"Manren Festival - 2026 Hsinchu International Animation and Comics Festival" will take place on May 30 and 31 at Hsinchu Prefectural Hall and the Old City area. With the theme "Innovating across dimensions, leading the future with animation and comics", the festival uses the century-old Prefectural Hall as its main exhibition venue for the first time and extends displays into Old City streets.

The program covers original comics, online illustrations, animation screenings, night stage events and Cosplay activities, while connecting Hsinchu Park and Old City businesses. Visitors can join through exhibition, performance or shopping district routes. The curation focuses on original culture, young creators and cross-sector technology.

This year's exhibition includes Hsinchu-based works, Golden Comic Awards pieces, online illustrations and Asian animation, showing how comics have moved from print and digital platforms to social media and visual storytelling. The full lineup is expected at a May 15 press conference. A warm-up event with anime music and a Cosplay show will be held on May 24.

From May 15 to 31, selected Old City businesses will offer limited festival merchandise for visitors who meet spending thresholds, while supplies last. A Cosplay prize draw will also be held. Participants who dress up, take photos and upload them as required may win a round-trip ticket to Tokyo. Details will be announced on the official Facebook page and Instagram.