Chengdu: Where pandas, hot pot and animations meet innovation

Editor's note: Wang Yangyang is a CGTN Radio reporter and the editor of the podcast "Round Table."

In recent weeks, "Ne Zha 2" has made headlines by becoming the highest-grossing animated film in the world, establishing itself among the 10 highest-grossing films in global box-office history. While the film has captured global attention, what many may not know is that this cinematic triumph has its roots in Chengdu, a city in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Chengdu's charm

If you've seen a panda in a wildlife documentary, you've likely encountered one of Chengdu's most famous residents. But there's much more to the city. Just as Tokyo or Paris mixes history and modern art, Chengdu blends old and new, from ancient markets and temples to contemporary shopping districts. And like the iconic New York pizza or Mexico's tacos, Chengdu's spicy hot pot has earned a place in kitchens and restaurants across the globe. Home to over 21 million people, Chengdu boasts a relaxed and welcoming lifestyle that also nourishes the city's creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Take a closer look at the city and you will find that behind animated hits like "Ne Zha 2" lies a vibrant hub for the tech and digital industries. But why Chengdu?

A competitive and cooperative ecosystem

Much like the Hollywood movie model in California, where everyone works together seamlessly and efficiently, animations in Chengdu are created by a network of companies located within a stone's throw from one another, from concept development to special effects and production. "Ne Zha 2" was also born this way. Chengdu Kekedou Animation Film and Television Company Limited was the main production company contributing to the character design, while MOREVFX specialized in visual effects. With such a collaborative environment, more than 1,000 enterprises in Chengdu's cultural and creative industries generate an annual output of more than US$39 billion, making it a major player in China's creative economy.

Policy support

But animation productions cannot be achieved overnight. For example, "Ne Zha 1" took five years to complete, and "Ne Zha 2" took another five and a half years. Such long timelines require patience, market tolerance and a helping hand. It is the city's favorable policies, such as rent reductions, project support, and guidance for new ventures, that give small and medium-sized enterprises like those behind the Ne Zha series the breathing space to sustain their projects and take creative risks. By offering a range of financial incentives and resources, Chengdu is positioning itself as a key player in the global digital creative sector.

Chengdu's innovation beyond animation

While animation may be Chengdu's most visible success, the city's innovation extends far beyond film. Chengdu has become a center for AI, robotics, biotechnology and more. Breakthroughs here such as China's first quantum computing control system, the first "seed bank" for drug screening, surgical robots and so on highlight the city's position at the forefront of global innovation. Chengdu's support for these industries is also apparent in its financial initiatives. The city's "sci-tech loan" system helps startups secure the capital they need to grow, addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by emerging companies. More than 4,000 companies have already benefited from this program, contributing to Chengdu's growing reputation as a hub for innovation.

Ranking 23rd globally in innovation, Chengdu is home to over 1.45 million high-tech enterprises, 19 companies listed on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, and 9 unicorn startup companies. As the city continues to attract international talent and foster groundbreaking innovation, Chengdu aims to make an even bigger impact on the world stage. Whether it's creating the next animated blockbuster or launching the next big tech startup, Chengdu is a city to watch in the years to come.