10 Best Chinese Anime You’ve Never Heard Of

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Over the past three decades, anime has grown into a widely popular pastime in the Western world, thanks largely to the advent of streaming platforms and high-speed internet. This once obscure medium is now so prevalent that it’s frequently used as a reference point in various Western media. The longevity of anime is evident, and that’s fantastic news! When societies become more open to diverse experiences and ideas, there’s a whole lot more enjoyment to be found. At its essence, anime is all about fun, even the shows that appear to have been designed to tug at your heartstrings.

It’s not just Japan; other Asian nations like China and South Korea have also made their mark on global culture through their media. In recent years, Chinese dramas and Korean series have grown increasingly popular, boosted by the success of K-Pop and Chinese Web Novels. This surge in popularity has been instrumental in enhancing the soft power of these countries. Notably, Chinese animation (Donghua) has managed to establish a niche within the anime community due to its stunning characters and animation quality. While there are numerous excellent series out there, some undoubtedly deserve more recognition.

Super Cube is an engrossing sci-fi animated series revolving around Yoo Haru, an ordinary high school student who stumbles upon a strange alien cube. This mysterious object grants him extraordinary abilities, but also enables development and progression. This element offers the show ample scope for constructing intricate worlds and expanding its narrative over time. While certain plot points may be foreseeable at times, they shouldn’t detract from viewers’ enjoyment.

The animation quality of this show is exceptional, boasting fight scenes and intense action that only a select number of contemporary anime can match. Similarly, many Chinese animations, or donghua, offer an astounding level of animation, and Super Cube is no exception, with its vibrant visuals and enjoyable sequences. However, the AI-generated dialogue leaves much to be desired, so it’s advisable to watch it in its original language, Mandarin, until a better English dub becomes available. Here’s hoping it gains more recognition over time.

In a slightly different take on the isekai genre, “Lord Of The Mysteries” features Zhou Mingrui reincarnating as Klein Moretti in an alternate Victorian Era that bears striking similarities to the dark, gothic world of “Bloodborne.” As Klein, he becomes entangled in a complex web of mysteries involving the two factions of the Church, the orthodox and unorthodox sides, while also discovering his own enigmatic powers that continue to grow.

The animated series, “Lord Of The Mysteries,” stands out with an astounding 30,000 frames per episode, significantly surpassing shows like “Solo Leveling.” The intricate detail given to every spell cast, every evasive maneuver, and every symbol or gesture is a testament to the dedication that sets it apart from many other series. It’s truly captivating to watch, demonstrating how donghua is making a strong impact on the anime industry. Few other places can boast such high-quality animation.

In this captivating tale, I find myself immersed in the life of Shu Lu, a tenacious young man with an indomitable spirit, hidden beneath a frail exterior. Tragically, his parents pass away, leaving him responsible for his tender-hearted sister and navigating life at an elite private school. An unexpected car accident ignites his dormant cultivation abilities – a frequent occurrence in the captivating world of Chinese wuxia television. This newfound power propels him to soar to unimaginable heights, leaving behind his former limitations.

I’ve noticed that “Spare Me Great Lord” shares some similarities with the popular anime “Solo Leveling,” but it offers a more intimate portrayal of the relationship between Shu Lu and his sister. The animation is truly exceptional, providing ample space for the narrative to unfold throughout the first season. With another season on the horizon, it can be challenging to find, yet understanding the intricacies of cultivation will certainly enhance your experience. If you’re new to this genre, I recommend checking out “Heaven Official’s Blessing” as a starting point.

In “The Daily Life of the Immortal King,” an established anime trope gets a refreshing boost with top-notch animation and laughter in spades. From the outside, Wang Ling appears as an ordinary high school student. However, beneath this façade lies a power so immense it could obliterate the world multiple times. To prevent such destruction, his parents employ an amulet to maintain equilibrium, but its strength is waning, and his feelings exacerbate the transformation process.

The Day-to-Day Adventures of the Eternal Monarch

Overview: This series, “The Daily Life Of The Immortal King,” is a unique blend of ordinary life and extraordinary abilities, making it an intriguing choice for fans who enjoy shows like “The Unbelievable World of Saiki K” and “My Deer Friend Nokotan.” For those seeking a gentle introduction to the world of anime or donghua, this series offers plenty of relatable charm. It serves as an excellent stepping stone for those looking to explore both genres. Additionally, it’s conveniently available on Crunchyroll for easy access.

