Tianjin, a city with rich cultural heritage, is experiencing a remarkable surge in tourism, driven by the popularity of the film "Ne Zha 2." Visitor numbers have soared by 30% as Ne Zha-themed experiential routes captivate tourists. "Ne Zha town," a revitalized park in Tianjin's Hexi district, has become a key attraction, drawing crowds eager to explore its unique murals and historical architecture.
The former industrial park, once a radio factory from 1958, has been transformed into "Ne Zha town," celebrating the mythical character with vibrant murals that entice visitors for photo opportunities. The park also features scenes from Chentang Pass, integrating Tianjin-style clapper talk and traditional Chinese lute music for an authentic experience. Yan, a user on Xiaohongshu, shared her visit to "Ne Zha town" in February, noting its creativity and expressing hope for increased promotion.
"Ne Zha town isn’t very big but it’s very creative. It’s a shame that it wasn’t more publicised. Do something, Tianjin tourism!" – Yan (a user on Xiaohongshu)
The film's influence extends beyond Tianjin. Locations such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan province and attractions in Shandong, Shaanxi, Henan, and Hubei are offering discounts or free entries to visitors presenting a Ne Zha 2 movie ticket stub. This initiative aims to capitalize on the film's success by boosting cultural tourism across China.
In Chentangzhuang, another area linked to the film's Chentang Pass, there has been a noticeable increase in tourist activity. The film has sparked renewed interest in Tianjin as one of the prototype sites for the mythical story portrayed in "Ne Zha 2." Characters in the movie speak in the Tianjin dialect, further connecting audiences to the region's cultural roots.
The bustling weekends contrast with quieter weekdays around "Ne Zha town," yet the impact of the film's success is undeniable. China Daily reported a significant rise in visitor numbers since the movie's release. As the hype surrounding Ne Zha 2 continues to fuel this cultural tourism boom, Tianjin benefits from both economic growth and increased global interest.
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