The city of Guiyang, Guizhou province is thinking a lot about Asian animation and digital arts these days, so it will be holding the Asian Youth Animation and Comics Contest, Nov 20 - 22, with thousands of comics from more than 30 countries, including Russia, India and Japan, on display.

Visitors look at a cartoon picture.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event is organized by the municipal government and the city's National Hi-Tech Industrial Zone and has pulled in hundreds of animation experts from China and abroad to contribute their ideas because, in the words of Guo Jianbing, vice-director of China's Industry and Information Technology Ministry, "China will back the animation and comics industry with good policies."

A woman walks by a cartoon in a deserted factory in Guiyang, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The contest has a rigorous selection process and there will be awards for the best works. There will also be some themed activities running simultaneously, such as an anime music concert, e-sports championship, and Cosplay show.

A boy stands before a cartoon work themed on saving water. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In commenting on the event, John Lent, director of the Asia-Pacific Animation Association, said, "The contest's organizing committee wants to provide a site for talented young animators with this opportunity to help more animation institutes and experts see their work and offer them support."