Chinese feature animation has a history that reaches far beyond the current streaming boom. Princess Iron Fan (铁扇公主), directed by Wan Laiming and Wan Guchan, dates to 1941. The Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival identifies it as Asia’s first feature-length animated film, made in wartime Shanghai.
A familiar journey in a new medium
The story draws on Journey to the West: Sun Wukong and his companions need a magical fan to pass the Flaming Mountains. BIFAN’s programme notes describe a production that combined approaches including live-action reference through rotoscoping and layered camera work. The importance of the film lies both in the story it adapted and in the act of making that story move on screen.
Watch the choices, not just the milestone
When approaching an early animated feature, try comparing a wide view with a close view. Where does the scene ask you to look? How does a character’s silhouette communicate a change of mood? What can a transformation do that a realistic image cannot? These are viewing questions, not a test of whether an old film resembles a modern one.
A history that can still be revisited
A 2024 Shanghai International Film Festival announcement documented a 4K restoration by the China Film Archive and Arknights. That is a dated preservation project, rather than a new release announcement for today. It is also a reminder that animation history depends on access to surviving materials. If you watch a restored edition, note the restoration credit alongside the original film year.
Sources & further reading
BIFAN — Princess Iron Fan (1941) ↗
Shanghai International Film Festival — Restoring Princess Iron Fan ↗
Original Atlas knowledge feature. Historical dates refer to the works or events described. References checked on 11 October 2026; viewing prompts are Atlas editorial suggestions.