Century of Chinese Children's Art Opens in Shanghai
A century of Chinese children's art is on display in Shanghai, marking the beginning of a nationwide tour supported by the National Arts Fund.
The exhibition at the China Art Museum highlights the evolution of youth-focused art, spanning from early 20th-century ink paintings to contemporary digital animations.
It features over 200 groups of artworks, which include rare manuscripts and vintage periodicals.
Visitors can view original sketches of the orphan "Sanmao" as well as design materials for the classic animation "Black Cat Detective."
The collection also presents copies of the magazines Children's Era and Little Friends from the 1950s, which significantly influenced the childhoods of millions.
"The exhibition is the first to systematically organize a century of children's art, showcasing our cultural heritage and promoting aesthetic education," said curator Huang Yiqian, an associate professor at the Shanghai Film Academy of Shanghai University.
The exhibition highlights how art for children has shifted from a teaching tool to a form of creative expression.
It includes award-winning works from international competitions, such as the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
After the Shanghai debut, the tour will move to regions including neighboring Jiangsu Province, as well as the northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, to share these cultural resources with a wider audience.
If You Go:
Duration: Through June 7, 2026
Admission: Free
Venue: China Art Museum
Address: 205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area
No. 205, Shangnan Road
