Top 20 Best Chinese Anime (Donghua) You Need to Watch Right Now

(Last Updated On: March 20, 2023)

Anime has been one of the best entertainment sources, whether it is a Japanese or Chinese animated series. But still, we see Japanese anime is being dominating Chinese anime because of its massive popularity and influence.

Despite the growth of Japnese anime popularity, Chinese anime is taking a pace in its growth in popularity because of its unique yet different art style, plot, and cultural influences.

As Chinese web novels attract a huge amount of audiences, fans are eager to watch their favorite comics get adapted into anime series.

So, here we are with some of the best Chinese anime series of all time, which you should definitely check out if you want to start your journey of watching Chinese animated series.

So, without further ado, let’s begin with our listicles!

20. The King’s Avatar:

The King’s Avatar is an anime series, also popularly called the “Donghua” series, based on the popular Chinese web novel of the same name by author Hu Dielan.

The story of the series revolves around the main protagonist, Ye Xiu, who is known to be a formerly professional player of the multiplayer online game Glory. He was forced to retire and leave his team due to uncertain situations.

After retiring, he starts working as a night-shift manager at an Internet cafe and begins his journey by playing Glory on an unofficial account.Soon after seeing Xiu’s skill and expertise in the game, he quickly grabbed the attention of everyone in the game, and therefore he was searched by a new pro team called “Happy” in the game as they wanted to know his true identity.

The anime follows the story of Ye Xiu’s journey as he returns to the world of professional gaming and trains himself and his team to compete in the Glory Pro League.

As the series progresses, audiences get to see various elements of Chinese culture, such as the importance of teamwork and respecting their elders.

The anime has already received widespread acclaim and popularity for its storytelling, animation, and character development. It has also been praised for its realistic theme of the esports industry and its use of Chinese traditional music in its soundtrack.

19. Mo Dao Zu Shi:

This anime is based on a popular Chinese web novel written by author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. It is also called the Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation or the Founder of Diabolism.

The story revolves around the adventures of Wei Wuxian, who is a powerful cultivator and who is feared and hated by many due to his use of demonic cultivation, which is evil.

After his death, he was reincarnated into the body of Mo Xuanyu, who had summoned Wei Wuxian’s spirit to get revenge on his enemies. With the help of his old friends and new allies, Wei Wuxian uncovers a sinister plot that threatens the world of cultivation and is working to stop it while dealing with his past sins and his evil actions.

18. Quanzhi Fashi:

This is a Chinese animated series, also popularly known as Full-Time Magister.The story revolves around the adventures of Mo Fan, a young man who discovers that he has magical powers in a world where magic becomes a part of everyday routine.

Mo Fan was being accepted into a prestigious magic school, but after getting admission, he realized that he was far behind his classmates in terms of magical abilities. But he never gives up; he works harder to improve his skills and becomes desperate to become the best of all. During his journey, Mo Fan makes some new friends and enemies and learns to navigate the complex worlds of magic and politics if he wants to survive.

17. The Untamed:

This is a Chinese television series that is based on the popular web novel Mo Dao Zu Shi by author Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.The show revolves around characters named Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, two cultivators who have complicated relationships; together, they unveil a conspiracy that threatens to balance power in the cultivation world.

This anime is a perfect blend of elements like fantasy, romance, and action as the two main characters take on the challenges of their world while fighting against powerful enemies and dealing with their own inner selves.The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography, strong performances of the characters, and engaging storytelling, and has gained a large following both in China and around the world.

16. Battle Through the Heavens:

This anime is adapted from a Chinese novel written by the author, Tian Can Tu Dou, and later it was adapted into a manhua, also known as a Chinese comic.The story revolves around the character named Xiao Yan, who is a young man with special talent, and he tries to refine his abilities by controlling flames.

Despite his abilities, Xiao Yan was seen as a burden by his family and peers.Even though he discovers a book that details the techniques of the Dou Qi continent’s top cultivators, he sets out to improve his skills and restore his family’s respect.

As he is on the journey, Xiao Yan meets new friends and enemies and unveils a sinister plot that is meant to threaten and destroy the entire Dou Qi continent.

The story is full of action, romance, and political intrigue.As Xiao Yan goes on a journey, he discovers the dangerous world of cultivation and wants to become the strongest fighter in the land.This series has also gained a large following both in China and internationally due to its engaging storytelling and dynamic fight scenes throughout the show.

