Hulu Xiao Jingang

Hulu Xiao Jingang, often known as the sequel to the celebrated Calabash Brothers, was produced by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio in 1990. Following the immense popularity of the original series, this production sought to expand the narrative of the seven brothers as they face new adversaries. It represents a significant period in Chinese animation, maintaining the studio's signature paper-cut style while attempting to heighten the stakes through more complex character dynamics and darker thematic elements.

The design of the series relied on the foundational work established by veteran animators at the Shanghai Animation Film Studio, who were known for their mastery of the paper-cut animation technique. By emphasizing traditional aesthetics alongside episodic storytelling, the creators aimed to bridge the gap between folk-tale morality and the evolving expectations of young television audiences in the early nineties. While it faced the difficult challenge of following a cultural phenomenon, it remains a recognized entry in the studio’s legacy.