China's animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" embodies authentic Eastern aesthetics, which has contributed to its success globally, according to an art expert.

Since its release on the Chinese mainland during the Chinese New Year, "Ne Zha 2" has proved a smashing success at the box office, with total earnings worldwide, including pre-sales, surpassing 12.3 billion Chinese yuan (about 1.72 billion U.S. dollars) as of Tuesday evening.
With its seamless fusion of traditional Chinese mythology and innovative animation storytelling, the film is also igniting a global frenzy.
"Ne Zha 2", drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese mythology, is rich in elements and symbols of traditional Chinese culture, evident in its scene design, character design and the handling of details.

"An important characteristic of Eastern aesthetics is that while forms may vary, the essence remains consistent. The overall designs and forms prioritize an expression of spirit rather than mere likeness in appearance. The character designs in 'Ne Zha 2' reflect the traditional role classifications in Chinese culture and exhibit features of Chinese New Year paintings. Ultimately, the overall design upholds the traditional characteristics of Chinese art, with the expression of spirit as its fundamental feature," said Sun Chengjian, deputy director of the Film and Television Research Institute at the Chinese National Academy of Arts.

These Chinese traditional cultural elements are ever-present in "Ne Zha 2" and conveyed with sincerity, allowing the viewers to truly appreciate the allure of Eastern aesthetics, according to Wang Lei, dean of the School of Animation and Digital Arts at the Communication University of China.