15. Fog Hill of the Five Elements:

Fog Hill of the Five Elements is a popular Chinese animated series based on a fantastical world where five elements like metal, wood, water, fire, and earth are controlled by warriors who have supernatural abilities.

The plot revolves around a young warrior named Yi as he sets out on a mission to restore balance to the world by gathering the five elemental talismans.During his journey, he has to face off against powerful enemies, overcome personal obstacles, and learn to control his own elemental powers.

The series is known for its godly animation and action sequences, as well as its complex and engaging storytelling. It draws inspiration from traditional Chinese mythology and culture and incorporates elements such as martial arts, philosophy, and folklore into its world-building.This anime has also gained huge popularity both in China and internationally and has been praised for its visual and narrative artistry.

14. Scissor Seven:

Scissor Seven is also called “Killer Seven” in China. It is a Chinese animated series created by author He Xiaofen and produced by Netflix.The story revolves around a young man named Seven who works as an assassin for them, but he also suffers from amnesia because of which he doesn’t remember his past. He is known to be a skilled fighter but also possesses a peculiar ability.

He can transform his hair into scissors and use them as weapons during the fight, which may sound a little weird, but in anime it looks a bit cool.

Throughout Seven’s journey, he takes on a variety of assassination jobs while trying to uncover the truth about his past and to know his true identity.He was later joined by a colorful cast of characters, including a chicken named Da Bao who can communicate with humans and a police officer named Wu Liuqi.

They are both trying to catch Seven for his crimes.Scissor Seven is known for its unique style of comedy, unique animation style, and fast-paced action sequences. This anime is also praised for its creative storytelling and likable characters.

13. Douluo Dalu:

Douluo Dalu is a Chinese web novel written by author Tang Jia San Shao, and it has been adapted into several different forms of media, including a manhua, also known as a Chinese comic, and as an animated series.The story is set in a world where martial arts and magic exist naturally and follows the journey of a young man named Tang San.

Tang San is a member of the Tang Clan. This family is a soul master, who possesses the ability to control spirits.Despite his young age, he is determined to become the strongest soul master in the world and sets out on a mission to improve his skills and search for powerful spirits.

Throughout his journey, he meets a variety of allies and enemies and uncovers a dark world secret that threatens the balance of power in the world.The story of Douluo Dalu is known for its complex world-building, engaging characters, and unique plotlines. It is based on themes such as friendship, sacrifice, and the nature of power and has gained a huge following both in China and internationally.

12. Bloodivores:

It is the first Chinese animated series, which is based on a Japanese manga called “Burodivoresu.”The story is set in a world where a rare genetic mutation has resulted in a small percentage of the population turning into vampires known as “Bloodivores.”

The series revolves around a group of bloodivores who are falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned in a special city called “The Ancestral Land.”

The main character, Mi Liu, is a half-human, half-bloodivore who is searching for his missing father with his fellow mates. He tries to navigate the dangerous politics and secrets of the ancestral land while trying to clear their names.As the story progresses, they uncover a sinister conspiracy and a plot to control the Bloodivores’ powers for criminal purposes.

Bloodivores is popular for its blend of action, drama, and supernatural elements. It is based on themes like prejudice, identity, and redemption and has gained a huge following both in China and internationally.The show has been praised for its engaging characters, fast-paced storytelling, and high-quality graphics.

11. Jie Yao:

This anime is also called Antidote, which is a Chinese animated series based on a Boys’ Love web novel.The plot revolves around two former classmates named Xie Yan and Shu Nian, who were separated after a tragic incident in their high school years.

Xie Yanis is a talented violinist but was involved in the underground world of illegal drug trafficking in order to support his family’s financial needs, while Shu Nian becomes a police detective and pursues his dreams.As the story progresses, their paths cross once again when Shu Nian is tasked with searching for the drug trafficking organization that Xie Yan is a part of.As they work together, their feelings for each other can be seen.

They together navigated the dangers of their respective professions while trying to uncover the truth behind the incident that drove them apart.

Jie Yao is popular for its emotional storytelling, strong character development, and realistic depiction of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in China.

It has gained support from its fans both within and outside of China and has been praised for its sensitive handling of sensitive storylines.

10. A Will Eternal:

A Will Eternal is a Chinese web novel written by the author named Er Gen, who is also known for his other popular works such as “Renegade Immortal” and “I Shall Seal the Heavens.”The story revolves around a character named Bai Xiaochun, a young man whose only dream is to become powerful and prestigious.

