Popular Chinese Animation Theme Song “Not Ordinary” Resonates at CMG Anime Gala
The theme song from the popular Chinese animated series Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan (凡人修仙传), titled “Not Ordinary” (不凡), recently captivated audiences at the CMG Anime Gala, a significant event for the animation industry in China. The gala, hosted by China Media Group (CMG), showcased a variety of anime content and featured performances, drawing considerable attention online, particularly on platforms like Bilibili. This event underscores the growing prominence of domestically produced animation within China’s entertainment landscape and its increasing cultural influence.
The CMG Anime Gala, which premiered on CCTV-1 on January 25, 2025 and was simultaneously broadcast on platforms like CCTV Video and the CCTV Children’s Channel, aims to promote high-quality animation and foster a thriving anime community. According to Baidu Baike, the gala was hosted by a team of six prominent CCTV presenters: Ju Ping, Xiao Lu, Huang Wei, Huo Xiaolei, Iskandar Ahemet, and Cai Yunyong. The performance of “Not Ordinary” from Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan quickly became a highlight, generating significant buzz on social media.
The Rising Popularity of Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan
Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan, which translates to “Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality,” is a highly popular Chinese web novel adapted into a donghua (Chinese animation). The series follows the journey of Han Li, a determined individual striving for immortality in a world of cultivation and magic. The animation, produced by Wanwei Mao Animation (万维猫动画), has garnered a large and dedicated fanbase, and the theme song, “Not Ordinary,” has turn into synonymous with the series’ spirit of perseverance and self-improvement. The Bilibili video showcasing the performance at the CMG Anime Gala has already received over 41,702 views, 33 comments, 4,506 likes, 157 shares, 211 collections, and 148 reposts as of March 4, 2026. As reported on Bilibili, the animation studio, Wanwei Mao Animation, actively engages with its audience through platforms like Weibo, encouraging fans to follow their updates on new projects like Jiang Ye (将夜), Shen Mu (神墓), and Da Dao Du Xing (大道独行).
The success of Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan reflects a broader trend in China towards domestically produced content. For years, Chinese audiences have been avid consumers of Japanese anime and manga. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the quality and popularity of Chinese animation, driven by factors such as government support for the cultural industry, increased investment in animation production, and a growing pool of talented animators and storytellers. This shift is not only satisfying domestic demand but also increasing China’s cultural export potential.
CMG Anime Gala: A Platform for Domestic Animation
The CMG Anime Gala serves as a crucial platform for showcasing and promoting Chinese animation to a wider audience. By broadcasting the event on a major national television channel like CCTV-1, CMG is providing significant exposure to domestically produced anime, helping to raise its profile and attract new viewers. The gala also provides an opportunity for industry professionals to network and collaborate, fostering innovation and growth within the Chinese animation sector.
The event’s focus on animation aligns with China’s broader strategy to develop its cultural industries and enhance its soft power. The Chinese government has identified animation as a key sector for growth, providing financial support and policy incentives to encourage its development. The CMG Anime Gala is a tangible example of this commitment, demonstrating the government’s willingness to invest in and promote domestic animation on a national scale.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Engagement
The performance of “Not Ordinary” at the CMG Anime Gala generated a significant amount of buzz on social media, particularly on Bilibili, a popular video-sharing platform in China. Fans of Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan enthusiastically shared clips of the performance, expressing their appreciation for the song and the animation. The hashtag #凡人修仙传# (Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan) trended on Bilibili, demonstrating the series’ continued popularity and the strong engagement of its fanbase. Douyin also features numerous videos related to the CMG Anime Gala, indicating widespread interest in the event.
Wanwei Mao Animation actively cultivates its relationship with fans through social media, providing updates on its projects and responding to feedback. This direct engagement helps to build a loyal fanbase and fosters a sense of community around the animation studio’s work. The studio’s willingness to listen to its fans and incorporate their suggestions into its productions is a key factor in its success.
The studio’s recent activity, including a “magical dance” performance featuring Han Li, demonstrates a commitment to engaging with fans in creative and unexpected ways. This type of interactive content helps to preserve the fanbase excited and invested in the series.
Looking Ahead
The success of the CMG Anime Gala and the popularity of Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan signal a bright future for Chinese animation. As the industry continues to mature and attract investment, we can expect to spot even more high-quality domestically produced anime emerge, captivating audiences both within China and around the world. The continued support from CMG and other government agencies will be crucial in fostering this growth and ensuring that Chinese animation can compete on the global stage.
The next step for Wanwei Mao Animation will likely involve continued production of new episodes of Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan, as well as the development of other exciting animation projects. Fans can stay updated on the studio’s latest news and releases through its official social media channels. The studio’s commitment to quality and fan engagement positions it as a key player in the burgeoning Chinese animation industry.
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