Ne Zha Dazzles Chengdu with Spectacular Naked-Eye 3D Light Show

The bustling streets of Chengdu were transformed into a scene from myth and fantasy on May 18, as the legendary character Ne Zha made a dramatic entrance in the form of a towering, lifelike projection. Local residents and visitors gathered in awe beneath digital billboards, gazing upward as the popular animated hero seemed to defy reality—leaning out of the building façade with a wave and a smile that blurred the lines between digital and physical worlds.

This dazzling spectacle was made possible by the debut of an advanced naked-eye 3D display system at key intersections throughout Chengdu's city center. Unlike traditional 3D experiences, which require special glasses or headsets, this state-of-the-art technology creates vivid, three-dimensional illusions visible to the naked eye. Passersby described the effect as "astonishingly real," noting how Ne Zha appeared to interact directly with the crowd as if stepping out from the stories of Chinese folklore.

The choice of Ne Zha, a beloved figure from ancient Chinese mythology who has recently enjoyed renewed popularity through blockbuster animated films, resonated deeply with audiences of all ages. Young children cheered and waved back, while adults captured the moment on their smartphones, sharing the viral sensation across social media platforms. The installation not only celebrated modern innovation but also paid tribute to cultural heritage, bridging generations with cutting-edge artistry.

City officials highlighted that the launch aimed to invigorate nighttime tourism and showcase Chengdu’s emerging reputation as a hub for high-tech creative industries. It is expected that similar technology will continue to roll out in other urban centers, promising further interactive and visually stunning public displays in the future. For now, the city’s skyline has become a canvas for imagination, where technology and tradition meet in a spectacle that few will soon forget.