(ECNS) -- A short AI-generated video depicting a traditional Chinese fantasy palace has gone viral on overseas social media, drawing more than 5 million views in four days.

Created by Chen Aijun, an eyeglasses shop owner in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the 30-second clip was reposted by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning.

Without dialogue or subtitles, the video invites viewers to interpret the imagery freely.

Overseas audiences praised its visual style and discussed blending Chinese fantasy aesthetics with science fiction storytelling. 

Chen, who taught himself AI tools two years ago, has produced more than 200 short videos.

He said AI lowers barriers to creation, allowing ordinary people to turn imagination into images.

Though he continues to run his shop, Chen plans longer fantasy stories incorporating Sichuan cultural motifs such as Sanxingdui and the Sun Bird.

（By Helen Mo, intern Liu Shuangjing）