A promotional poster of the Rice Fish animation from Lishui's Qingtian county. [Photo provided to Chinadaily.com.cn]

Season 2 of the animation Rice Fish from Qingtian county in Lishui city, East China's Zhejiang province, recently earned a coveted spot on the list of outstanding international communications animations.

The recognition places it among only six works nationwide to achieve such an honor.

The Rice Fish series draws its inspiration from the globally significant agricultural heritage of Qingtian county — specifically the rice-fish symbiosis system.

The innovative series weaves together diverse cultural symbols, including the intricate art of Qingtian stone carving, the resilient spirit of overseas Chinese and the rich tapestry of the local coffee culture, crafting a fairy tale world that resonates with both local charm and an international outlook.

"Rice Fish transcends from being merely an entertainment product; it serves as a cultural ambassador, conveying the profound wisdom of Chinese agriculture and the rich tapestry of the local humanistic spirit," said a spokesperson from Qingtian County Agricultural Tourism Development Investment Co Ltd, which backed the production.

Looking ahead, Qingtian county aims to expand the Rice Fish brand into a comprehensive industry chain, including the development of derivative products, cultural tourism experiences and digital collectibles, thereby showcasing Qingtian culture to the world in a raft of different ways.

The series has already made a significant impact on the international stage, having won an award at the BCM Global Pitching event by the Busan Content Market Organizing Committee in South Korea.