Film fans from Hong Kong have been flocking across the border to the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen to view the animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2", with some eager to enjoy an early viewing of the hugely popular movie ahead of its upcoming release in the region on Saturday.
The film has shattered numerous box office records since it was released on the Chinese mainland during the Chinese New Year and on Tuesday dethroned Disney's 2024 picture "Inside Out 2" to become the highest-grossing animated movie of all time.
It has already become the first film to gross the one-billion-U.S.-dollar in a single market and won the first non-Hollywood title to join the coveted billion-dollar club.
The film was set to have its premiere in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Tuesday night prior to its public release in the region on Saturday.
However, the huge hype surrounding the movie has encouraged many Hong Kong residents to head across to Shenzhen, with many saying they were enticed after seeing movie trailers and reading reviews, and simply couldn't wait any longer.
"I'm from Hong Kong and I'm here to support Chinese films. I've seen online comments about the animated film, saying it is a good and touching movie with an excellent storyline that's enlightening for viewers," said a Hong Kong resident who had headed to Shenzhen.
As the long-awaited sequel to the 2019 animated adventure "Ne Zha", the new movie draws inspiration from a mythological tale dating back to China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) period, showcasing cutting-edge special effects which demonstrate the creativity of China's movie industry and highlight the country's cultural charm.
"I specifically watched the first movie in Hong Kong and came today to watch its sequel here in Shenzhen, as it hasn't been screened in Hong Kong. I want to see what makes this animation so successful in attracting many adults and to learn about the latest development of Chinese animation," said another Hong Kong resident surnamed Yuen.
Ne Zha 2 has seen a high screening rate and audience attendance in cinemas across Shenzhen since its release on Jan 29, with the high-quality facilities in the city's movie theaters helping deliver a first-class viewing experience, also being a key factor, in attracting Hong Kong residents, according to one cinema employee.
Hong Kong film fans flock to mainland to see much-hyped "Ne Zha 2"
Hong Kong film fans flock to mainland to see much-hyped "Ne Zha 2"
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
