After a remarkable 310-day journey, the Behind-the-Scenes Exhibition for the animated feature Ne Zha 2 officially concluded its run on January 6, 2026. Since its inauguration on March 3, 2025, this cultural celebration spanning winter and summer has not only provided a comprehensive showcase of the artistic ingenuity and craftsmanship behind the production but also facilitated a warm and heartfelt embrace between traditional culture and modern cinematic artistry.
At this juncture, as the exhibition concludes, we are filled with both reluctance to part and profound gratitude. Through this closing statement, we invite you, our dedicated film enthusiasts, to revisit this extraordinary journey together.
Exhibition Preface
Since its release, the animated feature Ne Zha 2 has garnered widespread acclaim from audiences across all sectors of society. Not only has it shattered box office records for Asian films, but it has also claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated film worldwide.
Seizing this momentous occasion, Chengdu Cocoaniworks Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Jiaozi Avenue, proudly presents “Break to Rebuild: The Behind-the-Scenes Exhibition of Ne Zha 2” now officially open at Jiaozi Academy.
As the world’s first exhibition dedicated to the film, this showcase delves into the intricate creative journey behind its making. Visitors will explore everything from the vast evolution of character designs through countless iterations to the monumental industrial animation production process that scaled new heights. The exhibition features over one hundred “Box Office Milestone” posters hand-drawn by Director Jiaozi himself, alongside a documentary bearing the exhibition’s title—Break to Rebuild—which chronicles how 4,000 artists nationwide united to scale the peaks of creativity. True to its theme, “Break to Rebuild”: without repeated breakthroughs and self-transcendence throughout the creative process, today’s pioneering achievements at the forefront of the era would never have been possible.
Once again, we extend our deepest gratitude to global audiences for their unwavering support and love for the film.
To You Who Dare to Collide with the World
Exhibition Guide
Exhibition Overview
Animation Film Production Pipeline
As a shining culmination of modern industrial aesthetics, the creation of an animated feature film is akin to a magnificent journey bridging technology and art.
This production pipeline chart comprehensively maps the entire lifecycle of the film—from initial script conception and storyboard design to artistic concept development and lighting rendering; from voice recording and post-production editing to the final theatrical release. It offers a one-stop breakdown of the systematic, industrial-grade workflow that enabled Ne Zha to “scale mountains and cross ridges.”
A close examination reveals that every stage embodies the professional expertise of individual creators and the seamless collaboration of the entire production team. Adding a layer of charm and engagement, each phase of the pipeline is vividly illustrated by cameo appearances from the film’s beloved characters, making the technical process both lively and entertaining for viewers to explore in detail.
Character and Environment Design Showcase
This section showcases hand-drawn manuscripts and iterative design sketches for over ten key characters from the film, alongside concept art depicting several of its most high-energy scenes. Visitors can trace Ne Zha’s complete evolutionary journey from his initial conception to his final on-screen form, explore multiple unused design iterations for Taiyi Zhenren’s Seven-Colored Lotus, and examine the meticulous refinements made to Lady Shiji’s makeup details. Each manuscript reveals how the creators struck a delicate balance between traditional mythology and modern aesthetics, ultimately imbuing these characters with vibrant life and enduring appeal.
Director’s Hand-Drawn Posters
This exhibition features hand-drawn posters by director Jiaozi, created to celebrate box office milestones. Among them, the 60 most remarkable pieces are on display. You can see exquisitely crafted characters full of personality, along with expressive text. Every stroke reflects the director’s deep understanding of the characters’ traits, embodies his passion and anticipation for the film, and bears witness to the key moments when the film continuously broke box office records. With over 2 billion topic views, these works testify to the profound resonance between artistic creation and audience emotions.
Ne Zha Film Series IP Merchandise
This dedicated zone presents an extensive collection of official merchandise derived from the Ne Zha film franchise. The display features a diverse array of products, ranging from high-quality character figurines and illustrated storybooks to postcards, plush toys, themed drinkware, and commemorative pins. These cultural and creative offerings have garnered immense popularity among fans worldwide, with many items experiencing such high demand that they frequently sell out.
“Ne Zha Sculpted by Ne Zha”: Clay Figurines
This display features the original clay prototypes used in the film’s pivotal “flesh reconstruction” scene, where Ne Zha sculpts his own new form. Visitors will notice multiple distinct versions on exhibit. This variety stems from Director Jiaozi’s singular, challenging directive for the sequence: “It must look as if a three-year-old child sculpted their own likeness.”
Initially, seasoned professional designers attempted to mimic a toddler’s handiwork, but these efforts ultimately fell short of capturing genuine innocence. Following the director’s insight, we formed a special task force comprising the actual children of our studio staff. From their uniquely unpolished creations, we finally discovered the perfect reference. Though rudimentary in execution, these clay figures radiate an authentic childlike charm, embodying the production team’s unwavering commitment to breaking conventions and pursuing artistic truth.
Audio-Visual Lounge
In our dedicated audio-visual lounge, visitors can enjoy a 15-minute abridged version of the behind-the-scenes documentary, Break to Rebuild. This film offers an unprecedented glimpse into the making of Ne Zha 2, chronicling how Director Jiaozi and over 4,000 artists across China joined forces to push against the very ceiling of creative possibility.
Through candid footage of the production team’s intense work moments and lighthearted anecdotes from their downtime, the documentary highlights the indomitable spirit and optimistic outlook of Chinese animation professionals. It showcases their relentless drive to transcend imagination, surpass self-imposed limits, and shatter boundaries—embodying the core value that “life knows no bounds.”
The Art and Making of Ne Zha 2
A comprehensive collection of original art concepts & design evolution, featuring detailed insights into creative vision and production essentials.
Ne Zha: Tales of the Three Realms Illustrated Storybook
Beyond the film, brand-new stories featuring both beloved and fresh characters continue to unfold…
As the exhibition draws to a close, our journey of cultural innovation and cinematic exploration continues unabated.
Building on the insights gained here, we remain committed to deepening the modern expression of traditional culture, bringing more classic myths and timeless elements into everyday life through diverse mediums. We will also persist in building bridges between creators and audiences, ensuring that more behind-the-scenes stories are shared and the power of culture is amplified. We look forward to a future where more masterpieces serve as “ferrymen” for traditional heritage, and we eagerly anticipate reuniting with every friend who shares a passion for culture and cinema.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your companionship and support over the past 300-plus days. Thank you for your love and openness toward the innovation of traditional culture. May the memories of this exhibition become a cherished warmth in your hearts, and may traditional culture continue to shine even brighter through the magic of light and shadow!