The vibrant trend of murals and themed merchandise inspired by the popular animated film Nezha 2 is making waves across various cities in China, as public spaces come alive with colorful artwork depicting characters and scenes from the beloved movie. This phenomenon not only serves to attract tourists but also rekindles interest in traditional Chinese culture.
Among the most notable examples is the large mural located on the intersection of Yuhua Street and Zhijiabao Park Road in Datuang City, Shanxi province. Standing approximately 4.5 meters tall and 10 meters wide, this spectacular mural features the film's protagonist, Nezha, depicted with his iconic red apron, fire-tipped spear, and fiery wheels. Since its completion, the mural has become a newly popular photo spot for locals and tourists alike, making it the city’s latest attraction.
According to CNS News, the mural was created shortly after Nezha 2’s overwhelming success at the box office. The local government swiftly capitalized on this opportunity by commissioning the “Night Sky Painting” professional team. Just two and half days were needed for six professional muralists to complete this stunning artwork. The mural is crafted using both spray-paint techniques to convey dynamic flames, blended seamlessly with hand-drawn elements, making Nezha look incredibly alive.
Social media buzz surrounds the mural as well, with reports of one Douyin (TikTok) post racking up over 670,000 views, showcasing its energetic charm. The mural also includes the catchy slogan, “Encounter Pingcheng, Travel Along the River,” cleverly encapsulating the area's cultural essence, effectively guiding audiences to appreciate local treasures.
The trend does not stop in Datuang. Even across Shenzhen, vibrant graffiti walls capture the spirit of Nezha, including impressive works by freelance artist Peng Dan and her team, who created expansive murals depicting Nezha and his fellow heroes around the Xiafen community. Peng stated, “The impact of watching Nezha 2 over the Spring Festival was immense, each character so vivid I felt compelled to bring them to life on the walls for others to enjoy.”
Originally intending to paint just two or three characters, Peng was taken aback by how many visitors flocked to her initial creations. “Once people started taking photos, I realized we had hit the mark as it drew some unexpected fame online,” she said, adding, “We decided to continue the project and expand the mural with more characters like the elegant Stone Goddess and lively Shenyun.”
Shenzhen isn’t alone. Cities like Guangzhou boast the longest Nezha-themed mural wall, measuring about 30 meters next to Nansheng supermarket, which features colorful depictions of iconic characters from the film alongside famous quotes—certainly attracting numerous visitors to enjoy the art.
Foshan, too, is making strides with multiple locations featuring Nezha murals, including some high-quality versions at gas stations capturing the essence of Nezha's rebellious spirit and camaraderie with other characters. Notably, the Binhai Park creative cultural area showcases one of the most comprehensive murals featuring all key figures from Nezha 2, from the flying pig to the earthbound creatures.
Adding to the excitement, the murals have had significant media coverage and increased community engagement, transforming mundane walls across lively neighborhoods—followers on social media have made them beloved local landmarks. The local communities recognize the potential for cultural engagement and economic benefits through tourism.
Meanwhile, Zhongshan has also gotten involved, with murals illustrating Nezha and other characters making local spots more picturesque. Artists aiming to exhibit their talent effectively bring cultural narratives to life on these urban canvases, stimulating both nostalgia and curiosity among audiences of all ages.
It’s clear from city to city, the artistic interpretation of Nezha’s adventures not only colors the urban landscapes, but fosters community connection and cultural appreciation among residents and visitors alike. With each colorful wall, Chinese animated heritage continues to thrive under the sun, extending beyond cinemas and transforming streetscapes one mural at a time.