What is donghua? A beginner’s guide to Chinese animation and must-watch series
If you’ve ever wondered what donghua is or where to begin, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Donghua?
Donghua is the Chinese word for animation. While the term technically refers to all animated content made in China, international audiences generally use it to describe Chinese animated TV series and films, similar to how “anime” refers to Japanese animation.
Donghua spans nearly every genre, including fantasy, action, romance, comedy, science fiction, historical dramas, and slice-of-life. Many popular series are adapted from Chinese web novels, comics (manhua), and online games, offering expansive worlds and long-running stories.
One of the biggest reasons behind donghua’s rise in popularity is its impressive animation quality, especially in fantasy and martial arts series featuring spectacular fight choreography and cinematic visuals.
Donghua for beginners
1. Link Click
A gripping supernatural thriller about two friends who can enter photographs and relive past events. Every case brings emotional twists, moral dilemmas, and shocking revelations that keep viewers guessing until the very end.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
2. The King’s Avatar
After losing his position on a professional esports team, a legendary gamer begins rebuilding his career from scratch while proving he’s still among the world’s best.
Where to watch: WeTV, Viki
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3. Heaven Official’s Blessing
This beautifully animated fantasy follows a prince who ascends to godhood once again and encounters a mysterious ghost king whose past is deeply connected to his own.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
4. Scissor Seven
An assassin suffering from memory loss works as a barber while taking on bizarre assassination missions that usually spiral into hilarious adventures.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. Fog Hill of Five Elements
A short fantasy series renowned for its breathtaking hand-drawn fight sequences and stunning artistic direction. Every battle feels like a moving painting.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll
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6. Soul Land
A martial artist is reborn into a magical world where warriors cultivate powerful spirits to become stronger. The series offers epic adventures, tournaments, and unforgettable battles.
Where to watch: WeTV
7. Battle Through the Heavens
After losing his extraordinary powers, a talented young cultivator begins an incredible journey to regain his strength and uncover hidden secrets about his family and the world.
Where to watch: WeTV
8. Swallowed Star
Set in a post-apocalyptic future, humanity struggles to survive against monstrous creatures while powerful warriors fight to protect civilization.
Where to watch: WeTV
9. A Will Eternal
A clever and often cowardly cultivator seeks immortality but repeatedly finds himself caught in absurd and hilarious situations.
Where to watch: WeTV
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10. The Daily Life of the Immortal King
Image credit : Netflix | Chinese animation is producing some of the most exciting fantasy
An overpowered teenager simply wants a peaceful high school life, but his overwhelming magical abilities constantly create chaos.
Where to watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (select regions)
