Chinese anime, also known as Donghua, has gained immense popularity over recent years. Although Japanese anime still dominates the global stage, China’s animation industry has grown into a powerful force, delivering high-quality series with captivating stories and stunning visuals. If you’re ready to explore a fresh and exciting world of animated storytelling, you don’t want to miss these top Chinese anime shows.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best Donghua you need to watch. Whether you’re new to Chinese animation or looking to expand your watchlist, these titles will immerse you in rich narratives that stand out from mainstream anime.
What Is Donghua?
In China, animated series are called Donghua (动画). These shows are often based on Manhua (漫画), the Chinese equivalent of Japanese manga. While the storytelling and animation styles between Japanese anime and Donghua are similar, Chinese anime offers a unique cultural flavor, featuring mythology, history, and philosophical themes distinct to Chinese traditions.
Once you get accustomed to the Mandarin language and Chinese settings, Donghua will transport you into an exciting new realm of entertainment. Several of these series are also available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Bilibili, making them more accessible to international audiences.
Top 5 Chinese Anime You Should Watch
Here are five Donghua you should add to your watchlist. If you have any other favorites, feel free to share your recommendations in the comments!
1. Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren)
A small, nondescript store called Shi Guang Photo Studio hides a remarkable secret. Its two owners, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, possess the supernatural ability to enter photographs and relive the moments captured within them. Using this power, they help clients resolve issues from the past—but things rarely go as planned, and the consequences can be far-reaching.
Why Watch It?
Link Click offers a blend of mystery, fantasy, and emotional storytelling, with intricate plots that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The time-bending element adds suspense, and every episode delivers both thrilling twists and heartfelt moments.
2. Heaven Official’s Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)
This series is adapted from the popular novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The story follows Xie Lian, a crown prince renowned for his grace, kindness, and power, who ascends to the heavens as a god. However, his fate takes a tragic turn when his actions anger the other deities, leading to his banishment to the mortal world.
In his exile, Xie Lian encounters a mysterious young man named San Lang, whose carefree smile hides more than meets the eye. Together, they embark on a journey filled with adventure, danger, and hidden truths.
Why Watch It?
This visually stunning anime combines romance, mythology, and adventure. It has also gained a strong international following for its character development and beautiful animation. Fans of fantasy and emotional storytelling will find much to love.
3. To Be Hero
What happens when an ordinary, self-absorbed man suddenly becomes the hero tasked with saving the world? That’s the premise of To Be Hero. The protagonist is a divorced toilet-seat designer who is sucked into his own toilet one day and emerges with superpowers—at the cost of his good looks. Now overweight but with enhanced strength, he must take on the responsibility of protecting the world while also managing his strained relationship with his daughter.
Why Watch It?
This show stands out with its offbeat humor and unconventional take on the superhero genre. If you enjoy quirky comedies with heartfelt moments, To Be Hero is worth checking out.
4. The King’s Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
In The King’s Avatar, we follow Ye Xiu, a former professional player of the online game “Glory.” Despite leading his team to multiple championships, Ye Xiu is forced to retire when the team’s management considers him past his prime. Left with nothing, he starts working at an internet cafe while quietly planning his return to the gaming scene.
When a new server launches, Ye Xiu seizes the opportunity to reclaim his place at the top of Glory. This series takes viewers through his journey as he rebuilds his reputation from scratch.
Why Watch It?
This show appeals to both gaming enthusiasts and those who love underdog stories. It blends action, strategy, and emotional depth, making it a thrilling ride for anyone who enjoys esports-themed narratives.
5. Fairies Album (Yao Shen Ji)
Set in a world where humans and spirits coexist, Fairies Album follows Tao Yao, a spirit doctor, along with his companions, the monk Moya and Mr. Liu. Together, they travel to various places to help humans and spirits in need. Their main mission is to recover the fabled Fairy Album, which contains knowledge about spirits and their ailments.
Why Watch It?
This series offers a compelling mix of adventure, fantasy, and drama. If you enjoy stories with mystical themes, rich world-building, and emotional journeys, Fairies Album will captivate you.
Why Explore Chinese Anime?
Chinese anime brings a fresh perspective to the world of animation. While it shares some stylistic elements with Japanese anime, it offers narratives rooted in Chinese folklore, history, and contemporary culture. With breathtaking art, engaging stories, and diverse genres—from fantasy and romance to sci-fi and comedy—Donghua has something for every viewer.
Moreover, Chinese studios are rapidly improving in terms of animation quality and storytelling, making their shows increasingly competitive on the global stage. If you’re a fan of anime, exploring Donghua will introduce you to new stories and characters that you won’t find elsewhere.
Where to Watch Chinese Anime
Several streaming platforms now offer Chinese anime with subtitles, making them easily accessible to international audiences. You can watch some of these shows on:
- Netflix
- Crunchyroll
- Bilibili
- YouTube
Final Thoughts
Chinese anime, or Donghua, is a fantastic addition to the world of animated entertainment. With its unique stories, unforgettable characters, and mesmerizing visuals, it offers a fresh viewing experience. If you’re ready to explore beyond traditional Japanese anime, the shows listed above are an excellent place to start.
Have you already watched any of these series? Do you have other recommendations? Let us know in the comments!