‘Ne Zha 2’ sparks tourism boom across Chinese destinations
Tourism in China has surged following the release of Ne Zha 2, a local animated film that has sparked interest in destinations tied to its mythological narrative. Released during the Chinese New Year on January 29, the film became the first non-Hollywood movie to gross over $1 billion in a single market, with a total of 8 billion RMB ($1.12 billion) in China. Locations featured in the film, such as Cuiping Mountain and Ne Zha Palace, have seen record visitor numbers, with tourism in areas like Sichuan and Henan provinces experiencing significant boosts. The success of the film has also led to a rise in online searches for these destinations, as well as increased hotel bookings and tourism revenue. Additionally, Xixia County has partnered with local landmarks to promote the film, further driving tourism. Ne Zha 2 has resonated with audiences of all ages due to its engaging animation and family-friendly story, leading to a new trend of leveraging popular films to boost tourism.