New animation hub opens in Shanghai, China

China has unveiled another Animation center in Shanghai.The new Animation hub began trial operations on Friday at 618 Wanhangdu Road, Jing'an district which is the original site of the Shanghai Animation Film Studio SAFS.

The new Shanghai Animation Space, previously SAFS, began trial operations on Friday.

Designed to showcase animation and creative arts, it will host exhibitions, workshops and public events.

Moreover, the new venue aims to showcase animation culture through ,workshop events, and interactive experiences for visitors.

Located at Shanghai, the new space hosts an exhibition that chronicles the history of SAFS, presents contemporary artistic reinterpretations of iconic animated characters, and offers an XR immersive experience based on The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven.

Revered as the cradle of Chinese animation,the Film Studio was established on the site in 1957.

The SAFS later produced classics such as The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven, Nezha Conquers the Dragon King and Where Is Mama?, giving rise to the world-renowned Chinese School of Animation.

Notably, Shanghai already has established animation museums and centers such as the Shanghai Animation and Comics Museum in the Pudong New Area or the children's park at Global Harbor, but no new major industry hub was reported as opening this month.

This major industry event is taking place in Shanghai right now (June 12–26, 2026). It includes dedicated sections for animation, project pitching, and "AI Backlot" technology demonstrations. The festival itself acts as a temporary "hub" for the industry, bringing together creators and technology partners.