The cultural phenomenon sparked by the animated hit “Ne Zha 2” has ignited a blaze of enthusiasm that is now scorching the streets of the city, Shenzhen Evening News reported.

A colossal Ne Zha-themed graffiti mural, standing at 2 meters in height and sprawling 10 meters in width, has emerged on the wall of a community in Minzhi Subdistrict, Longhua District, capturing the attention of residents and visitors alike.

Large crowds of citizens visit the "Ne Zha"-themed graffiti mural near the Shangfen Metro Station in Longhua District on Feb. 16. Photos by Liu Xudong

The mural, a vibrant tapestry of color and movement, brings to life the iconic characters from the film. The protagonist, Ne Zha, depicted in a dynamic pose with red flames, stands prominently at the top of the graffiti.

The beloved protagonist is joined by a host of other popular characters including Ao Bing, Taiyi Zhenren, Shiji Niangniang, Ao Run, Shen Gongbao, and Shen Xiaobao, each character vividly portrayed in a sequence that has transformed an ordinary wall into a captivating work of art.

Since its creation, the graffiti wall has become a social media sensation, particularly on the platform Xiaohongshu (RedNote), where a related video post has garnered over 100,000 likes since its release on Feb. 11.

Citizens pose for photos with the characters painted on the wall.

The wall, conveniently located on the street facing Exit A of Shangfen Station on Metro Line 6, has become a must-visit spot for photo opportunities, drawing in a steady stream of admirers.

The mastermind behind this graffiti art is Peng Dan, a resident of Shangfen Community and a freelance artist. With a passion for painting and a background in art from her university days, Peng has been honing her craft for six years.

She, along with two friends, embarked on this ambitious project as a tribute to the film’s characters, which resonated deeply with them during Spring Festival.

On Feb. 2, Peng and her friends found a suitable wall near their homes. With the consent of the relevant department, they started the creation and have turned a simple wall into a canvas.

“I was planning to finish drawing two or three characters, but I didn’t expect it to be loved by so many people and become a popular attraction,” Peng told Shenzhen Evening News. The unexpected popularity has spurred the team to continue their creative endeavors, with Ao Guang being the latest character to join the mural.

Peng Dan (1st R) and her friends are seen finishing the painting on site.

Locals and visitors, including a man surnamed Zhou from Futian District, have been captivated by the graffiti’s striking presence. “Watching it on site is much more shocking than in the video!” he said.

A woman surnamed Zhong, who brought her 5-year-old son to see the mural, echoed the sentiment, stating that the graffiti offers an engaging way for children to connect with traditional culture.