Chinese Animation Goes Global: “Cang Yuan Tu” Draws International Attention as Youku Accelerates Overseas Expansion

International mainstream business media outlet CNBC recently published an in-depth report focusing on the launch of Youku’s annual animation series “Cang Yuan Tu” and the broader wave of Chinese animation going global. The report was featured not only on CNBC’s official website and app but also as the main content of the latest edition of “The China Connection” newsletter, which focuses on Chinese business news, reaching CNBC’s global audience of 500 million users.

The report noted that since the first season of “Cang Yuan Tu” aired in 2023, the fantasy martial arts animation—adapted from the novel of the same name by author Wo Chi Xi Hong Shi—has amassed over 9.9 million followers on Youku, becoming a runaway hit on the platform.

International Attention Turns to Chinese Animation, Global Media Acknowledges Growing Strength

CNBC, a globally renowned business media outlet with headquarters in the United States, Europe, and Asia, reaches 500 million users worldwide each month across its platforms. Its coverage of “Cang Yuan Tu” demonstrates that Chinese animation’s global expansion is increasingly capturing the attention of international mainstream media.

The article specifically noted that Youku, like other Chinese animation and entertainment companies, has ambitions to expand overseas markets. “Cang Yuan Tu” is gaining traction in Thailand and Vietnam, and Youku’s animation channel on YouTube has already amassed 1.27 million subscribers, with international viewers able to access full episodes with subtitles through paid subscriptions.

The report also highlighted the continuous improvement in Chinese animation production quality. Quoting Xu Huiyu, executive producer of “Cang Yuan Tu,” the article noted that Youku has consistently raised the series’ production standards to meet growing viewer demand—from the level of detail in animations to hiring better artists to paint the watercolor stills that appear in the show. In her interview with CNBC, Xu stated: “Compared to Disney animated films, there might have been a gap three years ago, but for us now, it’s like night and day.”

Data-Driven Creation, Continuous Upgrades in Content Quality

CNBC’s report also examined the unique creative model of Chinese animation companies. The article pointed out that unlike Hollywood directors who often start with personal creative concepts, Youku places greater emphasis on finding answers through user data. In the interview, Xu revealed: “It’s not about ‘what we like’—it’s more about, ‘what do they like?'” This user-centric content strategy is driven by the real needs of Youku’s approximately 170 million users.

The story of “Cang Yuan Tu” is rooted in a 2019 online novel that received 5 million reader recommendations in just over a year—data performance that also attracted adaptation interest from other platforms. Ultimately, Youku earned audience recognition through its meticulous development of the work.

“Cang Yuan Tu” Annual Series Launches, Breaking Multiple Records

On March 13, the annual series of the new Chinese-style animation “Cang Yuan Tu” officially premiered on Youku. The story follows Meng Chuan, a young man from the Meng family in Dongning Prefecture, Wuzhou, as he embarks on a path of cultivation in the Cang Yuan world, facing challenges and striving to become a peerless warrior. The first season scored an impressive 8.7 on Douban, while the second season became the first Chinese animation on Youku to surpass 9,000 in popularity. Pre-orders for the third season exceeded 7 million on Youku, setting not only a new record for Chinese animation on the platform but also the highest pre-order record for any Chinese animation series in 2026.

Building on the foundation of the first two seasons, the third season features comprehensive updates to key characters such as Meng Chuan and Liu Qiyue, with facial expressions and physical details meticulously refined. Improvements have also been made in scenes, music, and traditional Chinese-style visual effects. The work places equal emphasis on expressing a sense of patriotism and family loyalty, with memorable scenes such as “never retreat even in the face of death” and “all living beings are the rising sun” resonating deeply with audiences.

It has been revealed that an animated feature film adaptation of “Cang Yuan Tu” is planned for release in the summer of 2027, further expanding the boundaries of this IP.

“New Chinese Style” Strategy Takes Root, Youku Animation Accelerates Global Expansion

The success of “Cang Yuan Tu” reflects Youku’s long-term commitment to high-quality animation. In 2020, Youku first introduced the concept of “new Chinese-style animation,” exploring ways to disseminate traditional Chinese culture through youthful expressions. Today, new Chinese-style animation has become a signature feature of Youku’s animation brand, and animation has become a key pillar of Youku’s premium content offerings.

Thanks to continuous improvements in content and quality, Youku’s animation business has surpassed the 100 million yuan mark in commercialization and has begun expanding overseas. Sun Min, general manager of Youku’s Animation Center, stated: “Standing at a new starting point, Youku is launching a strategy for Chinese animation to go global. This is not simply about exporting works—it’s about making Chinese animation a cultural symbol for young people around the world.”

Youku currently has three major animation slates—”Family Legacy,” “Rising Sun,” and “Boundless Stars”—with a comprehensive push into original content. The “Family Legacy” and “Rising Sun” phases represent respectively the continued revitalization of classic IPs and the active exploration of innovative themes, aiming to solidify content foundations and expand creative boundaries. The “Boundless Stars” phase is driven by original content and serialization, seeking diversification in themes and artistic styles to build an animation content matrix that better aligns with the aesthetic preferences of young global users.

Looking Ahead: Making Chinese Animation a Global Cultural Symbol

In the CNBC interview, when asked why the phoenix—a mythological bird—was central to the imagery of the third season, Xu’s response carried deep meaning: “Just because there is war, it doesn’t mean we should stop living. No matter what happens outside, a person’s heart should remain bright.”

This commitment to the brightness of the human spirit may well be the core strength that enables Chinese animation to transcend cultural barriers and reach global audiences. As Youku accelerates its overseas expansion, an increasing number of Chinese animation works are winning recognition from viewers worldwide through their unique Eastern aesthetics and universally resonant emotional expressions. From “Cang Yuan Tu” to the broader “Boundless Stars,” Chinese animation is writing its own remarkable chapter on the world stage.