Set to run from October 2 to 5, 2025, the 2025 Guangzhou Animation and Game Expo (CICF×AGF) will transform the Poly World Trade Expo Center (PWTC) in Guangzhou into a hub for anime, gaming, and otaku culture.
As one of Guangdong Province's key cultural initiatives aligned with gaming and esports industry policies, the event is projected to draw over 800,000 attendees across its main venue and more than 20 citywide sub-venues, establishing itself as the most influential animation and gaming event in South China during the National Day holiday.
The expansive 82,000-square-meter main exhibition hall will host over 1,000 domestic and international IPs, including flagship titles from Tencent Games, NetEase, Ubisoft, and Bilibili, alongside more than 7,000 licensed merchandise booths.
Highlights include the nationwide debut of Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows: Claws of Awaji DLC zone, 40 mainstream and 18 casual gaming demo stations, and the prestigious China Animation & Comic Competition (CACC) Golden Dragon Award ceremony featuring Emmy Award-winning industry guests.
Exhibition highlights & regional collaboration
The Model & Derivatives zone features Bandai Namco, CCS, Piececool, JASON, and other brands unveiling exclusive merchandise and new product launches. The Hong Kong pavilion will debut with 28 enterprises, including Xi Xing Ji author Zheng Jianhe and voice actor Chan Yan.
The Fan Creation zone, co-curated by comicseed and STJ, showcases themed areas like Final Fantasy, Blue Archive, Chinese otome games, and miHoYo, with nearly 300 booths.
Guest lineup & events
International guests include game producer Kazutaka Kodaka, producer Shuntaro Inau, manga artist Makoto Yukimura, and actor Saya Kajiwara. Domestic luminaries include novelists Shui Qiancheng and Zhi Chu, voice actors Lu Zhixing and Chen Zhangtaikang, illustrators Mian Lang and Xiao Bo, and cosplayers Zouluyao and Liu Erer. Signings and stage performances will enrich the experience.
National competitions & cross-industry collaborations
Highlight activities include exclusive IP merchandise from Bandai, CCS, Bushiroad EXPO, and launches for Throne of Seal, The Demon Hunter, and Qin's Moon. Collaborations with Luckin Coffee, PepsiCo, KFC, McDonald's, and ICBC will introduce anime-themed pop-ups, co-branded menus, and limited-edition items. Tech zones will feature QDC headphones, Maxsun GPUs, and Hanvon digitizers.
Competitions will encompass cosplay and Otaku Dance. Esports events include a League of Legends challenge, Huali esports finals, the Street Fighter 6 World Tour Guangzhou Qualifier, and War of the Three Kingdoms.
Citywide immersion & logistics
Ten anime-themed bus routes will connect landmarks like Shamian Island, Beijing Road, and Canton Tower (with themed lighting activated). Over 150 IP billboards will adorn commercial districts, while themed Pearl River night cruises will operate. Sub-venues at Poly Plaza, K11, Fashion Tianhe Commercial Plaza, and Comic City will host pop-ups and contests.
Ticketing for Hong Kong/Macao/overseas visitors will be available via KKday and Ctrip International, with hotel packages from Dongcheng Group, Westin Guangzhou, and Sunshine Hotel.
Transportation perks will include Didi discounts near Pazhou Station and F&B deals at participating malls. ICBC will offer co-branded promotions and digital check-in campaigns.
Dates: October 2–5, 2025, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily
Venue: Poly World Trade Expo Center (PWTC) (Pazhou Station, Metro Lines 8/11)
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | CICF×AGF
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James Campion, Shen He
