Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the first Shanghai Summer International Animation Month, which successfully integrated three major animation events, showcasing Shanghai's deep engagement in the cultural industry and its appeal to professionals in the sector [3][4]. Industry Overview - The "Guzi Economy" market in China reached 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 40.63%, and is expected to exceed 200 billion yuan in 2025. The broader subculture market is estimated to grow from 597.7 billion yuan in 2024 to 652.1 billion yuan in 2025 [5]. - The rise of the subculture has attracted significant capital investment, with major listed companies in the sector including Perfect World, G-bits, Giant Network, and Bilibili [6][7]. Investment Trends - From 2011 to 2024, the average single financing amount in the subculture industry has been below 200 million yuan, with Beijing and Shanghai being the top two cities for financing events [7]. - Notable investments include the angel round funding for the subculture operation company "Dream Factory," which received several million yuan from Deep Industry Capital [9]. Event Significance - The Shanghai Summer International Animation Month attracted 480 exhibitors from various countries, emphasizing Shanghai's historical role as a hub for animation culture in China [10][12]. - The event featured Bilibili World and ChinaJoy, which have evolved into comprehensive platforms for digital entertainment and cultural exchange [11]. Cultural and Economic Impact - The event aligns with the diverse and personalized demands of consumers, particularly Generation Z, who value cultural and emotional connections over mere product functionality [12]. - The integration of cultural, tourism, and commercial elements in the event aims to create a new cultural landmark in Shanghai, enhancing the local economy through increased consumer engagement [15][17]. Media and Promotion - The event was supported by major local media, with over 1 million attendees expected, significantly benefiting local businesses and tourism [19][20]. - The promotional efforts included a comprehensive media strategy that resulted in over 58,000 mentions online and a reach of over 2.6 billion views [22].