A Traveler’s Guide to Cool Anime and Cartoon Destinations in China

Table of Contents

Introduction: Step Into the Frame

Ever dreamed of walking through the vibrant streets of Shanghai as seen in Shikioriori? Or exploring a real-life fortress from World of Warcraft? In China, these animated worlds leap off the screen. They invite you to step inside the frame.

This is your ultimate guide to discovering the most incredible anime, comic, and game (ACG) destinations across China. We’ll go beyond the obvious. We will uncover everything from real-life anime settings and immersive theme parks to the creative hubs shaping China’s booming animation scene. The rise of ACG culture has become a powerful force, with a 2017 survey showing 42% of young people willing to travel for their favorite shows.

This guide is crafted for the dedicated anime pilgrim. It is also for the family seeking a magical cartoon adventure. And it’s for the cultural explorer curious about China’s rich animation history. We’ll provide practical, verified information for over 15 locations. You’ll find sample itineraries and insider tips. All details, including addresses and opening hours, have been cross-referenced with official sources and recent visitor reports as of late 2025 to ensure accuracy for your trip planning.

The Heart of the Action: Shanghai, China’s ACG Capital

Shanghai is the undisputed center of ACG culture in China. It’s a city where fandom, commerce, and community collide in spectacular fashion. Recent reports from May 2025 confirm that shopping malls are transforming into creative hubs, driven by the booming “guzi” (ACG character-themed goods) economy (City News Service). These are not just stores; they are destinations.

Bailian ZX Creative Arena: The Holy Land for Merch Hunters

Bailian ZX is the crown jewel of Shanghai’s anime scene. It’s not just a mall; it’s a “multiverse” of ACG culture. This is the holy land for merch hunters. It is home to world-first flagship stores for brands like SEGA, One Piece Straw Hat Shop, and Kotobukiya. This makes it a true pilgrimage site for serious collectors.

The vibe here is high-energy and electric. It gets very crowded, especially on weekends. Prepare for a sensory overload of merchandise, music, and pure fan passion. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Must-Do Activities:

• Pose with life-sized statues: You’ll find iconic characters throughout the mall, perfect for photos.
• Hunt for rare guzi (goods): The sheer variety is astounding. You can find everything from figures and apparel to keychains and art books.
• Experience themed pop-ups: Major brands constantly host limited-time events. For instance, an official Evangelion store opened here in June 2025 (Essential Japan), and a SEGA pop-up ran earlier in the year.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: 340-372 Nanjing Rd E., Huangpu District, Shanghai.

How to Get There: Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, Exit 1. It’s a very short walk.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce).

Ticket Price: Free to enter; individual store purchases vary.

Pro-Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to browse with fewer crowds. If you visit on a weekend, be prepared for long queues at popular stores and pop-ups.

Jing’an Joy City: The Trendsetter’s Paradise

Jing’an Joy City is a pioneer. It launched “i-LAND,” China’s first dedicated anime shopping zone, back in 2017. This is where trends are born. Global IPs often make their China debut here, with 45 first-time pop-up events in 2024 alone (SHINE.cn).

The vibe is trendy and cosplay-friendly. It blends fashion with fandom more seamlessly than other malls. It feels curated and stylish, attracting a young, fashion-conscious crowd.

Must-Do Activities:

• Explore “i-LAND”: This 5,500-square-meter zone is located on the 6th floor of the North Building. It’s a must-see.
• Catch viral pop-ups: The mall has hosted events for huge IPs like Sanrio, Jujutsu Kaisen, and LuLu the Piggy.
• Cosplay Photoshoot: The mall is very welcoming to cosplayers. However, it’s always a good idea to check for any specific dress code rules before your visit.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: 198 Xizang Rd N., Jing’an District, Shanghai.

How to Get There: Directly connected to Qufu Road Station (Metro Lines 8 and 12).

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily (Trip.com).

Ticket Price: Free to enter.

Pro-Tip: Follow their official WeChat account for the latest pop-up announcements. They change frequently and you don’t want to miss out.

