Many animated films produced by Chinese companies, including Crystal Sky of Yesterday, Monkey King Reloaded and New Happy Dad and Son 3: Adventure in Russia, hit the big screen during the July-August vacation. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Some animated imports will also be released on the Chinese mainland in the summer vacation, such as Sherlock Gnomes and Maya the Bee Movie.

For some, this summer is proof that the market is becoming more diverse, while others still say that Chinese animators still have room to improve.

As Cao Xiaohui, the vice-president of the animation division at the Beijing Film Academy, says: "There is a misunderstanding in China that animated productions are tailored for children."

Hits such as Monkey King: Hero Is Back and Big Fish & Begonia have changed the old ideas.

"Animation is a time-consuming job. Monkey King took eight years and Big Fish 12 years to make. Most domestic animated films take two years or less. Chinese animators need to slow down to polish their work," says Cao.

Besides, he says that local artists should also explore serious themes, such as sci-fi tales for adults, instead of just making content for children.

Yang Shuo, a veteran film producer, says poor storytelling remains one of the biggest problems for Chinese animators.

"An emotional story related to adults will gain word-of-mouth praise online. It is a sure way to create a blockbuster. But it seems none of this year's animated movies have such potential," he says.