'Ne Zha 2' sparks Chengdu fever, boosting local tourism

The phenomenal success of "Ne Zha 2" in China and even worldwide has put the spotlight on its birthplace, Chengdu, in southwest China's Sichuan Province. As a "Chengdu-made" film, its widespread acclaim has turned the Ne Zha statues on the city's streets and the headquarters of its production studio, Chengdu Coco Cartoon, into popular tourist attractions.

Behind the film is Chengdu's homegrown animation industry, with local studios contributing to various aspects, from visual effects and dubbing to production. The film's strong Sichuan elements—such as hotpot, the local dialect, and Sanxingdui cultural motifs—further highlight its regional identity.

Beyond the box office, the film has also fueled a culinary trend, with themed restaurants across China incorporating the film's elements into their menus. Meanwhile, merchandise related to the movie has seen soaring demand both online and offline. With its rich cultural heritage, Chengdu continues to inspire the animation and film industry, while the success of "Ne Zha 2" is, in turn, boosting the city's tourism and cultural economy.