Released on June 30, “Ne Zha 2” has shattered over 113 records, including becoming the highest-grossing Chinese film of all time, attracting the largest audience in Chinese history, and earning the title of the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. It also became the only Asian film to break into the top five highest-grossing films globally.

At 45, Yang has cemented his place as the highest-grossing Chinese director, with his roles as director, screenwriter, and producer earning him an impressive reported salary of 2 billion yuan (US$278.7 million) for “Ne Zha 2” alone, according to Their.

Yang’s journey to success is seen as “inspirational” by many fans. Born in Sichuan Province, he enrolled in the Department of Animation at Sichuan University in 1999. During his third year, he discovered the 3D animation software Maya and taught himself to use it over the following year. After graduating in 2003, he briefly worked in an advertising company. Tragically, his father, who worked at a hospital, passed away shortly after Yang graduated.

After several months in the advertising field, Yang made the life-changing decision to leave his job and pursue animation full-time, feeling that not doing so would lead to lifelong regret. When he shared his decision with his mother, she simply asked: “Have you thought this through?”

Yang, assured of his choice, was met with her full support. During the years that followed, Yang struggled financially, relying on his mother’s monthly pension of 1,000 yuan to support them both. During this period, Yang lived frugally and focused solely on his career, avoiding distractions, including relationships, believing his solitude would help him grow both personally and professionally.

After four years of hardship, Yang’s first short film “See Through” was produced in 2008. The film earned numerous accolades, including the Special Jury Prize at the 26th Berlin International Short Film Festival and the Gold Award at the 12th Japan TBS DigiCon6 Grand Final, securing his place in the animation industry. In 2011, Yang co-founded a film production company.

In 2019, Yang released “Ne Zhea,” a project that initially faced skepticism from investors and was rejected by major production companies. Determined to see his vision realized, Yang turned to smaller companies to complete the film, which ultimately became a massive hit, grossing over US$700 million globally.

The success of “Ne Zha” led to “Ne Zha 2,” which continues the story with themes of breaking stereotypes and embracing one’s true identity. Both films are deeply rooted in Yang’s family background and his passion for animation, with themes of unconditional love as a central message.

Yang credits his mother’s unwavering love as a key influence on the films, noting that Ne Zha’s mother never cared whether he became a demon or an immortal—what mattered was her boundless support, which allowed Ne Zha to embrace his authentic self.

Currently, Yang is working on a third installment of the “Ne Zha” series. Despite his success, he has declined all event invitations and interviews. In April, “Ne Zha 2” won the Best Contribution Award at the Hua Biao Awards, but Yang did not attend the ceremony. The award was accepted on his behalf by the film’s producer, who revealed that Yang was under immense pressure but remained focused on his creative work.

At the ceremony, the producer read a letter from Yang, which expressed gratitude to the China Huabiao Film Awards for the honor and acknowledged the support of the audience.

“What we’ve done isn’t enough compared to their support,” the letter stated. “We will continue to work harder and never forget our original dream. Thank you for allowing me to bury myself in work and meet everyone through our work.”