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Best Donghua Series to Watch in 2025 — The Rise of Chinese Anime

The world of Donghua (Chinese Anime) has grown into a powerhouse of storytelling, animation, and creativity. Once overshadowed by Japanese anime, Chinese animation is now claiming its spotlight — thanks to visually stunning series like Battle Through the Heavens, Soul Land, and Fog Hill of the Five Elements.

In 2025, Donghua series have evolved into a global entertainment force. Let’s dive into the best titles, the studios behind them, and why Donghua is becoming the next big wave in world animation.

🌏 What Is Donghua? Understanding the World of Chinese Anime

Donghua (动画) means “animation” in Mandarin. However, for global fans, it refers specifically to Chinese-produced anime with unique cultural, historical, and fantasy elements.

Unlike Japanese anime, which often explores modern or school settings, Donghua focuses on ancient China, martial arts, cultivation, immortality, and spiritual energy systems called Qi. The stories are often adapted from popular Chinese web novels and manhua (comics).

⚡ Why Donghua Series Are Gaining Popularity Worldwide

Here’s why Donghua is capturing global attention in 2025:

1. High-quality 3D and hybrid animation — Studios are combining CGI with 2D to create cinematic visuals.

2. Rich storytelling — Adaptations of hit web novels like Dou Po Cangqiong (Battle Through the Heavens).

3. Cultural depth — Rooted in Chinese myths, Taoism, and ancient martial arts.

4. Global accessibility — Platforms like AniChin, Bilibili, iQIYI, and Tencent Video now offer English subtitles.

5. Massive community growth — Telegram, Reddit, and Discord groups dedicated to new Donghua releases.

🐲 Top 10 Donghua Series You Should Watch in 2025

Here’s a curated list of the most popular and trending Donghua series that define the art and soul of Chinese anime.

1. Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹)

A cornerstone of modern Donghua. It follows Xiao Yan, a prodigy who loses his powers but rises again through hard cultivation and vengeance.

• 🌟 Genre: Action, Fantasy, Cultivation

• 🏮 Studio: Motion Magic

• 📺 Watch on: AniChin, Bilibili, Tencent Video

Keyword Focus: Battle Through the Heavens Donghua 2025, BTTH Season 6, Xiao Yan Donghua

2. Soul Land (斗罗大陆)

One of the longest-running and most popular Chinese anime ever created. The story of Tang San mastering martial souls and spirit rings has captured fans globally.

• 🌟 Genre: Adventure, Supernatural, Martial Arts

• 🏮 Studio: Sparkly Key Animation

• 📺 Watch on: AniChin, iQIYI, Bilibili

Keyword Focus: Soul Land Donghua, Tang San, Chinese Anime Soul Land

3. Perfect World (完美世界)

A grand cultivation epic following Shi Hao, a young genius born into hardship who rises to challenge gods and immortals.

• 🌟 Genre: Action, Adventure, Cultivation

• 🏮 Studio: Shanghai Foch Film Culture

• 📺 Watch on: Bilibili, AniChin

Keyword Focus: Perfect World Donghua, Shi Hao Donghua Series

4. The King’s Avatar (全职高手)

A must-watch for eSports fans. Ye Xiu, a retired professional gamer, starts over from zero to reclaim his glory.

• 🌟 Genre: Action, eSports, Slice of Life

• 🏮 Studio: Colored Pencil Animation

• 📺 Watch on: Tencent Video, AniChin

Keyword Focus: The King’s Avatar Donghua, Ye Xiu, Chinese Gaming Anime

5. Fog Hill of the Five Elements (雾山五行)

One of the most visually stunning Donghua ever made — every frame feels like a painting.

• 🌟 Genre: Action, Mythology

• 🏮 Studio: Samsara Animation Studio

• 📺 Watch on: Bilibili

Keyword Focus: Fog Hill of the Five Elements Donghua, Chinese Animation Art Style

6. Scissor Seven (伍六七之最强发型师)

A unique comedy-action series following a hairdresser turned assassin.

• 🌟 Genre: Comedy, Action

• 🏮 Studio: AHA Entertainment

• 📺 Watch on: Netflix, AniChin

Keyword Focus: Scissor Seven Donghua, Netflix Chinese Anime

7. Link Click (时光代理人)

A masterpiece of storytelling — two friends who enter photos to alter the past.

• 🌟 Genre: Mystery, Drama, Time Travel

• 🏮 Studio: Haoliners Animation

• 📺 Watch on: Bilibili, Crunchyroll

Keyword Focus: Link Click Donghua, Chinese Anime Drama

8. Fox Spirit Matchmaker (狐妖小红娘)

A touching romantic Donghua based on reincarnation and eternal love.

• 🌟 Genre: Romance, Fantasy

• 🏮 Studio: Haoliners Animation

• 📺 Watch on: iQIYI, AniChin

Keyword Focus: Fox Spirit Matchmaker Donghua, Chinese Romance Anime

9. Swallowed Star (吞噬星空)

A futuristic cultivation epic blending sci-fi and martial arts.

• 🌟 Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Cultivation

• 🏮 Studio: Sparkly Key Animation

• 📺 Watch on: Tencent Video, AniChin

Keyword Focus: Swallowed Star Donghua, Luo Feng, Chinese Sci-Fi Anime

10. Throne of Seal (神印王座)

A relatively new Donghua gaining attention for its strong character design and worldbuilding.

• 🌟 Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

• 🏮 Studio: Shenman Entertainment

• 📺 Watch on: Bilibili

Keyword Focus: Throne of Seal Donghua, Chinese Fantasy Anime

🧭 Where to Watch Donghua Online (Legally and Safely)

Here are some trusted platforms for streaming Donghua in HD with subtitles:

Tip: For best SEO ranking, link these sites internally from your blog to boost authority.

🌠 Evolution of Donghua Series

Donghua started decades ago, but its modern transformation began in the 2010s, when studios started adapting online web novels (light novels) and manhua.

Key milestones:

• 2015 → Battle Through the Heavens begins

• 2018 → Fog Hill of the Five Elements shocks the world with visuals

• 2020 → Link Click wins international awards

• 2023 → Soul Land II launches

• 2025 → Global collaboration with Japanese studios expands

Today, the Donghua industry is valued at over $1.5 billion, with millions of fans across Asia, America, and Europe.

🧩 What Makes Donghua Series Unique?

• 🀄 Deep spiritual and cultural foundations (Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism)

• ⚔️ Cultivation power systems (Qi, Spirits, Martial Souls)

• 🎨 Advanced 3D animation engines and art styles

• 📚 Story arcs that span hundreds of episodes

• 💬 Strong fan communities on Telegram, Discord, and Reddit

💬 Join the Donghua Community

Want to get daily updates, spoilers, and links for the latest Donghua?
Join Donghua Series Telegram Channels like:

• 🌀 Donghua World

• 🌍 AniChin Donghua Updates

• 🔥 Lucifer Donghua Hub

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