Liu Yi Chuanqi

Liu Yi Chuanqi, or The Legend of Liu Yi, is a notable work in the landscape of Chinese original net animation (ONA). Produced in the early 2010s, it draws deep inspiration from the classical Tang dynasty tale of the same name, which tells the story of a scholar who assists a dragon princess. This modern adaptation sought to translate traditional Chinese folklore into the then-burgeoning medium of digital animation, reflecting a broader industry trend of revisiting canonical literature through contemporary animation techniques.

The series was produced by the animation studio Motion Magic, which was recognized for its efforts to push the visual boundaries of domestically produced 3D animation in China. The design language aimed to harmonize traditional aesthetics, such as elegant period costumes and mythological motifs, with the capabilities of 3D modeling. Upon its release, the project was noted by critics and viewers as a significant step in the technical development of Chinese animation, even as it navigated the challenges of evolving production standards in a competitive digital market.