxiang said excitedly. This event made him feel the shared aesthetic tastes of young people on both sides of the strait. He hopes more exchange activities can be organized so that more Taiwanese young people can come to the mainland, and while gaining creative inspiration, learn about local culture and push Chinese animation onto a bigger stage.

It is reported that the 20th China International Cartoon & Animation Festival lasts five days. During the event, more than 30 activities will be organized, including exhibitions and screenings, business exchanges, brand competitions and talent training. It has so far attracted animation companies, institutions and industry professionals from 50 countries and regions around the world.