The Chinese animated film Ne Zha II has taken the global box office by storm, surpassing 12 billion yuan (approximately $1.66 billion) as of February 17. This milestone places it among the top 10 highest-grossing films of all time, standing as the only non-Hollywood production in a lineup dominated by giants like Avatar, Titanic, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
In the Chinese mainland, Ne Zha II has dominated the domestic market, capturing a significant share of this year’s box office revenue and setting a new record in Chinese cinema history. The film’s international success continued following its North American release on February 14, where it broke into the top five of the weekend box office charts, according to global media measurement and analytics company Comscore.
“I’m so impressed on so many different levels with the accomplishments of this particular film,” said U.S. animator Sheila Sofian after watching it in Los Angeles. “The production design, sound design, and music are brilliant. The story itself was so complicated, with twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire time.”
Amid the excitement surrounding the film, the “China Travel with Chinese Films” campaign was launched on Monday at the China National Film Museum in Beijing. The initiative aims to leverage the international success of Chinese New Year blockbusters and recent visa-free transit policies to attract more overseas visitors to China.
Hosted by the China Film Administration and China Media Group (CMG), and organized by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and the Film Channel Program Center, the campaign focuses on promoting “film + tourism.” By integrating Chinese film screenings and international film festivals, it invites global audiences to experience China through cinematic storytelling.
By fostering innovative collaboration between the film and tourism industries, the campaign seeks to develop themed travel routes that offer immersive experiences in both movie culture and China’s natural and cultural landscapes.
Jiang Qiudi, head of CMG’s Europe Bureau, stated that CMG will leverage its global network of correspondents and partnerships with international media and social platforms to promote the campaign. The goal is to expand its reach and influence, strengthen collaborations with international film institutions, and establish flagship events that spotlight outstanding Chinese films.
The event saw filmmakers and production teams behind this year’s New Year blockbusters sharing the latest updates on box office performances around the world. Representatives from CMG, the Film Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, major Chinese film production and distribution companies, film studios, travel agencies, and the Silk Road International Film Festival were in attendance.
