CHENGDU, China, Feb. 14, 2025 — Ne Zha 2 (Ne Zha zhi Motong Naohai) achieved a landmark box office gross of over 10 billion yuan (including pre-sales) on February 13th, 2025, becoming the first film to reach this milestone in China. This success places it among the top three highest-grossing animated films globally and the 17th highest-grossing film overall worldwide.

The film’s success, noted by publications such as the Swiss newspaper Tages-Anzeiger as the first non-Hollywood blockbuster to surpass the billion-dollar mark, is a testament to its widespread appeal. Production, involving over 4,000 individuals from numerous studios since 2019, was largely based in Chengdu, a city recognized as a hub for Chinese animation.

Ne Zha 2’s production leveraged a primarily Chengdu-based animation industry supply chain. From the lead producer, Chengdu Coco Cartoon Co., Ltd., to companies handling special effects, voice acting, and other aspects, Chengdu’s contribution is evident throughout.

Many key production companies are located within the Gazelle Digital Cultural and Creative Valley of the Tianfu Software Park. This complex, home to over 6,000 digital cultural and creative businesses, including Tencent, TikTok, and Migu Music, focuses on gaming, esports, film, television, digital music, and ultra-high-definition video.

Liu Ying of MOREVFX Chengdu Digital Image and Technology Co., Ltd., a contributor to the film’s special effects, highlights Chengdu’s extensive experience in gaming and animation projects, substantial visual effects talent pool, and inclusive environment as key factors in the city’s animation industry growth.

Chengdu’s influence permeates Ne Zha 2, from hot pot and ancient Shu civilization-inspired Barrier Beasts to the use of Taiyi Zhenren’s accent and imagery like bamboo chairs and gaiwan tea in Chentang Pass. Director Yang Yu (Jiaozi) credits Chengdu’s inclusive culture and government-supported industrial ecosystem for the film’s creative vision and technical execution.

Chengdu’s digital industry foundation dates back to 2002, with official recognition as a national-level gaming, comic, and animation development base in 2006, alongside Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The city’s film and television industry currently employs over 100,000 people, supported by 220,000 university students in related fields.

The film’s global success has significantly elevated Chengdu’s profile, showcasing the city’s successful integration of traditional culture and modern industry.

The 2023 FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, and its promotional film featuring Ne Zha and Rong Bao (the Games’ mascot), further enhanced Chengdu’s cultural impact.

The pairing of Ne Zha and the giant panda, while seemingly disparate, highlights the shared cultural roots of these symbols, with Ne Zha now gaining international recognition, mirroring the global appeal of the giant panda.

Source: Gazelle Digital Cultural and Creative Valley of the Tianfu Software Park

CONTACT: Contact person: Ms. Hou, Tel: 86-10-63074558

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