From Wukong to Ne Zha: Chinese legends captivate global screens and consoles

Over the past year, two figures from Chinese mythology have done something few would have predicted: they have surged to the top of global gaming charts, shattered box-office records, and even reshaped travel trends.

The first is Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King.

A major catalyst behind his resurgence is "Black Myth: Wukong," often described as China's first homegrown triple-A video game. Inspired by the 16th-century literary classic "Journey to the West," the action role-playing title reimagines the rebellious hero for a modern, global audience. The response was immediate – more than 10 million copies were sold across platforms within just three days of release.

Developed by Game Science, the game blends cutting-edge graphics with refined, contemporary gameplay. Its sweeping depictions of mountains, temples, and ancient architecture draw heavily from Chinese aesthetics, turning a familiar myth into a visually immersive experience. In the process, "Black Myth: Wukong" has propelled an Eastern tale of courage and defiance onto the world stage.

The game's impact has extended well beyond the screen. Having won Best Action Game and the Players' Voice Award at The Game Awards 2024 – among the industry's most closely watched honors – it also sparked a surge in real-world travel. Fans have flocked to temples, shrines, and historic sites featured in the game, a trend that has become known as "Wukong travel."

But the Monkey King is not the only mythological figure commanding attention. Ne Zha, another iconic character from Chinese folklore, has delivered an equally striking breakthrough – this time on the big screen.

"Ne Zha 2," the sequel to the 2019 animated hit, continues a bold modern retelling of the mythological rebel. With his unruly hair, defiant stare and uncompromising personality, the raccoon-eyed boy hero has resonated strongly with contemporary audiences.

The film's commercial performance has been unprecedented. It grossed 15.4 billion yuan (approximately $2.2 billion) on the Chinese mainland and 15.9 billion yuan (around $2.27 billion) globally, making it the highest-grossing animated feature in history.

With wins in both cultural influence and commercial success, Wukong and Ne Zha put the strength of China's cultural industries on full display and show how powerfully Chinese stories can travel.

Drawn from ancient legends but built for modern audiences, they mark a clear shift: Chinese culture is beyond being introduced to the global stage. It is competing at the top.