Massive crowds flock to Taichung ACG Expo on opening day

Taichung, April 3 (CNA) The annual Taichung International Animation Comics and Games (ACG) Expo opened on Thursday to overwhelming crowds, as eager fans packed the venue, organizers said.

With the event coinciding with the start of a four-day holiday weekend and featuring mobile gaming companies for the first time, long lines of attendees stretched outside the Taichung International Exhibition Center.

According to the Chinese Animation and Comic Publishers Association, more than 100,000 visitors are expected on the first day alone, with total attendance forecast to exceed 320,000 over the four-day event.

This year's expo is the largest ever, bringing together 72 renowned companies and nearly 300 booths, the association said.

The addition of major mobile gaming companies is also expected to help push attendance beyond last year's record of nearly 300,000.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) emphasized that the festival strengthens Taichung's reputation as "the city of animation, comics and games" and announced plans for other major events later this year.

These include the Taichung Comic Arts Festival in the second half of 2025 and the Taichung International Animation Festival in October.

Additionally, Lu encouraged visitors to explore the National Taiwan Museum of Comics, which opened in downtown Taichung in 2023. She reaffirmed the city's commitment to expanding its influence in the animation and comics industry while fostering long-term growth.