Chinese Anime (Donghua) to Watch in 2025 — Complete Guide for Fans
In the past few years, Chinese anime, known as Donghua, has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the global animation industry. Once considered niche, Donghua is now competing with Japanese anime in terms of storytelling, animation quality, and fan following. From epic fantasy worlds to romantic dramas and martial arts adventures, Chinese anime is captivating viewers worldwide.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Donghua special, the top Donghua series to watch in 2025, and how you can stream them online easily.
⚙️ What Is Donghua (Chinese Anime)?
Donghua (动画) is the Chinese term for animation. It refers to animated works produced in China, but the style often shares similarities with Japanese anime. Unlike Japanese anime, which is heavily tied to manga, Donghua is often adapted from web novels, manhua (Chinese comics), and even mobile games.
🔥 Why Donghua Is Rising in Popularity
Unique cultural depth — rich Chinese mythology, ancient settings, and wuxia (martial hero) traditions.
High-quality animation — studios like Tencent Penguin Pictures, B.CMAY Pictures, and Haoliners are using advanced CGI and motion tech.
Free streaming — many Donghua are available on Bilibili, YouTube, and global platforms.
Subtitled releases — global fans can now enjoy official English-subbed versions within hours of release.
🐉 Best Chinese Anime Series to Watch in 2025
Here’s a list of top-rated Donghua that continue to trend this year. Whether you love action, cultivation, romance, or fantasy, there’s something for everyone.
⚔️ 1. Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹)
Studio: Motion Magic | Genre: Action, Adventure, Cultivation
One of the most legendary Chinese anime of all time, Battle Through the Heavens (BTTH) follows Xiao Yan, a young martial artist seeking revenge and power in a world of mystical flames and soul techniques.
Season 5 continues in 2025 with breathtaking visuals and epic fights.
Why Watch:
Dynamic storytelling
Incredible CGI battles
Deep cultivation system
🐯 2. Soul Land (斗罗大陆)
Studio: Sparkly Key Animation | Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Often called the “One Piece of Donghua,” Soul Land tells the story of Tang San, who reincarnates in a world ruled by martial souls. The series is still ongoing with Season 2 continuing into 2025.
Highlights:
Weekly episodes with English subtitles
Stunning character development
Massive online fan community
🔥 3. The King’s Avatar (全职高手)
Studio: Colored Pencil Animation | Genre: E-Sports, Comedy
A must-watch for gaming fans! The series follows Ye Xiu, a top professional gamer forced to start over in a new online game. With Season 3 in production, this remains a fan favorite worldwide.
Why It’s Popular:
Realistic e-sports world
Smart storytelling
Modern Chinese culture blend
👑 4. Throne of Seal (神印王座)
Studio: Tencent Penguin Pictures | Genre: Fantasy, Romance
An underrated gem, Throne of Seal brings together magic, knights, and divine seals in a dazzling visual experience. The 2025 continuation introduces new arcs and romantic elements fans have been waiting for.
🌸 5. Perfect World (完美世界)
Studio: Foch | Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Adapted from the famous novel by Chen Dong, this Donghua explores Shi Hao’s journey to godhood. The series is a perfect mix of philosophy, power, and visual spectacle. Expect new episodes through mid-2025.
🦋 6. Fog Hill of Five Elements (雾山五行)
Studio: Samsara Studio | Genre: Action, Mythology
Visually stunning, this series has a hand-painted art style and tells a story about elemental warriors protecting humanity. It’s considered one of the most artistic Donghua ever made.