More Shanghai ACG Hubs for Your Itinerary

Your ACG tour of Shanghai doesn’t stop there. The city is dotted with numerous hubs, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few more essential stops for your itinerary, all detailed in a May 2025 guide by City News Service.

Shanghai No. 1 Department Store Hall C

Focus: This spot, right in the heart of Nanjing Road, hosts three themed ACG streets. Each zone has its own vibe, from fantasy aesthetics to urban otaku energy. It’s perfect for exploring multiple mini-worlds under one roof.

Location: 830 Nanjing Rd E., Huangpu District (very close to Bailian ZX).

Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

New World City

Focus: A classic mega-mall that has embraced ACG culture. It features a dedicated exhibition zone on the 11th floor, known for hosting large-scale pop-ups like the One Piece Grand Voyage.

Location: 2-68 Nanjing Rd W., Huangpu District (at People’s Square).

Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Trip.com).

Metro City

Focus: One of the original ACG hubs in Shanghai, famous for its giant spherical architecture. It’s home to mainstays like the Ghibli-themed Donguri Republic, Jump Shop, and Sanrio, making it great for fans of classic and modern series alike.

Location: 1111 Zhaojiabang Rd, Xuhui District (at Xujiahui station).

Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Trip.com).

TPY Center

Focus: An underground paradise for serious fans. Reborn from a digital mall, this basement haven features stores for Pokémon, Digimon, and dedicated tabletop gaming zones. It’s where you go when you’re serious about the hobby.

Location: 1117 Zhaojiabang Rd, Xuhui District (near Metro City).

Hours: Varies by store, but generally 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

Anime Pilgrimage Sites: Walk in the Footsteps of Your Heroes

For the purist fan, nothing beats visiting a location that directly inspired or was featured in an anime. This is where the animated world and reality truly merge, offering a profound connection to the story.

Shanghai’s Shikumen Lanes: The World of Shikioriori (Flavors of Youth)

This is a unique pilgrimage for fans of the 2018 anthology film Shikioriori, a co-production by CoMix Wave Films (the studio behind Your Name) and China’s Haoliners Animation League. The final segment, “Shanghai Koi,” is a beautiful and melancholic love letter to the city’s disappearing shikumen (stone gate) neighborhoods.

Key Locations & A Note of Caution

The film’s setting is based on the historic lane houses near Baoshan Road. Specifically, the neighborhoods of Yifuli (颐福里) and Tongleli (同乐里) provided the primary inspiration. However, this pilgrimage is a bittersweet one. As documented in a detailed 2019 pilgrimage blog by Like a Fish in Water, these areas were already being vacated for redevelopment.

Insider Knowledge: As of my last visit and recent checks, this process is complete. The lanes themselves are sealed off and inaccessible to the public. While you can still see the iconic architecture from the outside—including the pedestrian footbridge on Baoshan Road that features so prominently in the film—you can no longer walk the same paths as the characters. This visit is less about recreating scenes and more about witnessing a piece of Shanghai’s history that has been immortalized through animation.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: Baoshan Road area, Jing’an District, Shanghai.

How to Get There: Take Metro Line 3 or 4 to Baoshan Road Station and walk south towards the pedestrian footbridge.

Estimated Visit Time: 1-2 hours to explore the surrounding streets and absorb the atmosphere.

Pro-Tip: Before you go, read the “Like a Fish in Water” blog post. It provides a fantastic visual comparison between the anime and the real locations, serving as a valuable guide even if access has changed.

Animation Museums: A Journey Through Chinese Cartoon History

To truly appreciate China’s modern ACG boom, it’s essential to understand its roots. These museums are not just collections of artifacts; they are testaments to the long and rich history of Chinese animation, from classic ink-wash styles to modern digital blockbusters.

China Cartoon and Animation Museum (Hangzhou)

Opened in 2021, this is the first national-level museum dedicated to animation in China. It offers a comprehensive look at the country’s century-long animation history, making it an essential stop for any cultural explorer. It’s located next to the site of the annual China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) (SHINE.cn).

