Opinion | How Chinese mythology and folklore are captivating the world

Drawing on ancient myths, China’s film and gaming industry is offering the world refreshing alternatives to the traditional Western canon

Reading Time:3 minutes

Buildings are lit up with characters from the movie Nezha 2, in Chengdu, in China’s southwest Sichuan province, on February 12. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:30am, 18 Feb 2025Updated: 10:34am, 18 Feb 2025

As Chinese mythology explodes on the world stage, it is poised to redefine the global entertainment market. From this year’s animated film Nezha 2 becoming the first non-Hollywood production to rake in US$1 billion at the box office, to Black Myth: Wukong’s cross-cultural appeal in the gaming world, centuries-old stories are captivating audiences like never before.

This surge in popularity reflects both a growing hunger for diverse narratives and a fascination with cultures beyond the traditional Western canon.

Nezha 2 is more than a domestic success. Tickets for shows in North American cities such as Toronto quickly sold out. Many cinemas in Los Angeles and New York added midnight screenings to meet demand, according to That’s Shanghai. International media and audiences have lauded the film, with critics praising its stunning animation, compelling storytelling and impressive visual effects.

This remarkable achievement underscores the global appeal of Chinese stories and the growing power of Chinese cinema on the world stage.

The cultural explosion is more than just a trend – it’s a global renaissance bringing centuries of Chinese storytelling into the international stage. One reviewer called the energy surrounding Nezha 2 a “turning point”, after which Chinese animation will increasingly flourish in the country’s domestic market.

The overwhelmingly positive global reception is part of a larger trend. It proves the universal appeal of inspiring storytelling, combined with China’s expanding cultural footprint and booming creative industries. These stories, passed down through centuries, explore fundamental human experiences – love, loss, ambition and redemption – woven into fantastical settings that ignite imaginations worldwide.