Chinese Anime (Donghua) to Watch in 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Fans
Chinese anime, known as Donghua (动画), has exploded in popularity over the last few years. Once overshadowed by Japanese anime, Chinese animation has carved its own identity through breathtaking visuals, intricate storytelling, and deep cultural roots inspired by wuxia, xianxia, and fantasy cultivation themes.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the best Chinese anime (donghua) to watch in 2025, how they differ from Japanese anime, where you can watch them with English subtitles, and what makes them stand out globally.
🌏 What is Chinese Anime (Donghua)?
The term “Donghua” (动画) simply means “animation” in Chinese. However, in global fandom, “donghua” specifically refers to Chinese-produced animated series or films, particularly those influenced by traditional culture, legends, or fantasy cultivation.
Unlike Japanese anime, which often focuses on slice-of-life, school romance, or shonen adventure, donghua dives deep into immortality, martial arts, mythical beasts, and ancient realms.
Popular genres include:
🧙♂️ Xianxia (仙侠): Cultivation, immortality, and spiritual ascension
⚔️ Wuxia (武侠): Martial arts heroes and Jianghu adventures
💞 Romance & Fantasy: Heartfelt love stories in magical worlds
👑 Historical & Mythical: Ancient China-inspired sagas
🔥 Why Chinese Anime is Taking Over in 2025
1. High-Quality Animation
Studios like Tencent Penguin Pictures, Bilibili, Youku, and iQIYI are investing heavily in animation technology. The result? Gorgeous visuals rivaling or surpassing top Japanese productions.
2. Unique Storytelling
Donghua series draw inspiration from Chinese novels, folklore, and web literature (like Webnovel or Qidian stories). These tales explore spiritual growth, fate, and inner strength.
3. Cultural Depth
From traditional instruments to Taoist philosophy, each story celebrates Chinese heritage with pride.
4. Global Reach
Many platforms now stream Chinese anime with English subtitles, making them accessible to international fans.
🎬 Top 15 Chinese Anime (Donghua) to Watch in 2025
Here’s a curated list of must-watch donghua that define 2025:
1. Battle Through The Heavens (Doupo Cangqiong) Season 5
A classic cultivation story with stunning fight scenes and emotional growth.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Why Watch: Epic evolution of Xiao Yan, top-tier animation, and emotional storytelling.
2. Soul Land 2 (Douluo Dalu 2)
The next generation of Tang San’s legacy continues with new characters.
Genre: Adventure, Cultivation
Platform: Tencent Video
3. A Will Eternal Season 3
Bai Xiaochun’s hilarious yet inspiring journey toward immortality returns.
Genre: Comedy, Cultivation
Why Watch: Lighthearted tone with deep xianxia themes.
4. Perfect World (Wanmei Shijie) Season 4
Shi Hao’s destiny unfolds as he reaches the peak of his world.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Mythical
5. Throne of Seal (Shen Yin Wangzuo)
A divine fantasy featuring knights and gods, mixing Western and Eastern mythology.
Genre: Action, Fantasy
6. The King’s Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
A must-watch for e-sports fans. Follow Ye Xiu, the god of gaming.
Genre: Esports, Action
7. Fog Hill of Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)
Visually stunning. Every frame is art.
Genre: Action, Fantasy
8. Link Click (Shi Guang Dai Li Ren)
A masterpiece mixing time travel, mystery, and emotion.
Genre: Sci-fi, Mystery, Drama
9. Scissor Seven
A comedic yet heartfelt journey of a hairdresser-assassin.
Genre: Comedy, Action
10. The Daily Life of the Immortal King
A modern cultivation comedy that breaks all tropes.
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
11. Renegade Immortal
Adapted from a top novel. Intense cultivation and tragedy.
Genre: Xianxia, Action
12. Swallowed Star
Set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world.
Genre: Sci-fi, Cultivation
13. One Step Toward Freedom
A blend of comedy and cultivation adventures.
Genre: Fantasy, Action
14. A Mortal’s Journey to Immortality Season 2
One of the most faithful xianxia stories.
Genre: Xianxia, Fantasy
15. Dragon Raja
Adapted from the hit Chinese novel. Gorgeous visuals, strong characters.
Genre: Fantasy, Modern