What You’ll See:

• Classic Manuscripts: The museum houses over 20,000 items, including original art from beloved classics like Black Cat Detective (CGTN).
• Interactive Exhibits: Explore displays on modern animation techniques, sound design, and even e-sports.
• Unique Architecture: The building itself, designed by MVRDV, is meant to resemble an “auspicious cloud,” with eight interconnected balloon-like volumes.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: 375 Baimahu Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

How to Get There: Hangzhou is easily reachable from Shanghai by a ~1-hour high-speed train. From the station, a taxi or local bus is needed to reach the museum.

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Wednesday to Sunday). Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (China Daily).

Ticket Price: Free, but reservation through their official channels is highly recommended.

Pro-Tip: If your trip aligns (usually late Spring/early Summer), combine this visit with the annual China International Cartoon and Animation Festival (CICAF) for an ultimate animation experience.

Shanghai Museum of Animation

This is a smaller, more focused museum that provides an excellent overview of the history of animated films. It places a special emphasis on the legendary Shanghai Animation Film Studio, the creator of many of China’s most iconic and artistic works, such as the ink-wash masterpiece Where is Mama.

What You’ll See:

• History of Animation: The ground floor exhibits cover the history of both global and Chinese animation.
• Production Process: See displays that walk you through how animated films are made, from initial storyboarding to final post-production.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: 69 Zhangjiang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

How to Get There: Take Metro Line 2 to Zhangjiang High Technology Park Station.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). Closed on Mondays.

Ticket Price: Please check official sources or TripAdvisor for current pricing, as it can change.

Pro-Tip: This is a more “old-school” museum experience. It’s perfect for those deeply interested in the art form’s history rather than modern, interactive displays.

Themed Attractions: Immersive Fun for All Ages

For families and fans looking for a day of pure, immersive fun, China offers several world-class theme parks. These destinations bring beloved characters and stories to life on a grand scale.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort is a magical kingdom with a unique Chinese flair. It masterfully blends classic Disney magic with groundbreaking attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Must-Do “Anime-Adjacent” Activities:

• TRON Lightcycle Power Run: A high-speed, futuristic coaster that feels like it was ripped straight from a sci-fi anime.
• Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure: A technologically stunning boat ride that completely redefines the classic attraction. Its scale and effects are breathtaking (Delightful.Life).
• Zootopia Land: Step directly into the world of the beloved animated film in this fully immersive and detailed land.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

How to Get There: Take Metro Line 11 directly to Disney Resort Station.

Opening Hours: Typically 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM, but always check the official calendar as hours vary.

Ticket Price: Varies by date (peak vs. off-peak). Book well in advance online through the official site or authorized partners.

Pro-Tip: Download the official Shanghai Disney Resort app before you go. It’s essential for checking ride wait times, show schedules, and making reservations.

World Joyland (Changzhou)

Welcome to one of the most fascinating and surreal theme parks in the world. World Joyland is an audacious park heavily “inspired” by the video game universes of World of Warcraft and StarCraft. It’s a must-see for any gamer with a sense of adventure.

Insider Knowledge: It’s crucial to note that this park is unofficial. It was built without licensing from Activision Blizzard, which makes it a unique and controversial landmark of Chinese fan culture and enterprise (Wikipedia). Its existence speaks volumes about the passion for these games in China.

Must-Do Activities:

• Explore the “Terrain of Warcraft” and “Universe of StarCraft” zones and marvel at the familiar-looking architecture.
• Ride the “Sky Scrapper,” an impressive flying roller coaster.
• Take photos with the massive, epic statues that are the park’s main draw.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: Taihu Bay, Wujin District, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province.

How to Get There: Changzhou is about 1 hour from Shanghai by high-speed train. From Changzhou station, a taxi or a dedicated bus is required to reach the park.

Opening Hours & Status: The park’s operational status can be inconsistent. It is highly recommended to check official sources like Trip.com for the most current operating status and hours before planning your trip.

Pro-Tip: This is an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Do not expect the polish of Disney. Go with an open mind, a sense of humor, and an appreciation for its unique place in fan history.

