10 Chinese Donghua You NEED To Watch

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Chinese animation, often referred to as donghua, is experiencing a surge in popularity within cultural trends, with an increasing number of fans providing it a chance and uncovering its remarkable qualities and boundless possibilities. Although not yet as recognized or productive as the anime industry, donghua is confidently asserting itself on the global animation stage.

Exciting new shows such as “To Be Hero X” and highly anticipated premieres like “Lord of the Mysteries” are getting ready to make a big impact in the anime world. Although donghua has only been gaining popularity for a few years, it’s already demonstrated its ability to compete with some of the most ambitious anime series. The finest examples of Chinese animation don’t compromise on quality when compared to their top-notch Japanese counterparts.

Prior to Chinese animation becoming widely popular among mainstream anime viewers, a single series had successfully converted fans – Soul Land. This series follows the story of Tang San, a gifted disciple of a martial sect. Despite being a skilled disciple, he gives up his life in search of his sect’s forbidden knowledge. However, instead of dying, he is reborn in the spirit world, where his journey to become a Spirit Master commences.

In Soul Land, although themes such as reincarnation and a downtrodden protagonist who gains immense power are common in anime, this series stands out by blending them with the distinctive elements of Chinese xianxia fantasy. Moreover, its visual presentation is exceptional, ranking among the best 3D donghua series, with its action sequences becoming even more impressive and stylish as Tang San’s story unfolds.

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Beyond showcasing some of the most visually stunning productions in contemporary animation, donghua is also well-known for its complex and politically charged storylines. For instance, the series “Purple River” delves deep into a narrative about three brothers, each striving to safeguard their clan while pursuing their personal aspirations. In essence, this donghua can be compared to military fiction in terms of its intricate plotting.

Despite being adapted from a larger, more intricate novel, the series “Purple River” never feels overly complex due to its careful storytelling and immersive world-building. From multiple warring factions to a multitude of intertwining character arcs, it leaves no stone unturned in bringing its richly detailed universe to the screen.

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Stories about cultivation and xianxia fantasy are two popular genres often found in Chinese animation, or donghua. However, these narratives can seem overwhelming for newcomers because they’re complex and have specific characteristics. A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality is an excellent starting point for those unfamiliar with the genre as it chronicles the gradual rise of Han Li, a diligent yet ordinary cultivator, on his path to greatness.

Instead of relying on immense strength or unique abilities, Han Li’s primary strengths are his wisdom and prudence that enable his steady rise in power. The journeys of Han Li are always fraught with challenges and dangers, but it is precisely this persistence that keeps readers hooked to A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality, even as its pace may seem slower at times.

For some time now, donghua has been well-received in anime communities. However, this year brings the release of China’s most internationally successful title yet – “To Be Hero X“. Actually, it is the third part of the extensive “To Be Hero” series. Notably, “To Be Hero X” presents a standalone tale that creatively reworks the traditional superhero narrative.

In the lively realm of “To Be Hero X”, an individual’s faith in heroes, often referred to as ‘trust’, imbues them with powers beyond imagination. This blessing and curse concept is a central theme for those who perform heroic acts to entertain their audience. Although the tale of “To Be Hero X” is still in progress, focusing on its second protagonist, Yang Cheng, the series promises to be an epic undertaking as it skillfully weaves together numerous storylines, subtly linking characters and occurrences.

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Cultivation is a powerful yet scarcely represented concept, but it’s presented in a unique and unusual manner in the novel Spare Me, Great Lord!. The story revolves around an orphaned boy named Lu Shu, who struggles to survive alongside his sister. Remarkably, he stumbles upon an unconventional cultivation method – the Distress Point System – that enhances his abilities by causing distress to others.

Lu Shu’s world is in its early stages of cultivation, leading him to hide his abilities as they develop further. Despite having similarities to “Solo Leveling” in terms of action fantasy, “Spare Me, Great Lord!” unexpectedly follows a path of slice-of-life comedy. This journey is interspersed with engaging battles and poignant character development and drama.

The duo consisting of Salaryman Yan Yuechu and his coworker dive right into intrigue as they end up at the infamous XY Escape Room, managed by the enigmatic Xu Aiyou. Upon successfully escaping the room, Salaryman Yan Yuechu starts experiencing strange dreams and visions from his past, hinting that the XY Escape Room may hold the keys to solving these unsettling mysteries.

One outstanding donghua thriller mystery, Aiyou de Mishi, possesses a captivating and immersive ambiance. With each episode skillfully escalating tension through exceptional direction and strategic use of cliffhangers, the series remains intriguing. Although its final episode sparked much debate, it remains noteworthy for its thought-provoking narrative.

Originally a feared disciple of dark arts, Wei Wuxian is reborn many years following his downfall at the hands of noble practitioners. Upon this rebirth, he encounters familiar foes and fresh enigmas, without question linked to his tumultuous past existence. Alongside his old schoolmate Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian undertakes a fresh adventure, slowly unveiling the events that transformed him into the reviled Yiling Patriarch.

Originally, “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation” is a renowned danmei novel that significantly boosted the genre’s popularity in the West. Although the animated adaptation (donghua) diminishes the romance between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to some extent, its exceptional visual artistry, remarkable world-building, and complex mystery narrative still make it one of the greatest.

By the same author as “Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation,” the danmei novel “Heaven Official’s Blessing” has gained widespread acclaim, surpassing its predecessor in both appeal and quality. The donghua serves as an excellent introduction to what many regard as one of the most remarkable love stories within the genre. As for Xie Lian, a divine martial god often ridiculed, the series places this unfortunate protagonist at the heart of solving heavenly mysteries.

As he journeys on, he picks up a mysterious yet captivating figure – the notorious Spirit King, whose fascination with Xie Lian seems to be multifaceted. With a colorful cast of characters and a tangled web of enigmas attached to each one, Heaven Official’s Blessing instantly draws in viewers to delve into the tale of Xie Lian’s life.

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In a world largely shrouded by an unyielding mist, Lin Qiye has long been labeled as mad following his claim to have encountered – and subsequently lost his sight to – a celestial being in his youth. Yet, it turns out that this young man’s hallucination was not a figment of his imagination when he taps into the power of the archangel Michael. This revelation unveils the existence of divine beings, monstrous entities, and legendary creatures, their impact on the world concealed by the enigmatic Night Watchman group.

In the beginning, the urban fantasy charm of Slay the Gods captivates audiences. However, what really sets this anime apart is its rapid, masterfully choreographed action sequences. As Lin Qiye rapidly gains power, so too does the story’s scope, leading to an endless string of intense battles featuring distinctive abilities and breathtaking animation.

A donghua titled “Link Click” catapulted its creator, Li Haoling, into prominence. This animation series first gained popularity due to its unique, introspective, and personal exploration of time travel. The initial season primarily follows an episodic structure, recounting significant memories of various individuals as seen through the eyes of Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang. These characters possess abilities that allow them to delve into photographs and aid their clients in resolving past conflicts.

As Link Click progresses, it subtly unfolds a more complex narrative, blending grand science fiction ideas with crime thriller elements into the tapestry of emotional human drama. The evolving storyline in Link Click is a captivating journey brimming with unexpected twists and turns, making every episode a delightful surprise as the series skillfully expands on its themes while keeping viewers guessing what’s coming next.

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2025-05-17 23:52