Chinese Anime (Donghua): The Rise of a Global Animation Powerhouse
For decades, Japanese anime has ruled the world — but in recent years, a new wave of animation from China has begun to rise: Donghua (中国动画), or Chinese anime.
From epic fantasy adventures to emotional love stories, Donghua has evolved into one of the most creative and visually stunning animation industries in Asia.
In 2025, Chinese anime is no longer just a hidden gem — it’s a global phenomenon.
Let’s explore why Donghua has become so popular, which series dominate this year, and where you can watch them officially online.
🌟 What Is Donghua?
“Donghua (动画)” simply means animation in Chinese. However, when anime fans use the word today, they refer to Chinese-produced animated series that share visual and narrative similarities with Japanese anime.
The biggest difference?
Donghua often draws inspiration from Chinese mythology, martial arts (Wuxia), and cultivation novels (Xianxia) — creating stories rich with Eastern fantasy and spiritual depth.
Popular genres include:
⚔️ Martial Arts & Cultivation
💫 Fantasy & Immortality
🕵️ Urban Action
💖 Romantic Fantasy
🧙♂️ Historical Legends
🔥 Top 10 Must-Watch Chinese Anime (Donghua) in 2025
1️⃣ Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹) Season 5
The legendary journey of Xiao Yan continues with stunning visuals and epic fights.
This series remains the most streamed Donghua globally, combining Xianxia cultivation with emotional storytelling.
2️⃣ Soul Land (斗罗大陆) Season 2
Adapted from Tang Jia San Shao’s hit novel, Soul Land blends martial arts, friendship, and reincarnation — a must-watch for every Donghua fan.
3️⃣ Fog Hill of Five Elements (雾山五行)
Known for its hand-drawn animation style, this series is a masterpiece of art and motion. Every scene looks like a living painting.
4️⃣ The King’s Avatar (全职高手)
An eSports-based Donghua that follows Ye Xiu, a professional gamer’s comeback story — a perfect mix of gaming, drama, and action.
5️⃣ Spirit Cage: Incarnation (灵笼)
A dark, futuristic Donghua that explores human survival after an apocalypse. The visuals and soundtrack are movie-level quality.
6️⃣ Swallowed Star (吞噬星空)
Based on the sci-fi web novel by I Eat Tomatoes, this Donghua mixes mecha, monsters, and martial arts in a post-apocalyptic Earth.
7️⃣ Carp Reborn (元龙)
A fantasy comedy where a modern man is reborn into an ancient world filled with martial arts and magic. Funny and action-packed!
8️⃣ A Will Eternal (一念永恒)
This light-hearted cultivation Donghua is known for its humor, lovable protagonist, and deep philosophical undertones.
9️⃣ Perfect World (完美世界)
One of the most visually beautiful Donghua ever made — full of powerful battles and divine realms.
🔟 The Daily Life of the Immortal King (仙王的日常生活)
A hilarious mix of high school life and overpowered magic — think of it as One Punch Man meets Harry Potter.
