The rising success of Chinese cultural intellectual property (IP), including animation, mythology-based films, and creative products, is gaining global attention. As films like "Nezha: Demon Child is Back (2024)" ("Nezha 2") break box office records in mainland China, Hong Kong audiences eagerly anticipate its local release.

China's Cultural Heritage: An Endless Source for IP Development

According to Huang, the Executive President of the Greater Bay Area Cultural and Creative Industries Association, China's thousands of years of history, mythology, and intangible cultural heritage provide an inexhaustible resource for the creative industry. When merged with high-quality content production and advanced technology, these cultural elements can be transformed into globally competitive IP.

The success of "Black Myth: Wukong" and "Nezha 2" exemplifies this trend, showing that Chinese cultural themes are no longer just domestic phenomena but are reaching international audiences. Huang noted that even international brands adopt Chinese elements, as seen in Hong Kong Disneyland's festive Chinese decorations during holidays like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Lunar New Year.

He also emphasized that Hong Kong designers should engage more with the vast mainland market, drawing inspiration from the booming "Guochao" (national trend) movement, which integrates traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern design. Successful IPs like Pop Mart's "Molly" and "LABUBU," created by Hong Kong designers, demonstrate how local talent can thrive when supported by mainland enterprises.

Hong Kong Audiences Eager for "Nezha 2" Release

The record-breaking success of "Nezha 2", which has surpassed 8.1 billion yuan in box office revenue, has sparked demand among Hong Kong audiences. Many moviegoers expressed their desire for the film to be released in Hong Kong soon, with some noting that domestic Chinese animations receive less promotion compared to Japanese films.

A Hong Kong resident, Mr. Zheng, shared that he learned about "Nezha 2" from colleagues who praised its quality. He believes animated films have a broader family appeal, making its box office dominance over live-action films unsurprising.

Meanwhile, Mr. Li, a visitor from Guangzhou, was particularly impressed by the scene where Shen Gongbao faces three flood dragons alone, which reshaped his perception of the legendary character. He praised the film's high production value and intricate character animations, affirming the potential of China's animation industry on the global stage.

As Chinese cultural IPs continue to flourish, integrating traditional themes with modern storytelling and technology paves the way for global success. With Hong Kong audiences eagerly awaiting "Nezha 2", the film's anticipated release could further solidify the city's role as a bridge between Chinese cultural exports and the international market.

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