Donghua, or Chinese animation, has exploded in global popularity thanks to its unique storytelling, stunning visual techniques, and deep roots in Chinese culture, mythology, and martial arts. From epic 3D cultivation adventures to intricate 2D modern mysteries, donghua offers a refreshing alternative to traditional Japanese anime.
If you want to dive into the best that Chinese animation has to offer, here is a curated list of the top 20 donghua series spanning various genres.
Top 20 Donghua List
Soul Land (Douluo Dalu)
Soul Land is the undisputed king of donghua, reaching a staggering 60 billion cumulative views. This fully 3D-animated series follows Tang San, a former martial arts prodigy who reincarnates into a mystical world where people cultivate “spirits” to gain power. It stands out as a rare, fully completed epic, allowing viewers to experience a massive, emotional journey from start to finish without waiting for new seasons.
Link Click
Link Click For fans of supernatural mysteries, Link Click is an absolute must-watch. This highly acclaimed 2D original series follows two friends, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, who run a photo studio and possess the unique ability to travel back in time by stepping into their clients’ photographs. It is widely praised for its emotionally resonant storytelling, exploration of social issues, and fiendish cliffhangers.
Mo Dao Zu Shi
Mo Dao Zu Shi Based on the famous web novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, this historical fantasy series is praised for its high production quality and serious literary themes. It follows Wei Wuxian, the infamous founder of the Demonic Path, who is resurrected thirteen years after his death to solve a gripping murder mystery alongside his old friend, Lan Wangji. The story masterfully tackles heavy themes of power, political corruption, and morality.
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality Considered a masterpiece of the 3D cultivation genre, this donghua follows Han Li, a protagonist with average talent who survives a ruthless world using extreme caution, cunning intelligence, and dirty tricks. It is celebrated for its incredibly realistic character expressions, fluid fight choreography, and a plot where progression feels genuinely earned.
Ling Cage: Incarnation
Ling Cage: Incarnation Often compared to Attack on Titan or Arcane, Ling Cage is a 3D sci-fi masterpiece. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity’s remnants survive on a floating fortress called the Lighthouse, the story explores dark, philosophical themes regarding eugenics, survival, and the cost of discarding human empathy.
Swallowed Star
Swallowed Star Blending martial arts with futuristic sci-fi, Swallowed Star takes place on a post-apocalyptic Earth ravaged by the mutagenic “RR virus” that turns animals into colossal monsters. It follows Luo Feng’s journey from a slum-born fighter to a cosmic savior, delivering hardcore action, starry battles, and incredible animation that has earned it over 15 billion views.
Battle Through the Heavens
Battle Through the Heavens An absolute titan in the cultivation genre, this series has garnered over 30 billion views. It is the quintessential underdog story about a fallen genius fighting to reclaim his honor and flip the script on his humiliation. Despite some divisive fan opinions on recent adaptations, its action-packed, hot-blooded storytelling makes it a staple of Chinese animation.
The King’s Avatar
The King’s Avatar Stepping away from fantasy, The King’s Avatar is a unique donghua centered on the world of modern esports. The story follows a disgraced top-tier professional gamer who is forced out of his team, only to start from scratch and grind his way back to the top of the massively popular online game, Glory.
Perfect World
Perfect World A fast-paced, breathless ride of epic cultivation, Perfect World has racked up over 25 billion views. It follows Shi Hao, a boy blessed with great powers but born into terrible circumstances, as he fights his way to his true potential. It is considered a benchmark for 3D fight scenes and dazzling visual effects.
Renegade Immortal
Renegade Immortal For viewers who prefer a more ruthless, calculated protagonist, Renegade Immortal is a top-tier recommendation. The series is highly praised for its consistent sense of life-or-death danger and an overpowered main character who treats cultivation like a high-stakes game of chess where mercy is never an option.
The Daily Life of the Immortal King
The Daily Life of the Immortal King If you need a break from serious epics, this 2D series is a perfect slice-of-life comedy. It follows Wang Ling, a 16-year-old boy who is practically invincible—having defeated a demon king at age six—but finds that surviving the social challenges of normal high school is his toughest battle yet.
Lord of Mysteries
Lord of Mysteries Highly anticipated by fans, this upcoming isekai adaptation blends Victorian steampunk, tarot, and Lovecraftian horror. Following the protagonist Klein Moretti as he navigates secret mysticism societies and masquerades as a god-like entity, the series uses a stunning art style that beautifully merges 2D aesthetics with 3D realism.
