China’s animation industry is rewriting the rules of storytelling, merging ancient mythology with razor-sharp digital innovation – and Gen Z is here for it. The upcoming Ne Zha 2, a sequel to the 2019 box office phenomenon, promises to reignite global interest in Chinese legends when it drops in 2025, following triumphs like the poetic Chang’an and anthology series Yao-Chinese Folktales.
This creative explosion rides on three key drivers: cutting-edge CGI advancements (China’s VFX studios now rival Hollywood giants), surging investment in homegrown IP, and a strategic push to package cultural heritage for TikTok-era audiences. Streaming platforms like Bilibili report a 160% YoY spike in animated content consumption among under-25s.
“It’s not just nostalgia – we’re seeing mythology retold through inclusive character designs and ecological themes,” notes Shanghai-based animator Li Wei. The trend also reflects China’s soft power ambitions, with studios partnering with Netflix and Crunchyroll to distribute Mandarin-language animations globally.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
