China's animated film industry peaked, for the first time, between 1957 and 1965. The Shanghai Animation Film Studio, launched in 1957, was the first professional animation studio owned by China. Under Chairman Mao Zedong's policy,“Let 100 flowers bloom, let 100 schools of thought contend,”Chinese intellectuals were greatly motivated. That became the driving force behind the prosperity of the country's animated film industry. During the period, there was a surge in new films and an unprecedented boost in technical and
artistic quality. Many of China's films won awards at international animated film festivals. The unique artistic style began to be known as the "Chinese School.”Havoc in Heaven, the classical masterpiece that enjoys global fame, was produced during a three-year period beginning in 1961.The film created a new genre in China's film industry, which attracted a greater number of viewers.
The second stage: At the end of 1978, China ushered in a new era of reform and opening up, which led to the zenith of the nation's animated film industry. During the decade. more animated film studios were set up. Some 219 animated films were produced in China during that period-including several excellent films, such as Nezha Conquers the Dragon King (1979) and others.
This stage also marked the beginning of animated shows on television. Animated TV shows were produced, and they were well received by audiences. The themes of the films expanded, and many artistic films, with profound, allegorical and critical content, appeared, such as Three Monks (1980), Super Soap, New Doorbell (1986), and The Wronged Cow (1989). Such films dispelled the myth that "animated films are only for children“and they played an important role in attracting a wider audience. Meanwhile, the worldwide fame and social influence of China's animated films soared. The number of animated films soared between 1990 and 2002. Statistics indicate China produced 1,168 animations between the 1992 debut of animated films produced by the Wan Brothers and 2002.