To fulfill his dreams, he begins his journey as a lowly servant in the Spirit Stream Sect, one of the five major sects in the world.Despite his humble beginnings, Bai Xiaochun has a talent for causing trouble and attracting the attention of everyone around him.

He becomes involved in various schemes and adventures, making both allies and enemies along the way.As he rises through the ranks of the sect, he comes to know secrets about his past and uncovers conspiracies that threaten the safety of the entire sect.

9. Dungeon Fighter Online:

Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is a real-time strategy game and also has a Chinese anime adaptation, named “Dungeon Fighter Online: Animation.” The anime was produced by Tencent Animation and was aired in China in 2017.

The story revolves around the adventures of the Slayer, who is a skilled warrior who sets out on a journey to avenge his fallen comrades and restore peace to the land of Arad.

Throughout his adventure, he teams up with other heroes and fights against a variety of monsters and villains, uncovering the conspiracy behind the chaos in the world.

The anime is based on fast-paced action scenes, a colorful and vibrant art style, and characters with unique personalities and abilities.It has also included references to the game, like the use of in-game items and locations.

The series had received mixed reviews from audiences and was praised for its faithful adaptation of the game’s world and characters.

8. Jie Mo Ren: The Devil Ring:

“The Devil Ring” is a Chinese animated series that is produced by Haoliners Animation League and directed by Li Haoling. It is based on a popular Chinese web novel by the same name, written by the author Jie Mo Ren.

The story revolves around a young man named Su Junchen, who has gained possession of a mysterious ring that grants him incredible powers but also attracts dangerous enemies.With the help of his friends and allies, he had to learn to control his new abilities and navigate a world of magic, politics, and betrayal.

“The Devil Ring” first aired in China in 2016 and has since been released internationally on streaming platforms such as Netflix.

7. Wo De Tian Jie Nuyou: My Cultivator Girlfriend:

“Wo De Tian Jie Nuyou,” also called “My Cultivator Girlfriend,” is a Chinese web novel written by author and illustrator You Qian and published by Qidian.

The story is based on a college student named Bai Jingjing, who accidentally discovers a hidden world of cultivators and becomes involved in their battles and politics.Soon after that, Bai Jingjing falls in love with a powerful cultivator named Ye Chen, who also develops feelings for her.

As they came to understand their feelings for each other, they had to face challenges from other cultivators and forces that threatened world peace.

The web novel has been adapted into a popular Chinese animated series, which follows the same storyline. It was produced by Big Firebird Cultural Media and first aired in 2020.

6. Spiritpact:

It is a Chinese web manhua (comic) series written and illustrated by Pingzi and published by Tencent Comics. It is also known as “Soul Contract” in English.

The story follows the adventures of a young man named Yang Jinghua, who unexpectedly dies in an accident and is reincarnated as a spirit called “Zhen Hun” in a supernatural world. He forms a pact with a powerful exorcist named Duanmu Xi, and the two of them work together to exorcise evil spirits and demons.

As they battle their way through dangerous supernatural realms, Yang Jinghua and Duanmu Xi slowly develop a deep bond and come to rely on each other for support and protection.

However, they must also face their own personal demons and confront the painful memories of their pasts.”Spiritpact” has been adapted into an anime series and a live-action drama series, both of which have been well-received by fans of the original manhua. The series combines action, adventure, romance, and supernatural elements to create a compelling story that has captivated audiences around the world.

5. Shen Qi Huan Qi-Tan: The Legend of the Ancient Soul:Shen Qi Huan Qi-Tan:

The Legend of the Ancient Soul is a popular Chinese animated television series that was first released in the year 2020.

The show was based on a popular Chinese web novel of the same name written by illustrator and author Ding Mo.

The story is set in a world where humans and spirits live together, but there is a great wall between them. The spirits are afraid of humans and are often hunted by them, while humans fear the power of the spirits and want to take control of them.

The main protagonist of the anime is Ye Zun, who is a spirit who seeks revenge against humans for the death of his family. He soon joins Mo Jingxuan.

He possesses the ability to communicate with spirits. Together, they go on a journey to uncover the truth behind the death of Ye Zun’s family and to bring justice to the spirit world.

The show features a unique blend of Chinese mythology and modern technology, with characters using both traditional weapons and advanced gadgets to battle their enemies. It also explores themes of discrimination, justice, and the importance of understanding and acceptance between different cultures.Overall, Shen Qi Huan Qi-Tan: The Legend of the Ancient Soul is a visually stunning and action-packed series that is well worth checking out for fans of Chinese animation and fantasy storytelling.

