Ancient cultural treasures in 'Ne Zha 2'

Jade Xu Palace

When Ne Zha travels to the Jade Xu Palace, a group of immortal cranes flies in the sky, with two of them landing on the palace roof's chiwen (decorative ridge-top creature). This scene is inspired by the famous painting "Ruihe Tu" by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Zhao Ji. "Ruihe Tu" depicts a scene of a group of cranes flying over the palace in Bianjing (today's Kaifeng) on the night of the Lantern Festival during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Eventually, two cranes land on the palace's chiwen.

Chiwen is an important decorative element on the ridges of ancient Chinese roofs, often sculpted in the shape of a dragon. It symbolizes the prevention of evil and fire, serving as an essential feature in ancient architecture. Zhao Ji painted this scene on silk, symbolizing heavenly blessings, peace and prosperity for the country and its people.