10 Best Chinese Anime, Even Better Than the Japanese Series!

Donghua, sometimes called "Chinese anime," has been steadily growing in recent years and is poised to become the next big thing in animation.

Chinese anime, as the name suggests, refers to animations that have been created in China or are Chinese adaptations of Manhua (Chinese manga), and are often called Donghua. Chinese anime is witnessing a massive spike in viewership as well as a drastic increase in the quality of animation. With intricate artwork, many fantasy themes, exhilarating fight scenes, and well-woven storylines, Donghuas are no longer just a niche and are slowly making their way into mainstream media.

This also means a bigger opportunity for all ShowFans to have a lot more options in expressing creativity for cosplay costumes as one of the Chinese anime characters.

Donghuas have managed to integrate several elements from Japanese anime, but have also created a unique identity for themselves by adding rich cultural folklores and meanings, creating something exceptional, such as these 10 titles!

10. Ling Qi (Spiritpact)

Based on a web manhua of the same name, and animated by Haoliners Animation League, Spiritpact follows the adventures of You Keika (a failed exorcist) and Ki Tanmoku (the head of a powerful family of exorcists) as they face various challenges in the spiritual world, all the while figuring out the true meaning of the bond they share.

The pair of You Keika and Ki Tanmoku manages to grab the spotlight with their humorous, yet mildly heartwarming relationship. With sweet humor, action, and art, all balanced in an amazing proportion, Spiritpact manages to keep the viewers engaged from the very first episode and is a donghua that'll keep you hooked until the very end.

9. Zhen Hun Jie (Rakshasa Street)

Rakshasa Street follows the story of Xia Ling, an ordinary university intern, as she is inadvertently plunged into a world filled with evil spirits, as danger lurks at each and every corner. The donghua is based on a manhua bearing the same name and is produced by Lu HengYu and Li ZhuJie Studio.

The story starts slowly, but gradually picks up pace, resulting in a plot that demands a bit of patience from its viewers but rewards them equally with unseen twists and cliffhangers.

8. Wo De Tian Jie Nuyou (My Cultivator Girlfriend)

My Cultivator Girlfriend is set in a modern world, with not so modern rules and traditions. The strong trample over the weak and the weak have no choice but to obey. The story follows the adventures of Ma Yingxiong, a security guard, as he steps into the world of cultivation after saving Lu Zi, a female cultivator.

There are 15 episodes, with each episode having a duration of 13 minutes, making this a very short watch. The characters are well defined with intriguing backstories and qualities, and the overall hilarious outlay of the donghua makes this a very enjoyable experience.

7. Xiyouji Zhi Dasheng Guilai (Monkey King: Hero Is Back)

This movie revolves around the legend of The Monkey King, an all-powerful being who upon breaking several divine laws, is imprisoned in an ice pillar. A small boy who was lost happens to come across the prison of the Monkey King, who upon touching the prison breaks the curse and frees the almighty being.

The movie is endowed with a well-paced story that manages to keep the viewer engaged throughout the run time. Directed by Tian Xiao Peng,  Xiyouji Zhi Dasheng Guilai is a diamond in the rough that is just waiting to be discovered.

6. Yaoshenji (Tales Of Demons And Gods)

Based on the wildly popular manhua called Tales of Demons and Gods, Yaoshenji follows the adventures of Nie Li, who was once the strongest demon spiritualist. Upon losing his life in a battle against the Sage Emperor and his minions, Nie Li is brought back in time to when he was just 13 years old.

The donghua is done with 3D computer animation, giving it a different style than most of the genre and therefore might not suit the tastes of all fans. However, enriched with a well-developed storyline and complex characters, Yaoshenji manages to hook viewers who give it a chance from the very first episode.

5. Lan Mo De Hua (Lan Mo's Flower)

With general themes of romance and magic, Lan Mo De Hua is a light watch that'll leave viewers' hearts fluttering. The donghua follows the stories of Lan Mo, who finds a magical hairpin that helps her change her appearance.

She is then on a mission to make her childhood friend, Lui Yi Feng, fall in love with her. With 9 episodes, each having a duration of 13 minutes, Lan Mo De Hua is an easy series to binge but without feeling rushed, and is one that'll leave viewers feeling all warm and fuzzy.

4. Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation)

Based on a Chinese web novel having the same title and written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation has a general theme of reincarnation revolving around the entire plot. The story is set in a world where cultivators have the ability to even attain immortality.

Wei Wuxian is a cultivator who cultivates the demonic path. Upon being killed by his closest ally, he is reincarnated 13 years later, and with the help of a former classmate, begins a journey to uncover the secrets of the spiritual world. The action-packed donghua certainly manages to keep the reader at the edge of their seats and is definitely a remarkable watch.

3. Douluo Dalu (Soul Land)

Douluo Dalu follows the story of Tang San, a former disciple of the Tang Sect Martial Clan, who upon breaking certain forbidden rules, commits suicide. Tang San is then reincarnated in a strange world, where people cultivate with their innate spirits to become spirit masters. Blessed with the weakest innate spirit, but strong spiritual power, Tang San is on a mission to reach the apex of the cultivation world.

Often considered as one of the best donghua ever to be released, Douluo Dalu has constantly racked in large amounts of viewership. The exquisite story along with vivid animations stand as a testament to its popularity.

2. Quanzhi Fashi (Full-Time Mage)

Based on the popular manhua, Quanzhi Fashi follows the adventures of Mo Fan, a carefree high schooler who wakes in a strange new world where magic is the true essence of life. Mo Fan, despite being poor and new to this world, enters the renowned magic school, all to become a magician to support his father and crippled sister.

Endowed with the elements of fire and lightning, Mo Fan begins his journey to become a fully-fledged magician, strong enough to protect his dear family. Quanzhi Fashi is a funny and fast-paced donghua that has been received well by viewers, as is evident by the release of its subsequent 4 seasons— with more on the way.

1. Quan Zhi Gao Shou (The King's Avatar)

Quan Zhi Gao Shou revolves around "Glory," an MMORPG that has tens of thousands of players all vying to reach the top and to cement their position in the rich history of this game. Ye Xiu, a former pro, often considered to be the best ever, is forced to retire due to age and a string of poor performances. He then creates a new character, keeping his identity a secret, all just to enjoy the game that he had dedicated his life to.

With artwork that'll leave the viewers mesmerized and complicated strategies that'll leave them scratching their heads, Quan Zhi Gao Shou is one donghua that is definitely worth spending time on.