Chinese animated productions, such as Rainbow Chicks and The Floating Planet, which have sold their distribution rights to overseas markets, show improved quality and are more popular in the West than before. [Photo provided to China Daily]

But despite these differences, Chinese industry sources say China has enough appeal to lure foreign producers and storytellers.

Li Lian, founder of the Hangzhou company Versatile Media Co Ltd, says the country's huge market is a major attraction.

At the Hangzhou event, Versatile, which has been taking part in the Cannes' MIP events since 2008, established links with companies from the UK, France, India and Italy.

Li says: "Earlier, Chinese animated productions were criticized for their quality and stories. I'm happy to see the improvements."

Versatile's The Floating Planet, an animated movie about three teen heroes on an alien planet, sold its distribution rights to two countries in Cannes earlier this year.

As for the future, China's market is more than just television and theater screens.