The animated film 哪吒之魔童闹海 (Ne Zha 2) has captivated audiences since its release on February 22, 2025, making waves at the Hong Kong box office. The film, known for its stunning visuals and compelling story, has quickly ascended to the top of daily ticket sales, becoming the leading animated feature both locally and globally.
Following its opening, Ne Zha 2 broke multiple box office records, generating substantial attention not only from moviegoers but also from the travel industry. Anticipation for the sequel has led Taiwanese fans to express desire to fly to Hong Kong to watch the film, which has not been scheduled for release in Taiwan due to current regulatory barriers. Capitalizing on this demand, Taiwanese travel agencies have introduced special packages inviting tourists to experience the film, alongside sightseeing tours of iconic Hong Kong attractions.
One such travel agency has promoted their “Take A Trip to Hong Kong to Watch Ne Zha 2” package, which includes rides on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and visits to the Sky Terrace 428 for breathtaking views of the city. Schedule options from Taoyuan International Airport include dates such as March 2, 11, and 28, indicating strong interest.
Indeed, the popularity of Ne Zha 2 has prompted travel agencies to expect increased inquiries, with many Taiwanese citizens consulting on travel options for viewing the film on the mainland. Reports suggest organized trips to the mainland are already being planned, including itinerary segments linking cultural experiences with the adventure of watching the film.
On its opening day, the film achieved ticket sales of over HK$6 million (approximately US$770,000), breaking the previous record for animated film openings. With total earnings surpassing HK$15 million within just three days, Ne Zha 2 has surged to widespread acclaim, especially after it was touted as the highest-grossing animated film globally.
Adding to the excitement, Hong Kong's TVB is leveraging the film's success by broadcasting the first installment, 哪吒之魔童降世 (Ne Zha 1), on February 28 at 8 PM local time. This strategic programming aims to immerse viewers back to the roots of Ne Zha's story before they experience the sequel, reinforcing the film's cultural importance.
Both fans and industry experts have noted the high-profile attention surrounding Ne Zha 2, highlighting how the film has revived interest not just among fans but also within the tourism sector. Insights from social media reflect supportive reactions from Hong Kong residents who are thrilled with the influx of Taiwanese tourists seeking to engage with the film's cultural impact. One noted, "The Ne Zha series has built up significant recognition and fanbase among Taiwanese. The thematic tours are beneficial to Hong Kong’s tourism at large."
Despite this encouragement, questions remain about the film's potential release date in Taiwan. Former Foreign Affairs Officer 介文汲 publicly remarked, "It is impossible to release Ne Zha 2 across Taiwan due to existing political constraints. The arts and culture from China are often precluded by the current authorities." This situation was echoed by former legislator 蔡正元, who stated: "If Taiwan’s leader Lai Ching-te were to ease cross-strait relations, allowing Ne Zha 2 to screen might be the right move."
Addressing any complications surrounding future screenings, Light Chaser Animation Chairman 王長田 assured there are no technical barriers for the film's premiere in Taiwan, concluding, "We have prepared all necessary copies to screen this title, but the hurdles are primarily from Taiwan's limitations on imports and quotas. Currently, Taiwan's system restricts the number of mainland films theatrically released each year via its lottery system, limiting the total to just ten films—which excludes Ne Zha 2 this year. Conversely, mainland China has lifted restrictions on imported Taiwanese content since 2010. ”
Consequently, as audiences flock to theaters, Ne Zha 2 continues to reshape animated film expectations, reaffirming its stature and economic influence within cultural exchanges. While it energizes tourism opportunities between Taiwan and Hong Kong, it also provokes dialogue about broader media access issues intertwined with regional cinematic releases.