4. Xiao Lu He Xiao Lan: Beryl and Sapphire:

Xiao Lu He Xiao Lan, also known as Beryl and Sapphire, is a Chinese animated television series that was first released in 2018.

The show is based on a popular Chinese comic book of the same name, which was written and illustrated by Zuo Hsuan.The story follows two sisters, Beryl and Sapphire, who are princesses in a magical kingdom. Beryl is the older sister and possesses the power of fire, while Sapphire is the younger sister and possesses the power of ice. Together, they must protect their kingdom from various threats, including dark forces that seek to overthrow their father, the king.The show is known for its beautiful animation, intricate world-building, and engaging characters.

It features a wide range of magical creatures and fantastical settings, as well as themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery.Beryl and Sapphire have distinct personalities that complement each other, and their relationship is a central aspect of the show. While Beryl is outgoing and impulsive, Sapphire is more reserved and analytical. Together, they learn to work together and rely on each other’s strengths to overcome the challenges they face.Overall, “Xiao Lu He Xiao Lan: Beryl and Sapphire” is a charming and visually stunning series that is well worth checking out for fans of fantasy and animation.

3. Yao Shen Ji:

Tales of Demons and AmpYao Shen Ji, also known as Tales of Demons and Gods, is a Chinese animated television series that was first released in 2017.

The show is based on a popular Chinese web novel of the same name written by Mad Snail.The story follows a powerful demon spiritualist named Nie Li, who was killed in battle against the Sage Emperor and his six deity-ranked beasts.

However, instead of moving on to the afterlife, Nie Li is sent back in time to his 13-year-old self, with all his memories and knowledge intact.

He sets out to change his past and prevent the destruction of his city and the people he cares about.

The show features a complex and fascinating world filled with demons, spiritualists, and other supernatural creatures. Nie Li is a compelling protagonist, with a strong will and a determination to change the course of his fate.

The story also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Yao Shen Ji is known for its dynamic action scenes and intricate world-building. The show features a wide variety of powerful characters with unique abilities and personalities, as well as complex political and social dynamics within the demon realm.Overall, Yao Shen Ji: Tales of Demons and Gods is a thrilling and engaging series that is well worth checking out for fans of Chinese animation and fantasy storytelling.

2. God’s Mi Yu Xing Zhe:

Uncharted Walker: GodsMi Yu Xing Zhe, also known as Uncharted Walker, is a Chinese animated television series that was first released in 2021. The show is based on a Chinese comic book of the same name, which was written by an author known as “Aqua Deep Sea.”

The story follows a young man named Wei Bu Si, who lives in a world where technology has advanced to the point where people can enter virtual reality games. Wei Bu Si is a skilled gamer who finds himself trapped inside a virtual reality game called “Uncharted Walker,” along with other players from around the world.

To escape the game and return to the real world, he must solve various challenges and overcome dangerous obstacles.The show features a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements as well as themes of teamwork, perseverance, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Wei Bu Si is a relatable protagonist who must learn to rely on his own abilities as well as the strengths of his teammates to succeed in the game.

The show also explores the ethics of advanced technology and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on virtual reality.Uncharted Walker is known for its fast-paced action scenes and stunning animation.

The virtual reality world of the game is beautifully rendered and filled with a variety of unique and interesting creatures and landscapes.

Overall, GodsMi Yu Xing Zhe: Uncharted Walker is an exciting and visually impressive series that is well worth checking out for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and gaming.

1. Link Click:

It’s a very underrated anime series, but someone who knows about it knows how much this series impacts the time travel genre.The story is basically based on time travel, where our heroes, through time travel, try to help people in need.

They get special abilities through which they can travel through time with the help of photos, which really sounds amazing!My reason for putting this anime series at number one is that people have misconceptions about it, thinking that it is a normal time travel series, which it is not.

So, what are you waiting for if you are someone who hasn’t tried it yet? Just go and check out this masterpiece!

WrapUp:

These Chinese anime cover a variety of genres such as action, adventure, fantasy, and romance and have gained popularity among anime fans worldwide. Each series has its own unique storyline and characters, offering viewers a diverse range of viewing experiences.

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Karishma Singh

I'm a Law graduate passionate about writing content on anime. I love to play games, read novels/Manga, Singing and love to watch Anime in my spare time.