Baxian Yu Tiaozao

Baxian Yu Tiaozao, or The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea, was produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio in 1980. This film was part of a golden era for the studio, which sought to translate traditional Chinese folklore and mythological narratives into distinct visual forms, often employing the traditional paper-cut animation technique that had become a signature of the studio’s output under the influence of masters like Wan Guchan.

The film adapts a classic legend centered on the Eight Immortals, a group of legendary figures from Chinese mythology. Its design reflects the studio's commitment to combining folk art aesthetics—characterized by bold lines and intricate, decorative patterns—with fluid animation movements. Upon its release, it was well-received by domestic audiences for its faithfulness to cultural narratives and its contribution to the preservation of Chinese folklore through the medium of animated film.