The mascot of the CICAF poses with The Destined One from China's first 3A game Black Myth: Wukong. [Photo/CICAF]

The 21st China International Cartoon & Animation Festival (CICAF) is set to be held in Hangzhou from May 29 to June 2 — and the city's metro is already buzzing with animated energy.

A special anime-themed train and cartoon-decorated station have launched on Metro Line 1's Binkang Road Station, transforming daily commutes into immersive journeys through China's vibrant animation universe.

This year's themed carriages feature iconic IPs from leading domestic studios like Zoland Cartoon and Electric Soul Network, as well as global favorites such as Doraemon, Stitch, and Pixar's upcoming Elio.

Highlights include Zoland's cultural icons like Su Dongpo; Electric Soul's debut of BarbarQ 2, set for public beta on May 28; Sparkly Key's 20th anniversary train, spotlighting fan favorites like The Legend of Qin; and immersive interactions inspired by The King's Avatar from Chinese literature.

The event will also feature film tie-ins like the Doraemon: Nobita's Sketching Adventure fantasy carriage and Stitch-themed cars celebrating Lilo and Stitch's return. Pixar's Elio has turned a train into an "intergalactic express" ahead of its June 27 release.

As China's city of animation, Hangzhou is once again putting on a show for fans of all ages. Join the ride and experience the magic in person at the festival's main venue at Baima Lake in Binjiang district from May 29 to June 2.