Success of Ne Zha 2 sparks hunt for ancient artifacts in nation's museums

China's animated hit Ne Zha 2, while captivating audiences, has also inspired renewed interest in artifacts on display in Chinese museums.

The blockbuster has seen its box office revenue worldwide, including presales, surpass 13 billion yuan ($1.8 billion), and according to the movie's official Weibo account, its release on Chinese big screens has been extended until March 30.

Through repeat viewings, its zealous fans have propelled this movie to the top of the global animation box office and also uncovered its intricate Chinese cultural references, prompting them to visit museums nationwide in search of its sources of historical inspiration.