BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson has expressed hope for the early release of the animated film 'Ne Zha 2' in Taiwan, highlighting its recent success and the interest it has generated among Taiwanese audiences.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, responded to media inquiries regarding the film's popularity in Taiwan during a press briefing on February 12.

'Ne Zha 2,' which is a sequel to the 2019 animated hit 'Ne Zha' based on ancient Chinese mythology, has achieved significant commercial success, becoming the first film to gross over 1 billion U.S. dollars in a single market, as well as the first non-Hollywood film to reach this milestone.

As of February 12, the film has earned over 9.2 billion yuan (approximately 1.3 billion U.S. dollars) and attracted more than 187 million viewers in China, outperforming other films currently screening and rivaling blockbuster hits from Hollywood.

Zhu noted that there has been a growing interest among some Taiwanese netizens in mainland films following the success of 'Ne Zha 2.' She expressed hope that Taiwanese viewers would soon have the opportunity to experience this film, which she believes could foster a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and the dynamic growth of the film industry on the mainland.

The spokesperson also encouraged individuals from Taiwan to visit the mainland not only to watch 'Ne Zha 2' but also to explore various filming locations of the movie.

Zhu commented on the cultural connection, stating that the enthusiasm for films like 'Ne Zha 2' underscores a shared historical memory and emotional resonance regarding Chinese culture among people across the Taiwan Strait.

In related news, during the recent Spring Festival, the four direct cross-Strait ferry routes were reported to be operational, facilitating the transportation of 121,000 passengers between January 14 and February 5, further illustrating ongoing connections between the mainland and Taiwan.