Chinese anime, also called Donghua in Chinese, is popular among various ages in China. Donghua fans may know that classic Donghua revolves around cultivation, immortality, ink painting, Taoism, and other Chinese styles. However, in recent years, some anime that are about modern life and futuristic themes have also flourished in China, which have interesting plots and shocking scenes.
You are in the right place if you want to try anime with Chinese styles and concepts. This post will show you the list of Chinese anime series and movies.
Top Chinese Anime Series
Ling Cage: Incarnation (2019)
- Season: 1
- Status: Ongoing
Ling Cage: Incarnation is one of the best Chinese sci-fi anime. It revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where humanity survives in a massive floating city to avoid the monsters on the surface. A group of warriors known as “Hunters” are sent to the surface to search for resources, and during one of these missions, the protagonist accidentally uncovers a dark secret.
Ling Cage shares similarities in its setting with Evangelion and Ghost in the Shell, but it’s a unique Chinese hybrid that blends in religious and philosophical elements.
Ling Cage: Incarnation is available on BiliBili but without English subtitles.
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Soul Land (2018)
- Seasons: 3
- Status: Completed
SoulLand is considered the best Chinese fantasy and action anime series. It is adapted from a novel that follows the journey of a young man named TangSan, who is magically transported to a world called the DouluoContinent—a realm where everyone possesses a unique “martial spirit” and cultivates power. There, he embarks on a path of growth, battles, and discovery. The series has over 200episodes.
Soul Land is now available on YouTube for free with English subtitles. If you are a VIP, you can also watch it on WeTV.
Heaven’s Official Blessing (2020)
- Seasons: 2
- Status: Completed
If you are a fan of BL anime, don’t miss Heaven’s Official Blessing. This is one of the best Chinese BL anime involving an adventure and historical style. Xie Lian, once the beloved Crown Prince of the prosperous kingdom Xianle, had a fateful encounter that led him to walk alongside San Lang, the ghost king feared by all. Yet, rather than emphasizing romance, the anime delves into the trials and tribulations of Xie Lian’s destiny.
Heaven’s Official Blessing is now on Crunchyroll, YouTube, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube TV. All require a subscription.
Mo Dao Zu Shi (2018)
- Seasons: 3
- Status: Completed
Mo Dao Zu Shi (Or The Master of Diabolism) is one of China’s most popular BL anime series. It was later adapted into the live-action drama The Untamed. The story follows Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji as they reunite after Wei’s resurrection to uncover a 13-year-old conspiracy. While the anime keeps the romance subtle due to restrictions, the plot, visuals, and characters stay true to the original—definitely worth watching.
Mo Dao Zu Shi is available on Crunchyroll, YouTube, YouTube TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
Tip: Mo Dao Zu Shi and Heaven Official’s Blessing were both created by the same author, Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast (2016)
- Seasons: 5
- Status: Ongoing
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast is a Japanese-Chinese collaborative fantasy action anime, adapted from the Chinese manga of the same name. The anime is filled with many elements, including Taoist philosophy and the concept of “Qi,” traditional martial arts, and superpowers. After the anime and its animated version became a huge hit, Hitori no Shita was also adapted into a movie, sparking widespread discussions on Chinese social media.
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast seasons 1 and 2 are available on The Roku Channel, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Apple TV. The Chinese versions of iQIYI and Tencent Video have all five seasons but without English subtitles.
Other Popular Chinese Anime Dramas
Aside from the best Donghua we mentioned above, you have many great options, which are listed below.
Super Cube (2021): This is a Chinese sci-fi anime, revolving around an ordinary teenager who is accidentally trapped in an interdimensional labyrinth.
Fog Hill of Five Elements (2020): FOFE is a good Chinese action anime. It tells the story of elemental warriors who possess the powers of the five elements and are responsible for sealing monstrous creatures from another realm.
The Ravages of Time (2023): The Ravages of Time is a Chinese animated series based on the history of the Three Kingdoms. It revolves around power struggles, strategic warfare, and dark politics.
A Mortal’s Journey (2020): A Mortal’s Journey is a Chinese 3D cultivation anime that tells the story of an ordinary boy who overcomes countless challenges and gradually becomes a powerful cultivator. The series has received high praise for its stunning visuals and intricate battle scenes and is often regarded as one of the most visually impressive Chinese animations.
Hua Jianghu: Bu Liang Ren (2016): Hua Jianghu: Bu Liang Ren is one of the most popular Chinese martial arts animations in recent years. Set after the fall of the Tang Dynasty, it tells the story of a young man drawn into a battle for power.
