A poster of Shanghai Summer International Anime Month. [Photo provided tochinadaily.com.cn]

　　The first Shanghai Summer International Anime Month, which links for the first time the three major industry pageants of China International Cartoon & Game Expo (CCG Expo), Bilibili World, and China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, opened in the city on Friday.

　　Held until mid-August, the anime month will attract companies from 37 countries and regions, with the combined exhibition area reaching nearly 400,000 square meters.

　　Teaming up with 18 major business districts and themed hotels in the city, the anime month organizers have added special animation paints to cruise ships and subway coaches, among others.

　　As the first show held during the anime month, the three-day CCG Expo was unveiled on Friday, attracting 480 exhibitors from Japan, Mexico, Singapore and France. The expo has introduced for the first time an international elite competition for board games, gathering over 100 global board game designers and nearly 300 creative studios.

　　With the first edition held in 2005, CCG Expo has seen its influence extend not only to the neighboring Yangtze River Delta region but also nationwide. It held special editions in Xi'an of Shaanxi province and Kunming of Yunnan province in 2023. The expo will also hold a special edition in Wuhan of Hubei province in October.

　　Also released on Friday is the special set of passes for the anime month, which includes a themed “Shanghai Pass“, which is a multi-purpose prepaid card issued by Shanghai City Tour Card Development Co Ltd to cater to the needs of inbound travelers, and three one-day invitations to CCG Expo, Bilibili World, and China Joy, respectively.