Encore Films, the film distributor of the highly anticipated Chinese animated blockbuster film Ne Zha 2, revealed that the film would be coming to Singapore on March 6.
The excitement surrounding Ne Zha 2 is driving a cultural tourism boom in all of Asia, with Tianjin—believed to be one of the inspirations for the mythical story—experiencing a surge in visitors.
The film features elements deeply rooted in Tianjin culture, including characters like lotus paste vendors who speak in the city’s dialect. Audiences can also recognize Tianjin-style clapper talk and the traditional Chinese lute in scenes set in Chentang Pass.
As a result, locations with Ne Zha-themed elements have become major attractions for tourists. Chentangzhuang, which many fans associate with Chentang Pass—Ne Zha’s birthplace in the original myth—has reported a noticeable increase in visitors.
To capitalize on this trend, Tianjin’s cultural and tourism sector has introduced several experiential routes centered around Ne Zha, leading to a 30% rise in foot traffic, according to Xinhua. One of the standout attractions is a former industrial park in Tianjin’s Hexi district that has been transformed into a Ne Zha-themed destination.
Dubbed "Ne Zha Town," the site blends the character’s imagery with historical architecture, featuring vibrant murals that have become popular photo spots. Originally a radio factory built in 1958, the park has seen a sharp rise in visitors since the film’s release, as reported by China Daily.
Social media users have also taken notice. A Xiaohongshu user named Yan shared photos from her recent visit, describing Ne Zha Town as small yet creatively designed. She expressed disappointment over its limited promotion, urging Tianjin’s tourism authorities to do more to attract visitors. While the area is bustling on weekends, she noted that the surroundings remain relatively quiet on weekdays.
Beyond Tianjin, other tourist attractions across China are also tapping into the Ne Zha 2 craze. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan, along with sites in Shandong, Shaanxi, Henan, and Hubei, are offering discounted or free entry to visitors who present a Ne Zha 2 movie ticket stub, further fueling the film’s influence on domestic tourism.