Link Click (2021): Link Click is a highly acclaimed Chinese anime that blends suspense and time travel. The story revolves around two young men who possess the ability to travel through photographs. Together, they take on cases to uncover hidden truths or fulfill their clients’ final wishes.
Thirty-six Cavalry (2023): This is a Chinese historical war-themed animation that tells the passionate story of a troop called the “Thirty-six Cavalry,” who fight to protect their homeland.
Battle Through the Heavens (2018): Battle Through the Heavens is a 3D anime adapted from the famous Chinese novel of the same name. It tells the story of the young Xiao Yan, who rises from being a powerless outcast to becoming the strongest warrior on the Dou Qi Continent.
Renegade Immortal (2023): This is a Chinese fantasy anime that tells the story of an ordinary boy, Wang Lin, who endures hardships and embarks on a journey to become a powerful immortal cultivator.
Rakshasa Street (2016): This is a fantasy anime that tells the story of a young boy who enters a special area called Rakshasa Street, located between the human world and the spirit world, and fights against the invasion of evil forces into the human realm.
Perfect World (2021): Perfect World is a fantasy 3D anime about immortal cultivation. It tells the story of the protagonist, who, after having his Supreme Bone taken away, recovers his cultivation from a small village and, after facing many hardships, becomes a powerful being.
The Legend of Qin (2007): This is a 3D fantasy martial arts anime set within the historical framework of the Qin Dynasty. It tells the story of a young boy who, through adventures and challenges, becomes a hero and changes the course of history.
Thousand Autumns (2021): Thousand Autumns is a Chinese BL (Boys’ Love) anime that tells the story of a righteous sect leader and a demonic cult master who journey through the martial world together, uncovering a conspiracy sparked by a mysterious martial arts manual.
Swallowed Star (2020): This is a sci-fi anime set in a future where a virus mutates creatures into monsters. A boy from the slums gains great power and battles to protect humanity.
Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens (2016): This is a 3D wuxia anime centered on political intrigue and power struggles. Set during the Warring States period, it follows a strategist from the weak state of Han who tries to save his country by negotiating with foreign powers while confronting internal conflicts.
A List of Top Chinese Anime Movies
Chinese animated series are flourishing, but animated films are relatively fewer. Below is a list of the best Chinese animated movies.
- White Snake (2019): Romance and fantasy
- Havoc in Heaven (1961): Fantasy and adventure
- Green Snake (2021): Adventure and fantasy
- The Legend of Hei (2019): Fantasy and action
- Monkey King: Hero Is Back (2015): Adventure, action, and fantasy
- Ne Zha (2019): Adventure, action, and fantasy
- The Wind Guardians (2018): Adventure and fantasy
- Big Fish & Begonia (2016): Fantasy, romance, and adventure
- Jiang Ziya (2020): Fantasy and adventure
- Deep Sea (2023): Fantasy and adventure
- Hua Jiang Hu Zhi Tian Gang (2023): Fighting, fantasy, and adventure
Where to Watch Chinese Anime
There are many apps and websites for watching Donghua. Here is a list of them.
- WeTV: This is for users in countries outside China.
- Youku: This is also a Chinese company, but it offers a version for countries outside China.
- Netflix: Netflix now offers some original Chinese anime series and movies.
- Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll has some Chinese Donghua to watch.
- AcFun: This is also a Chinese website for anime, offering many Donghua.
- BiliBili: This is the largest Chinese website for streaming anime, movies, series, and videos. It is like a Chinese version of YouTube but with a real-time bullet screen function.
- Tencent Video: This is a Chinese version of WeTV but has more resources for Chinese movies, anime, and series.
- iQIYI: It is also a Chinese streaming platform, offering an English version with fewer Chinese streaming resources.
Related: 8 Best Free Chinese Streaming Sites in 2025
How to Access Geo-limited Chinese Anime?
As we mentioned above, some anime like Hitori no Shita: The Outcast only have 2 seasons to watch in the USA. To resolve such a case, you can use a VPN to change your IP address to China. However, only a VPN with strong unblocking ability can help you seamlessly watch every episode.
LightningX VPN is among the top options. It has robust protocols based on top-grade algorithms, performing excellently at unblocking geo-restrictions. This VPN has more than 2,000+ servers in 50 countries, including Japan, Korea, China, Russia, and Turkey. It supports all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, smart TVs, Linux, and Chrome. You can use it on 3 simultaneous devices. The monthly fee is low.
