On Feb. 18, Ne Zha 2 reached the top spot among the highest-grossing animated films worldwide. Photo: IC PHOTO

The animated feature Ne Zha 2 has recently broken various records, both domestically and internationally. In recent years, a growing number of animated films based on traditional Chinese cultural intellectual property (IP)—such as Chang An, White Snake: Afloat, and the Ne Zha series—have not only sparked trends in the domestic film market but have also helped promote Chinese culture globally.

From the distinctive regional culture of Sichuan Province in southwestern China to elements of the Sanxingdui bronzeware, on to figures and scenes in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) classic Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) such as Shiji Niangniang (Lady Rocky) and divine deification ceremonies, the film delves deeply into the rich resources of traditional Chinese culture. Additionally, it weaves in Chinese philosophical concepts, such as the Taoist idea of “letting nature take its course” and Confucian thoughts on “cultivating oneself to establish lofty ideals,” showcasing a profound exploration of this cultural treasure trove.

The success of Ne Zha 2 provides an instructive example for reconsidering how to creatively transform and innovatively develop China’s fine traditional culture. It also serves as a reference for driving high-quality cultural industry development by uncovering and creatively presenting indigenous culture.

Xue Ke, deputy dean of the USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry, observed that Ne Zha 2 highlights the vast potential of traditional cultural IP. He noted that the film effectively captures the shift in content production, driven by the fusion of traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetic demands. It successfully preserves traditional cultural genes while innovatively addressing contemporary aesthetic preferences and values. The Ne Zha series adheres to the core values of Chinese culture in its cultural representation, while aligning character creation with the values and behavior of modern society, especially the younger generation.

Xue further noted that Ne Zha 2 strikes a dynamic balance between “dual innovations” in content and technology. It emphasizes the content value of traditional culture in the context of social progress, while also underlining how digital technology drives the evolution of media language. The seamless integration of advanced production techniques with the film’s narrative structure results in an awe-inspiring audio-visual feast.

With the rapid maturation of the domestic animation industry, more advanced digital production technologies are being employed in animation filmmaking. This progress has enabled the resolution of technical challenges that once constrained storytelling and scene design, Xue explained. For instance, Ne Zha 2 utilizes a state-of-the-art independent physics engine to incorporate 200 million individual components into one frame, delivering a novel visual and emotional experience to the audience. It strikes an impressive balance between tradition and innovation, maintaining foundational principles while embracing creativity.

Xie Xuefang, director of the Institute for Artistic and Creative Industry at Tongji University, attributed the success of Ne Zha 2 in adapting traditional cultural IPs to several key factors. First, the potential of traditional cultural IP lies in its ability to tap into the zeitgeist of valuable cultural resources, combining innovation with respect for core principles and evolving alongside the times. As a traditional cultural IP, Ne Zha 2 creatively integrates contemporary themes such as family and personal growth, resonating with modern sensibilities and reinforcing emotional connections and cultural identity.

Second, the film capitalizes on highly industrialized digital technology to drive film production, effectively merging content innovation with technological advancements. This success results from a collaborative effort, bringing together a range of contributors. The Ne Zha 2 production team developed the original “dynamic ink rendering engine” technology, incorporating traditional ink painting techniques into visual production. The film also features nearly 2,000 visual effects shots, over 10,000 special effects elements, and the involvement of over 4,000 animators from 138 animation companies, marking a significant leap forward in the industrialization of Chinese animation.

Edited by CHEN MIRONG