Throne of Seal
Throne of Seal A massive hit with over 15 billion views, Throne of Seal revolves around humans defending their realm against a demonic invasion. It is a heavy, emotional ride where teamwork and the bonds between comrades are just as important as individual magical power.
To Be Hero X
To Be Hero X This action-packed series offers a fresh take on the saturated superhero genre. In this world, a hero’s power is directly fueled by the public’s “trust” and faith in them. The show is highly acclaimed for its innovative concept and its bold, masterful blending of 2D and 3D animation.
Stellar Transformation
Stellar Transformation A slow-burn story that pays off beautifully, this series follows an underdog who grows strong enough to wield cosmic power. It appeals to fans of traditional cultivation who appreciate a protagonist who truly works for their power, making every large-scale victory feel incredibly earned.
The Demon Hunter
The Demon Hunter Known for its explosive and relentless pacing, The Demon Hunter is one of the most badass dark fantasy donghuas available. It features brutal combat and follows Meng Chuan as he unravels deep conspiracies behind a devastating demon invasion.
God Troubles Me
God Troubles Me A fantastic entry point for beginners, God Troubles Me is a laid-back comedy with strong sitcom vibes. It centers on Su Moting, a half-god, half-monster girl who is kicked out of her home and ends up rooming with an introverted cat monster and a highly dramatic god.
Spare Me, Great Lord!
Spare Me, Great Lord! (Da Wang Rao Ming) Taking a unique spin on the overpowered protagonist trope, this series follows Lu Shu, a teenager who awakens magical powers that draw strength entirely from negative emotions. It manages to take a common magic-system premise and turn it into something surprisingly deep and engaging.
Fox Spirit Matchmaker
Fox Spirit Matchmaker Deeply rooted in traditional Chinese customs and mythology, this massively popular series has amassed over 18 billion views. It explores the ultimate tear-jerker tales of love between humans and youkai (spirits), and was even broadcast on Japanese television.
Tales of Herding Gods
Tales of Herding Gods A visually stunning series that perfectly blends traditional cultivation with an expanding universe. Widely praised by viewers for its brilliant writing, satisfying character decisions, and incredible animation quality, fans regularly rate it as a perfect “10/10” and a must-watch masterpiece.
Conclusion
As the global animation landscape continues to expand, donghua has proven itself to be a formidable and incredibly creative powerhouse. Whether you are drawn to the deep philosophical questions of sci-fi masterpieces like Ling Cage: Incarnation, the emotional time-travel mysteries of Link Click, or the sweeping, 60-billion-view epic of Soul Land, there is a Chinese animation tailored for every taste. With rapid advancements in 3D technology, stunning visual storytelling, and a deep reverence for traditional Chinese culture and mythology, donghua offers a refreshing alternative to standard anime. Dive into any of the series on this list, and you might just find your next obsession.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between Donghua and Japanese Anime? At their most basic level, “donghua” refers to animation produced in China, while “anime” refers to animation produced in Japan. Stylistically, donghua often embraces 3D/CGI animation much more frequently and boldly than Japanese anime, which traditionally favors 2D hand-drawn styles. Thematically, donghua regularly explores distinct Chinese cultural elements, such as Confucian philosophies, shadow puppetry, historical folklore like Journey to the West, and specific genres like wuxia (martial arts fiction) and xianxia (fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology).
Where can I watch Donghua? Donghua has become increasingly accessible to international audiences. Major platforms like Crunchyroll stream popular titles such as Link Click, Lord of Mysteries, and To Be Hero X. Additionally, networks like WeTV, Tencent Video, Bilibili, and official YouTube channels offer extensive libraries of Chinese animation, often with multi-language subtitles.
What is the most-watched Donghua? Soul Land (Douluo Dalu) currently holds the crown as the ultimate “king of donghua,” having amassed an astonishing 60 billion cumulative views. Other massive titans in the industry include Battle Through the Heavens with over 30 billion views and Perfect World with over 25.2 billion views.
Which Donghua are best for beginners? If you are new to Chinese animation and want something accessible, God Troubles Me is highly recommended for its laid-back, sitcom-like slice-of-life comedy. For fans of modern thrillers, Link Click is an excellent entry point that handles time travel and supernatural mysteries in a fresh, unique way without being overly complex.
Why are so many Donghua series animated in 3D? Full 3D animation has become the core of the Chinese animation industry, particularly for high-fantasy and cultivation series. 3D allows studios to handle bigger productions, expansive world-building, and the highly complex, fluid fight choreography required for epic martial arts battles. Shows like Ling Cage: Incarnation and A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality are currently considered the peak of this 3D animation style.
