Shanghai launches International Illustration Festival

The new Chinese style, which often refers to incorporating Chinese cultural symbolism into modern designs, is also reflected in illustration art in China.

"The new Chinese style shows that Chinese illustrators are now focusing more on Chinese traditional cultures and finding their positions in our own culture, which is critical. It demonstrates our growing cultural confidence in recent decades. China boasts a such long history, and we need to slow down our pace to read, experience, feel the daily life and accumulate," said Hu.

Li agreed with Hu on the positive and promising prospects of the new Chinese style illustration, adding that this booming trend is just the beginning and expecting more and better such works to emerge.

"The new-Chinese style trend is a journey about 'discovery'. It led us to look at our past and will lead us to the future as well. Illustration works can inspire various fine arts such as animation, trendy toys and graphic design. This festival is like a carnival within the illustration industry, and I am here to communicate and learn," said Li.

Coming to Shanghai for the first time, the popular Japanese illustrator Rolua is hoping to improve his recognition in China and held a book-signing event during the festival.