A night of magic, mythology, and animated spectacle blazed onto the big screen as Ne Zha 2 made its highly anticipated Belgian premiere at Kinepolis Brussels on 26 March. It will now be available to audiences until 1 April in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, Hasselt and Charleroi. The sequel to the epic animated hit brings back China’s most rebellious mythological hero for an even bigger and bolder adventure, where the audience can enjoy stunning visuals, spectacular battles, and a heartfelt story about destiny and defiance while delving into the rich tapestry of Chinese folklore.
Ne Zha 2 has already set records worldwide, surpassing previous box office records and becoming the first non-Hollywood movie to exceed $1 billion in a single market. Its premiere in Belgium marks a significant moment for international animation, and as this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, it also serves as a powerful symbol of the strengthening cultural ties between the two.
“Animation is something Belgians and the Chinese have in common”, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Fei Shengchao, underlined in his speech at the premiere.
The partnership between China and the EU has evolved beyond political and economic cooperation, expanding into rich cultural exchanges that foster deeper understanding and collaboration in fields such as the arts, education, and media. The success of Chinese films like Ne Zha 2 in European markets is a testament to how shared cultural experiences can bridge gaps and build stronger bonds.
“After thousands of years, we still use pictures as our language, that’s the Chinese Mandarin language, and in Belgium, we are very familiar with TinTin story, with Smurfs stories…and as we all know, a beautiful picture speaks louder than a thousand words”, concluded H.E. Fei Shengchao.
Ne Zha 2: Synopsis
In Ne Zha 2, the beloved hero Ne Zha and his rival-turned-ally, Ao Bing, were struck by heavenly lightning, after which they lost their physical forms. To restore them, their master sacrifices a powerful artifact, giving them a chance to regain their bodies, but with a catch – Ao Bing must share Ne Zha’s body while the two embark on three trials to prove themselves. Along the way, they uncover dark secrets that threaten not just their own futures, but the balance of power between the heavens and the mortal world. Filled with intense action and deep emotional stakes, Ne Zha 2 is a thrilling adventure of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery.
Sparking interest in Chinese culture and tourism
Ne Zha 2″ draws inspiration from the 16th-century Chinese novel “The Investiture of the Gods”, making China a hotspot not only for adventurous travellers and anime fans but also mythology enthusiasts from all over the world.
The release of Ne Zha 2 has sparked a significant surge in tourism to locations tied to the film’s story and its cultural roots. With the wave of set-jetting travel, popular destinations such as the Cuiping Mountain Scenic Area in Yibin and Ne Zha Palace in Sichuan Province saw record-high visitor numbers, with Ne Zha Palace attracting approximately 8,000 visitors after the Spring Festival. Other movie-related sites, including Yibin, Jiangyou, and the Ne Zha Ancestral Temple in Xixia County, also experienced an increase in tourism, with hotel bookings doubling and overall visits rising by 18%.
Beyond the cultural impact, Ne Zha 2 is boosting local economies through themed events and a surge in merchandise sales, with online purchases surpassing 50 million yuan on Taobao, one of China’s top e-commerce platforms.
Furthering the tourism surge, China expanded the list of nations that can visit the country without a visa and also relaxed its transit policy, extending the stay for eligible foreign travellers to 240 hours (10 days) and expanding travel regions, leading to a 112% increase in visa-free foreign tourism.
The film’s success has even influenced online searches for these regions, proving the power of cinematic influence on travel. As tourism continues to grow, Xixia Cultural Tourism Development Service Centre is offering movie tickets as part of their promotional packages, along with China’s Travel with Chinese Films program offering themed travel routes that allow tourists to explore iconic filming locations while enjoying the country’s stunning natural landscapes, creating the ultimate fan experience.
