The animated film "All Wishes Come True" based on Chinese mythology has sparked a surge of tourism to Shanxi Province's Yongle, hometown of Lyu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals.
As this summer's blockbuster, the film grossed over one billion yuan, or 148 million U.S. dollars, as of the end of July.
Rather than retelling the well-known legend of the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, All Wishes Come True imagines what happened before they became legendary figures. The story follows eight ordinary people who meet by chance and embark on an unexpected journey. Through a series of challenges, they gradually discover their strengths and eventually become the Eight Immortals known to generations of Chinese people.
As China's largest and best-preserved Taoist temple complex, Yongle Palace draws 4,000 visitors daily, up more than 20 percent from June.
Movie fans wander through its halls, comparing murals with scenes from the film.
The palace houses over 1,000 square meters of Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) murals considered the world's largest surviving collection of ancient Taoist fresco art.
Animated film based on Chinese mythology sparks tourism boom in Shanxi
Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.
Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.
Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.
Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.
"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.
Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.
"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.
These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.
In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism
