MK sports East China's Jiangsu Province on February 26, 2025. The highest-grossing Chinese film has seen its worldwide box-office revenue surpass 13 billion yuan ($1.8 billion). Photo: VCG" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-26/f7b8cdc5-0988-4286-9348-4f785e37b8b1.jpeg" />

Customers purchase cultural and creative products related to the animated movie Ne Zha 2at a bookstore in Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu Province on February 26, 2025. The highest-grossing Chinese film has seen its worldwide box-office revenue surpass 13 billion yuan ($1.8 billion). Photo: VCG

The highly anticipated Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2is set for official release in multiple Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand . As the film enjoys global popularity, the border county of Hekou in Southwest China's Yunnan Province has witnessed a surge in cross-border moviegoers.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency , efforts are still underway to release Ne Zha 2in Vietnam. Eager to catch the film, many Vietnamese movie fans have crossed the border to watch it in China. 

Lin Jing, deputy director of the Hekou County Culture and Tourism Bureau, told the Global Times that since Ne Zha 2released, cinemas in Hekou county have maintained an occupancy rate of over 80 percent, with Vietnamese viewers accounting for around 5 percent of attendees.

"Many Vietnamese viewers who traveled to Hekou specifically for the film said they were deeply drawn to the traditional Chinese cultural elements showcased in the film, including its mythological storyline, costumes, props, and architectural styles. For many young Vietnamese, watching the film has also become a way to learn Chinese and better understand Chinese culture," said Lin.

Dang Thi Hong is a Chinese language student from Vietnam. She found the traditional Chinese cultural elements in the film very captivating. "I'm already looking forward to the next Ne Zha movie, and I hope even more Vietnamese friends will get to watch such a great movie."

Vuong Thi Hien from Vietnam works at a store selling cultural and creative products in Hekou.

"I watched the movie with my friends and really liked it. Since I work here, I need to learn about Chinese culture. After watching the movie, I found it very enjoyable and also learned a lot."  

Lin said that the popularity of Ne Zha 2has boosted local consumption in sectors such as dining, accommodation, and retail. Many Vietnamese visitors combine their movie trip with a "cross-border one-day tour." They depart in the morning and return in the evening. 

Local hotels have also enhanced their services to better cater to Vietnamese guests, offering features such as Vietnamese-speaking staff and family-friendly rooms, Lin said.

Chao Ta May, a tourist from Vietnam, shared that she first came to Hekou to watch Ne Zha 2during the Spring Festival holidays and returned later for further sightseeing. "I heard that the film will soon be released in Vietnam too, and I plan to bring my whole family to see it," she said. As a fan of singing, dancing, and popular Chinese TV programs, she is excited to experience more Chinese entertainment in the future, she added.