9 Donghuas You Need to Know Today!

Japanese anime has conquered the world, but it's not alone when it comes to engaging and visually stunning animations. China has also been gaining attention with its donghuas, which are animations that, while still lesser-known in the West, are rapidly growing in popularity thanks to their quality, originality, and cultural richness.

In this article, we'll dive into this fascinating universe and introduce some works you should definitely check out.

What are Donghuas?

Donghua (动画) is the term for animations produced in China. Just as anime hails from Japan, donghuas represent China's contribution to Asian animation. But make no mistake: they are far more than just a "Chinese version of anime."

They boast their own unique identity, often drawing inspiration from local mythology, traditional culture, wuxia literature, web novels, and spiritual cultivation stories, all of which are genres deeply popular in the region.

The history of donghua is older than many realize. As early as 1926, the animated short "Uproar in the Studio" marked one of the first forays into Chinese animation. From then on, the country saw landmark moments, such as the 1961 release of the acclaimed "The Monkey King," an animation inspired by the classic novel "Journey to the West." Over the following decades, however, the industry faced setbacks, partly due to political shifts and a lack of investment. It wasn't until the 2000s that donghua began to experience a resurgence, fueled by the internet, streaming platforms, and a young audience hungry for contemporary narratives.

Today, with well-equipped studios, international collaborations, and easier access through platforms like Bilibili, Tencent Video, and even Netflix, donghua are captivating fans worldwide.

And the best part? There's a donghua for every taste: from action and fantasy to comedy, romance, and drama.

The Legend of Hei

Movie (2019)

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

The Legend of Hei follows Luo Xiaohei, a young cat spirit who, after his forest home is destroyed, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the human world. Contemporary China, depicted with stylized and expressive animation, provides the backdrop for conflicts between supernatural and human forces.

The film is lauded for its delicate balance of lightheartedness and emotion, and for sensitively exploring profound themes such as identity, coexistence, and empathy.

Psychic Princess

Episodes: 2 seasons

Genre: Romance, Drama

The series centers on Qian Yunxi, a young woman whose spiritual abilities have led to her being ostracized since childhood. To protect her family, she's forced into a marriage with Ye Youming, a mysterious and widely feared prince. Navigating the tense imperial court, she must contend with intrigues, ghosts, and power struggles.

The series shines with its strong protagonist and a well-crafted blend of drama, comedy, romance, and supernatural elements.

Rakshasa Street

Episodes: 3 seasons

Genre: Action, Supernatural

In this donghua, the living and dead coexist in a world where certain streets, like the ominous Rakshasa Street, serve as waypoints for souls reluctant to move on. The protagonists are Spirit Guardians who, aided by their own guardian spirits, fight to maintain equilibrium between the two realms.

Based on a popular manhua, the series delivers intense action, moral quandaries, and Chinese mythology, all wrapped in striking visuals and a somber atmosphere.

Scissor Seven

Episodes: 4 seasons (short episodes)

Genre: Action, Comedy

With its quirky premise, Scissor Seven follows Seven, an amnesiac hairdresser attempting to make a living as a budget assassin-for-hire, though his missions rarely go as planned.

The show's signature blend of nonsensical humor and surprisingly poignant moments gives it a unique charm. As the story unfolds, Seven's forgotten past gradually comes to light, adding layers to the narrative and its characters.

Link Click

Episodes: 2 seasons

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Link Click follows friends Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, who possess the special ability to dive into photographs and relive past moments through the eyes of the photographer. Initially, they use this power to help clients with personal dilemmas. However, they soon become entangled in a complex web of secrets, crimes, and the heavy emotional toll of their actions.

Featuring a non-linear narrative, cinematic direction, and multifaceted characters, the series is acclaimed for its original and profound take on time travel.

The Daily Life of the Immortal King

Episodes: 3 seasons

Genre: Action, Comedy

Wang Ling is an incredibly powerful young cultivation prodigy who just wants to live a normal high school life. The catch? He's so overwhelmingly mighty that his attempts to lay low often trigger calamitous (and frequently hilarious) situations.

The series cleverly satirizes common anime tropes while delivering thrilling action sequences and endearing character dynamics. With its brisk pacing and sharp humor, the story is a highly entertaining and easily accessible watch.

Heaven Official's Blessing

Episodes: 2 seasons

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, BL

Based on the celebrated novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, Heaven Official's Blessing tells the story of Xie Lian, a thrice-ascended martial god who was once a beloved crown prince, now a humble deity collecting scraps.

During his missions in the mortal realm, he encounters Hua Cheng, a mysterious and exceedingly powerful Ghost King whose past seems deeply intertwined with his own. The series captivates with its breathtaking artistry, ethereal atmosphere, and a narrative weaving together romance, mystery, and themes of redemption.

Moreover, it stands as one of the most cherished works in the danmei (Boys' Love) genre.

Tales of Demons and Gods

Episodes: over 200 (short)

Genre: Fantasy

Nie Li was once one of humanity's most formidable Demon Spiritualists until he perished in battle against the Sage Emperor and his beasts. Reincarnated into his younger self, he resolves to use his future knowledge to alter his tragic fate and protect his loved ones.

The story blends adventure, magical combat, and personal growth within a rich cultivation world brimming with intricate hierarchies and constant peril. Despite its short episode format and initially simple animation, the plot develops consistently, keeping viewers hooked with clever strategies and plot twists.

All Saints Street

Episodes: 3 seasons (short)

Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy

Neil is a good-natured young demon who moves to the human world hoping for a peaceful life. He ends up sharing an apartment with an assortment of other non-human entities, including a vampire, an angel, a werewolf, and a mummy.

The daily antics of this unconventional household lead to plenty of humorous and heartwarming moments. This charming series is light, cozy, and fun, with short episodes exploring themes of friendship, acceptance, and the universal search for belonging.

Donghua are steadily carving out a significant space in the hearts of animation enthusiasts worldwide. With their imaginative narratives, distinctive aesthetics, and strong ties to Chinese culture, these works offer a refreshingly different and often surprising viewing experience.

If you've yet to explore the world of donghua, this list is the perfect gateway.

So, which donghua will be your first pick? Let us know in the comments!