Occasionally, style plays a significant role and “Fog Hill Of The Five Elements” exudes an exceptional level of style. To grasp the essence of the five elements, one must navigate through the misty mountains. This captivating series recounts the journey of a single official seeking to unveil these powers. It’s among the most stunning collections out there, with every detail meticulously crafted in the style of a traditional painted scroll. The visuals effectively contribute to maintaining the enchanting atmosphere throughout.

If you appreciate well-executed fight scenes, “Fog Hill Of The Five Elements” might just be one of the top donghua you’ll find. It boasts impeccable choreography and an attention to detail that’s nothing short of remarkable. For enthusiasts of the game “Black Myth Wukong“, this is another visual spectacle not to be missed, as it defies words and needs to be experienced firsthand. The effort poured into each frame is indescribable; it’s something you have to see for yourself. While the characters may not be particularly deep, “Fog Hill Of The Five Elements” still makes for a compelling series.

Scissor Seven’s distinctive style might initially appear as a steep hurdle for many anime enthusiasts, given its uniqueness and departure from typical anime aesthetics. However, Scissor Seven‘s whimsical animation conceals a depth that becomes apparent upon closer inspection. The amnesiac bounty hunter Wu Liuqi possesses supernatural scissor skills and the power to alter his shape, but his performance on missions is often marred by errors.

The protagonist embarks on a journey to recover his forgotten past, balancing his day-to-day life as a barber. This intriguingly bizarre series stands out, earning a nomination at the 2018 Annecy International Animated Film Festival for television among Chinese productions. “Scissor Seven” is predominantly comical, yet it showcases a deep emotional core and an impressive narrative flow given its unique subject matter. It’s a captivating, unpredictable series that keeps viewers on their toes.

In the novel titled “Xian Ni“, the protagonist is Wang Lin, a young man born with a weak spirit yearning for something greater than his destiny allows. He embarks on a journey to enhance his powers, achieve immortality, and leave an indelible impact on the world. The narrative delves into various themes, with ambition and self-discovery serving as its heart. The action is interspersed with introspective moments that prove to be deeply moving and emotionally satisfying.

Initially, some computer-generated imagery (CGI) animated series might have had a poor reputation due to past presentations, making them easy to overlook. But, advancements in technology over the last ten years have made it no longer wise to disregard them. For instance, the series Renegade Immortal boasts scenes that are truly stunning and beautifully designed, with a keen focus on character detail and intriguing design elements.

Originates from the same author as “Heaven Official’s Blessing,” “The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” initially gained massive popularity as a webnovel, with its live-action adaptation titled “The Untamed.” Unfortunately, the animated version hasn’t received as much recognition, but it deserves more attention. The narrative follows Wei Wuxian after his soul is returned following his death, delving into the series of events that led to his demise and the complex political intrigue surrounding him and his powers.

The tale is both sad and delightful at times, with a complex mystery that keeps viewers engaged, and boasts stunning visuals. It’s particularly popular among fans of boy’s love stories, similar to Heaven Official’s Blessing. However, The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation often gets overlooked compared to its counterpart due to the more challenging aspects that require a deeper understanding of certain series elements.

In a human-dominated universe where the deities seem to be absent, there are individuals who serve as proxies for ancient gods. These humans operate under the guidance of long-lost divine beings in the captivating world portrayed in “Slay the Gods.” The characters are shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

The animation is perfectly executed and effectively captivates the audience, setting it apart from most current productions. In essence, “Slay the Gods” feels like a unique piece of art. Although it may have some initial rough edges, its sprinklings of humor create a comfortable atmosphere that often draws in new viewers with consistent depth.

From my perspective as an observer, Ne Zha undeniably serves as an exceptional gateway into the captivating world of Donghua, or Chinese anime. The tale revolves around a unique artifact – a bead that carries the potential to spawn either a demon or a human, potentially benefiting or endangering the emergence of a new dynasty. As these beads undergo exchange, a thrilling competition unfolds, with the outcome determining the destiny of mankind.

Donghua has made its entrance with some highly acclaimed series that are definitely worth checking out. It might seem intimidating to dive into something new and foreign, but many of these shows are well worth the effort. Just like when anime first started gaining popularity in the west, it had a lot to prove. Donghua is simply another step forward in global media consumption, which is a fantastic development because the more we exchange, the better we understand each other.

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2025-05-26 06:06