Anime is a global phenomenon, and while Japan is often the center of the anime world, other countries have also begun to develop their own distinct animated series. Among these is China, which has been making a significant mark on the anime landscape with a genre known as donghua—Chinese animation. Over the past decade, the Chinese animation industry has grown exponentially, producing a variety of anime series that blend traditional Chinese culture with modern storytelling techniques, resulting in compelling narratives, rich animation styles, and unique themes.
Chinese anime, or donghua, encompasses a wide range of genres, from fantasy and action to romance and historical drama. These series often draw inspiration from Chinese literature, mythology, and historical events, giving them a distinct flavor compared to their Japanese counterparts. Additionally, many Chinese anime have gained significant international recognition thanks to streaming platforms like Netflix, Bilibili, and Crunchyroll, making them accessible to global audiences. In this article, we will explore 10 of the top Chinese anime, each showcasing the diversity, creativity, and growing influence of Chinese animation in the world of anime.
Table of Contents
1. The King’s Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
Genre: Action, Esports, Drama
Studio: Tencent Animation
Episodes: 12 (2017)
The King’s Avatar stands as one of the most popular and influential Chinese anime series in recent years. Based on the web novel of the same name, the story follows Ye Xiu, a top-tier professional esports player who is forced to retire after being pushed out of his team. He begins a new journey in the virtual game “Glory,” starting from scratch with a new character and aiming to climb back to the top. The series combines thrilling action, strategy, and drama, showcasing the world of professional gaming while exploring themes of persistence, teamwork, and the world of competitive gaming. The high-quality animation and fast-paced action make it a standout in the donghua genre.
2. Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Supernatural
Studio: G.CMay Animation & Technology
Episodes: 15 (2018)
Mo Dao Zu Shi is one of the most beloved Chinese anime series, based on a popular web novel that blends fantasy, action, and supernatural elements. The story follows Wei Wuxian, a young man who practices forbidden demonic cultivation techniques, eventually leading to his fall from grace and death. He is later reincarnated and must navigate a world filled with martial arts, demons, and political intrigue. Mo Dao Zu Shi is praised for its intricate world-building, character development, and the unique take on Chinese mythology and fantasy. The anime’s beautiful animation and deep emotional storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of action-packed, character-driven series.
3. Scissor Seven
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Studio: A Tencent Video, Aov Studio
Episodes: 12 (2020)
Scissor Seven is a unique blend of action, comedy, and drama that has gained international acclaim for its quirky premise and striking animation style. The story follows Seven, a barber by day and a hired assassin by night, who suffers from amnesia and has a mysterious past. The series is known for its eccentric humor, emotionally charged moments, and vibrant animation that blends traditional Chinese artistic elements with modern animation techniques. Scissor Seven stands out for its unconventional storytelling and the way it mixes dark themes with lighthearted comedy, offering something fresh for fans of both action and humor.
4. Heaven’s Lost Property (Tian Shi De Wu)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Studio: Shanghai Mooyi Entertainment
Episodes: 12 (2019)
Heaven’s Lost Property is a captivating fantasy series with elements of romance and adventure. The story centers on a young man who accidentally becomes involved with a group of supernatural beings known as “angels.” These angels are on a mission to find an ancient artifact that can change the course of history. With its imaginative world-building and strong emotional elements, Heaven’s Lost Property has garnered attention for its gripping plot and engaging characters. This series provides a unique blend of romance, adventure, and the supernatural, making it an excellent introduction to the diverse world of Chinese anime.
5. White Cat Legend (Bai Mao Shen Zhi)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Studio: Nanjing Film Group
Episodes: 13 (2019)
White Cat Legend is a charming fantasy-action anime that follows the story of a white cat with the ability to transform into a human. As he navigates the human world, the cat comes across a group of heroes who embark on a series of adventures to battle evil forces and protect their land. The show is a fun mix of humor, action, and fantasy, offering a lighthearted yet exciting viewing experience. White Cat Legend is particularly praised for its colorful animation, clever writing, and ability to blend lighthearted moments with serious action sequences, making it an entertaining watch for a broad audience.
6. The King’s Avatar: Battle of the Gods
Genre: Action, Esports
Studio: Tencent Animation
Episodes: 1 (2020)
An extension of The King’s Avatar franchise, Battle of the Gods serves as a movie that dives deeper into the world of professional gaming and esports. It explores the rivalry between the protagonist, Ye Xiu, and his old team as they face off in a major esports tournament. The movie continues the themes of perseverance, strategic thinking, and the challenges of professional gaming while delivering the same high-octane action that fans loved in the series. With its stunning visuals and fast-paced action, Battle of the Gods is a must-watch for fans of the original series or newcomers to the world of esports anime.
7. Big Fish & Begonia (Da Yu Hai Tang)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Episodes: 1 (2016)
Big Fish & Begonia is a visually stunning film that explores Chinese mythology and folklore. The story follows a young girl named Chun, who is part of an underwater civilization. When she ventures to the human world in the form of a red fish, she becomes entangled in a tale of love, sacrifice, and the balance between human and magical realms. The movie’s rich animation, breathtaking visuals, and emotional depth have earned it widespread recognition both in China and internationally. Big Fish & Begonia showcases the beauty of Chinese culture through a fantastical lens, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.
8. Longest Day in Chang’an
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Thriller
Studio: Newstyle Animation
Episodes: 12 (2020)
Longest Day in Chang’an is a thrilling mystery set in the Tang Dynasty, centered around a complex case involving political intrigue, crime, and danger. The story follows a former detective and a group of skilled investigators as they attempt to solve a dangerous plot within the city of Chang’an. The series stands out for its gripping narrative, historical setting, and attention to detail, as it combines elements of ancient Chinese culture with suspenseful detective work. Longest Day in Chang’an provides a great example of how donghua can merge traditional Chinese themes with intense, modern storytelling.
9. The Mystic Nine (Xian Di)
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Historical
Studio: Tencent Animation
Episodes: 12 (2020)
Set in the early 20th century, The Mystic Nine follows a group of nine mystical guardians who must protect China’s ancient secrets from both supernatural and human threats. The anime blends historical drama with fantasy elements, and its intricate plot, steeped in mystery and ancient legends, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Combining action, supernatural creatures, and political intrigue, The Mystic Nine brings Chinese mythology to life in a modern format, making it one of the most captivating fantasy donghua series.
10. Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu)
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Martial Arts
Studio: Bilibili
Episodes: 12 (2020)
Thousand Autumns is a martial arts anime based on a web novel that follows the relationship between two characters—one a skilled martial artist and the other a talented but cursed youth. Their journey together explores themes of love, revenge, and the pursuit of power. The series is set in a world filled with martial arts sects, magical abilities, and intricate character dynamics. Thousand Autumns has received praise for its character depth, beautiful animation, and strong storyline, making it a must-watch for fans of fantasy and martial arts.
Conclusion
The world of donghua (Chinese anime) is vibrant, diverse, and continually evolving, with stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences. From action-packed esports anime like The King’s Avatar to the mythological fantasy of Big Fish & Begonia, Chinese anime has something for everyone. The unique blend of Chinese culture, history, and fantasy gives these series a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from other anime traditions. As the Chinese animation industry continues to grow, it’s clear that the global impact of donghua will only continue to increase, and these top 10 series are the perfect starting point for anyone looking to dive into the fascinating world of Chinese anime.
