GAF's annual illustration mega-fest is back for 2026, taking over the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from May 1–3. This year it spreads across 33,000㎡ and three themed halls built around a neat "Past / Present / Future" framing — which is convenient, because the content inside pretty much covers everything from traditional illustration to AI-leaning experiments.Expect a dense mix of illustration, animation, game IPs, and general visual culture overload. Over 900 artists and exhibitors from 30+ countries are listed this year, including names like ZeenChin, LAM, Guweiz, and Anmi, plus recognizable IP worlds such as Alien Stage, The Legend of Luo Xiaohei, and Genshin-related creators.Beyond the wall-to-wall artwork, the program leans heavily into the fan economy: signings, artist talks, limited merch drops, cosplay zones, and interactive installations that sit somewhere between game demo and art piece.It runs through the May Day holiday, which basically guarantees crowds. Tickets are sold via the official WeChat mini program "插画艺术节", and some categories are expected to disappear in advance due to daily capacity limits — so if you're going, don't assume you can just show up and wing it.
