Chinese culture: From accumulating symbols to integrating ideas

A poster for "Mulan." [Image courtesy of The Walt Disney Company]

Symbols of China, such as dragons, phoenixes, Tai Chi, and Bagua, frequently appear in Hollywood films. They often create an exotic atmosphere or emphasize specific themes. Chinese traditional dresses, such as the qipao and hanfu, and Chinese cuisine, such as dumplings and noodles, are also common, enhancing visual aesthetics.

As an ancient civilization with a 5,000-year cultural heritage, China is a rich cultural phenomena and a hotbed of material for Hollywood films. Disney's animated film "Mulan," based on ancient Chinese folklore, tailored a script around the courageous, driven, and resilient qualities of its female protagonist and showcased them internationally. DreamWorks' "Kung Fu Panda" series not only brought China's national treasure, the giant panda, onto the world stage but also accentuated traditional cultural elements, from kung fu to tea culture to Chinese crafts and the scholar's four jewels. The series successfully fused American humor with Chinese elements, with scenes and props brimming with Chinese flavor and a visual style reminiscent of ink wash paintings, winning the hearts of both Chinese and American audiences. 

A giant lantern installation of Po at Universal CityWalk Beijing, promoting "Kung Fu Panda 4" in 2024. [Photo/China.org.cn] 

As one of China's Three Ancient Wonders, the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" records strange phenomena related to ancient geography, history, mythology, astronomy, plants, and animals, filled with boundless imagination. J.K. Rowling, author of the "Harry Potter" series, is a dedicated fan of the book. In "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald," she brought the mythical creature "Zouwu" from the book onto the big screen. The film accurately restored the appearance and characteristics of this legendary beast, with its glinting eyes and elegant long tail, stunning viewers.