Hello Kitty Park (Anji)

A world of pink and charm awaits at China’s first and largest Hello Kitty theme park. This is a delightful destination perfect for families with young children and, of course, lifelong fans of Sanrio’s iconic characters.

Must-Do Activities:

• Meet Hello Kitty and her beloved friends for photos and hugs.
• Enjoy the gentle, family-friendly rides designed for younger visitors.
• Don’t miss the wonderful character parade, a highlight of any visit.

Traveler’s Cheat Sheet

Location: No.1 Angel Avenue, Dipu Town, Anji County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

How to Get There: This is the most challenging park to reach independently. It’s located about a 3-hour drive from Shanghai or Hangzhou. Hiring a private car or joining a tour is the most convenient option.

Opening Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, but always verify before going.

Ticket Price: Check platforms like Klook or Trip.com for tickets. They often offer packages that include transportation.

Pro-Tip: Anji County is famous for its stunning bamboo forests (featured in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). Consider making it a two-day trip to enjoy both the park and the breathtaking natural scenery.

Sample Itineraries: Your Anime Trip Blueprint

To help you piece it all together, here are two sample itineraries designed for different types of travelers. Use them as a starting point for your own magical journey.

Itinerary 1: The 5-Day Shanghai & Hangzhou ACG Overload

Focus: The dedicated ACG enthusiast who wants to see it all.

Route: Shanghai -> Hangzhou -> Shanghai

• Day 1-2: Shanghai’s Urban Core. Arrive in Shanghai. Dive straight into the Nanjing Road area. Spend these two days exploring the dense cluster of Bailian ZX, Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, and New World City.
• Day 3: Shanghai’s Fandom Hubs. Head to Jing’an Joy City in the morning for the latest pop-ups. In the afternoon, explore the Xujiahui area, visiting the iconic Metro City and the hardcore fan paradise, TPY Center.
• Day 4: Hangzhou’s Animation History. Take an early high-speed train to Hangzhou. Spend the day at the magnificent China Cartoon and Animation Museum.
• Day 5: Shanghai Pilgrimage & Departure. Return to Shanghai in the morning. Make the poignant pilgrimage to the Baoshan Road area for Shikioriori before heading for your departure.

Itinerary 2: The 4-Day Family Cartoon & Magic Tour

Focus: Families with children looking for fun and magic.

Route: Shanghai -> Anji -> Shanghai

• Day 1: Disney Magic. Spend the entire day at Shanghai Disney Resort. Stay for the incredible nighttime spectacular over the castle.
• Day 2: Hello Kitty Adventure. Take a pre-booked private car or tour to Hello Kitty Park in Anji. Enjoy a full day of gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. Return to Shanghai in the evening.
• Day 3: Shanghai’s Playful Side. Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum for hours of interactive fun. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon, perhaps shopping for toys.
• Day 4: Departure. Enjoy a final character-themed breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport.

Planning Your Trip: Essential Q&A

A little planning goes a long way. Here are answers to some common questions to help make your trip smoother.

Q1: What is the best time of year to visit?

A: Autumn (September-November) is ideal for Eastern China (Shanghai, Hangzhou). The weather is pleasant, with less rain and comfortable temperatures for walking. Avoid major national holidays like Golden Week (early October) due to extreme crowds and high prices.

Q2: How do I buy tickets for attractions and trains?

A: For theme parks, use their official apps/websites or trusted third-party platforms like Klook and Trip.com. For high-speed trains, the official “Railway 12306” app is best but requires a Chinese payment method. Trip.com offers an excellent, English-friendly booking service as an alternative. Book trains at least a week in advance.

Q3: Are these places English-friendly?

A: Major attractions like Shanghai Disney have excellent English support. Malls in Shanghai will have English signage, but staff proficiency varies greatly. For museums and locations outside major cities (like World Joyland or Hello Kitty Park), expect very limited English. A translation app is your best friend.

Q4: What apps are essential for this trip?

A: Alipay or WeChat Pay (absolutely essential for payment everywhere), Amap or Baidu Maps (more accurate than Google Maps in China), a good Translation App (like Google Translate with the offline package downloaded), and Trip.com (for bookings).