A Study of the Visual Expressions of Traditional Culture in the 3D Animation Chang'an

Abstract

Chang'an (Chinese: 长安三万里), also known as 30,000 Miles from Chang'an, is a 2023 Chinese 3D animated historical drama film directed by Xie Junwei and Zou Jing.This thesis aims to explore the visual expression of traditional culture in the 3D animated film Chang'an as an example to reveal the reasons for the success of this type of film. The study analyses in detail the design of the character models and costumes, as well as the use of the traditional landscape painting technique of ‘white space’ in the composition of the screen from the visual aspect. Through the analysis of character design and screen composition, the thesis concludes that the success of Chang'an lies in its elaborate visual design and clever use of traditional culture, which makes it a 3D animation film with both artistic and commercial values. Finally, the thesis concludes that the production of a successful 3D animation film needs to combine the visual elements of 3D animation with traditional culture in order to win audience recognition and achieve commercial success.