BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- The animated feature 'Ne Zha 2' has officially surpassed 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' to become the highest-grossing film of all time in China, according to data from ticketing platform Maoyan.

The film's domestic box office forecast has been raised to 10.85 billion yuan (approximately 1.51 billion U.S. dollars), marking it as the first Chinese film ever projected to exceed the 10-billion-yuan threshold.

By 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, 'Ne Zha 2' had grossed over 6.06 billion yuan, achieving this record-breaking milestone in just eight days and five hours since its release.

This rapid ascent in earnings reflects a powerful resurgence in China’s film industry, which had faced significant revenue declines in 2024. Prior to this, 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' held the record with 5.78 billion yuan, a figure that was surpassed on Thursday afternoon.

'Ne Zha 2' is a sequel to the 2019 hit 'Ne Zha,' which grossed 5 billion yuan, and it continues the narrative established in its predecessor, drawing from themes rooted in Chinese mythology.

The film follows the character Nezha and Aobing, as they navigate threats and challenges after their souls are saved but their bodies face dissolution, aided by the immortal Taiyi Zhenren.

The film's performance is bolstered by its successful release during the Chinese New Year, a peak period for box office revenue.

During the Spring Festival holiday, 'Ne Zha 2' accounted for approximately half of the total box office earnings, contributing to a historic total of more than 9.5 billion yuan from January 28 to February 4.

Demographically, 'Ne Zha 2' has attracted a wide audience, with over 30 percent of its viewers attending screenings in groups, according to analysts.

The film has notably drawn young families and has re-engaged mid-to-low-frequency moviegoers, particularly those aged 30 to 39. This demographic had previously shown a decline in cinema attendance but has returned in response to the film's favorable word-of-mouth reception.

Industry experts have emphasized the significance of 'Ne Zha 2' for the domestic animation sector.

The film's creative journey, led by director Yang Yu, known as Jiaozi, is viewed as a demonstration of the capacity for growth and resilience within Chinese cinema.

Jiaozi noted that for Chinese films to gain international success, they must resonate on a narrative level with audiences worldwide.

The film's international rollout is set to commence on February 13 in Australia and New Zealand, followed by releases in North America on February 14, further extending its market reach.

The exceptional box office success of 'Ne Zha 2' comes at a time when the Chinese film industry seeks to redefine its presence on the global stage, combining traditional narratives with modern storytelling techniques.

This trend aligns with the ongoing efforts to elevate the quality and appeal of Chinese cinematic productions.