A dystopian prospect

Animated series shows a future where technology is dominant, Li Yingxue reports.

Amid the ever-present and kaleidoscopic neon lights, the dimly lit and humid alleyways, and the towering skyscrapers that pierce the clouds, lies Jiuchuan city — a cyberpunk haven that hints at various underlying anxieties beneath its apparent prosperity.

This evocative imagery is drawn from the 30-minute extended trailer of the second season of the domestic sci-fi 3D original animated series, Ling Cage. Within this series, viewers glimpse the semblance of a future world unrestrained by technological boundaries, prompting profound contemplation on the intricate interplay between technology and ethics.

Ling Cage primarily narrates the tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. Since its debut season in 2019, this domestic original animated apocalyptic fantasy has garnered acclaim for its compelling narrative and sophisticated post-production. Presently, it boasts over 610 million views on the leading short-video-sharing platform Bilibili, coupled with an impressive rating of 9.6 out of a total 10.

The release of the second season's trailer last month resulted in almost 10 million views within 48 hours.

For the 9 million fervent followers eagerly anticipating the second season, more content has been revealed, and maybe the launch time is poised to go live in the imminent future. Audiences can anticipate a more thought-provoking immersion into the sentiment of Chinese-style sci-fi and the quintessence of Chinese culture.

The narrative of Ling Cage unfolds in a futuristic setting, where an unprecedented geological disaster has laid waste to human civilization, pushing Earth's biosphere to the brink of annihilation. A floating fortress from the bygone era has managed to weather this catastrophe, emerging as the last bastion for humanity. This airborne sanctuary is christened the "Lighthouse" by its occupants, symbolizing its role in illuminating humanity's final future.