The 14th China International Animation Copyright Fair (ACTIF) in Dongguan, held from October 24 to 27, showcased the city's vibrant art toy culture and reinforced its status as a global hub for animation and creative industries.
With over 500 companies from 60 countries participating, the fair attracted more than 30,000 industry professionals, and the event saw record-breaking engagement, with over 30 million online and offline participants and a staggering sales volume of 110 million yuan. This year's fair highlighted the rapid growth and international appeal of Dongguan's animation sector.
As the heart of China's art toy industry, Dongguan attracted numerous international guests to its specially expanded 3,000 square meter art toy area. Iconic figures like Laura and Guan Xiaoe were displayed, as well as throughout the expo halls, where local brands like ToyCity and Motor Nuclear stood out for their cutting-edge design and cultural depth. This year's theme celebrated both tradition and technology, with visitors enjoying interactive cosplay, VR and XR experiences, and a diverse lineup of popular IPs like Snoopy, Pikachu, and Kumamon, which appealed to young and international audiences alike.
One of the most eye-catching features was the Art Toy Subway Car on the Dongguan Metro Line 2, which transformed into a moving exhibition of local art toy brands. Passengers eagerly took photos with characters like Guan Xiao'e and Laura, symbolizing the city's innovative spirit and cultural pride.
Italy Pavilion
Cristian Jezdic, Vice President of Cartoon Italia, was deeply impressed by the fair's immersive experiences and its ability to unite people around shared cultural interests. "China and Italy are both cultural superpowers with strong family values," Jezdic remarked. "We have much in common, and by bringing Italian creators here, we're fostering both business and cultural exchanges." He also expressed admiration for Dongguan's own IP and animation manufacturing capabilities, stating, "It's amazing to see companies like Motor Nuclear creating new heroes for the world. These strong Chinese IPs deserve to go global, and collaboration with international markets like Italy can make this happen."
Art Toy & Animation
The fair also emphasized the importance of nurturing talent and innovation. The first-ever blue book, China Art Toy and Animation Industry Development Report (2024), was introduced, offering valuable insights into industry trends. Initiatives for funding and incubation of excellent animation projects were introduced, providing a pathway for new creators to bring their ideas to life. Companies like Hayidai showcased their unique approaches to blending traditional Chinese medicine with modern toy design, evident in their popular TCM series, which creatively incorporated the principles of traditional Chinese medicine into engaging toy experiences.
ACTIF also reinforced its commitment to international collaboration, welcoming participants from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The fair facilitated exchanges among creators and businesses across these regions, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the event. With the introduction of the Italian Pavilion, organized by the Association of Cartoon Italia, the fair marked a significant milestone in Sino-Italian cultural cooperation. This partnership underscores the potential for cross-border projects, blending different cultural narratives and creative expressions.
The event achieved remarkable business outcomes, with intention-based cooperation agreements totaling 1.24 billion yuan. The fair not only connected established brands but also provided emerging talents with opportunities to engage with industry leaders and investors.
With its impressive achievements and global outreach, the 14th ACTIF has cemented Dongguan's reputation as "the Capital of Art Toy in China" and a vital player in the international animation scene. As the city continues to foster innovation and cultural exchange, the future looks bright for Dongguan's creative industries, promising exciting developments on the global stage.
Source | Dongguan Today