You asked, and we delivered here are 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans! Donghua also referred to as Chinese anime, has steadily been becoming more popular not only domestically but internationally every year. For those who are new to the world of donghua.
What is Donghua?
A lot of anime fans are not familiar with donghua, even though they might have watched one without even knowing. Donghua is exactly like anime, except it’s animation made in China instead of Japan, from Manhua (Chinese manga) created by China’s Mangaka.
Donghua integrates the best elements from anime while adding its own unique elements in art style, music, and cultural folktales. Making it no longer made just for the Chinese audience but for international viewers with subs and dubs.
So, let the countdown in no particular order, of the 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans Begin! Titles that are sure to make you a donghua fan!
Here are Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans
20. Xian Wang de Richang Shenghuo (The Daily Life of the Immortal King)
- Genres: Adventure, Slice of Life, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, School
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: January 18, 2020
The Daily Life of the Immortal King is a donghua that reminds me of anime like One Punch Man, The Disastrous Life of Saiki K or Mob Psycho 100, and I mean that in a good way it is a simple series with an overpowered protagonist that just destroys any enemy in their way. It’s a silly and amusing plot to watch when done well.
Plot Summary
As a cultivation genius who has achieved a new realm every two years since he was a year old, Wang Ling is a near-invincible existence with prowess far beyond his control. But now that he’s sixteen, he faces his greatest battle yet—Senior High School. With one challenge after another popping up, his plans for a low-key high school life seem further and further away.
The Daily Life of the Immortal King is definitely a donghua for anime fans who love overpowered main characters or just want a series that has a straightforward plot and interesting characters.
19. Hitori No Shita: The Outcast
- Genres: Action, Super Power, Supernatural
- Studios: Namu Animation
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Summer 2016
Number 19 on our list is Hitori No Shita: The Outcast, a donghua that will either surprise you or not with each episode and feels like a mystery thriller.
Plot Summary
A group of mysterious people desecrated the grave of Zhang Chunan’s long-dead grandfather, but his grandfather’s corpse wasn’t the only thing they dug up. Secrets and mysteries surrounding the Zhang family surfaced, and Zhang Chunan is apparently more than just an ordinary college student desperate to be rid of his virginity.
Hitori No Shita: The Outcast as a donghua isn’t super great, it tries to be original with its plot and fails sometimes but it has its moments and comedy that made me chuckle lightly sometimes. Overall, it’s just 12 episodes worth of your time to see if it is a hit or a miss with you.
18. Gin no Guardian (The Silver Guardian)
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: Spring 2017
The Silver Guardian is a short yet epic donghua that doesn’t try hard to reinvent the wheel plot wise but goes with a simplistic approach that was exciting and surprising at some points.
Plot Summary
Sui Gin may be poor, but he is one of the best online video game players. This identity, however, is unknown to all except for RikuLei, Sui Gin’s classmate. She delivers a mysterious mobile device to Sui Gin but before being able to explain herself, RikuLei is kidnapped and Sui Gin unwittingly finds himself wrapped up in a series of problematic circumstances. Searching for a way to save her, he accidentally activates the device allowing him to dive into a new virtual game world.
The Silver Guardian is just 13 minutes per episode and tries to deliver a lot in that short time, so it takes a different route than most donghua and anime with more time. It’s a series I would recommend to anime fans with little time to watch anime because of its quick and simplistic approach to storytelling.
17. Yaoguai Mingdan (Monster List)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 18
- Aired: December 13, 2014
Monster List comes in at number 17 on our list of 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans. It’s a donghua series that is a slow burn plot wise that only gets better as the series progresses each episode if you stick with the series.
Plot Summary
A foxy temptress. A strange misty tree demon. A girl with the power of the goddess Xianjia! Being caught between these women is a feat in it of itself, but our hero Feng Xi must fight in order to protect the peace and save the world!
Monster List is a moving donghua that tries to remind us to be good to the planet and each other. It is not the most revolutionary donghua in the world but it is enjoyable and to me not a waste of your time.
16. Xiang Ling Ji (Tales of Exorcism)
- Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy
- Studios: Pb Animation Co. Ltd., Studio LAN
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: March 22, 2017
Tales of Exorcism is a donghua that is a welcomed distraction for a stressful day, it’s a series that is enjoyable and doesn’t require your full concentration to follow the plot.
Plot Summary
The 19-year-old tomboy exorcist Hua Jiu got to know ‘evil spirit’ Seven Lord and forced him to be her spirit servant when cleansing spirits. Later the human being and the spirit set forth on a journey of ranting each other and cleansing spirits. However, Hua Jiu’s enemy started insidious revenge at the same time.
Tales of Exorcism is a revenge story, with hilarious moments, a lovable cast, mini-adventures, and an unexpected ending, it is one of those donghua series you will either love or hate.
15. Meng Qi Shi Shen (Adorable Food Goddess)
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Historical, Drama, Romance, Shoujo
- Studios: Wawayu Animation
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: December 29, 2018
Adorable Food Goddess is an interestingly refreshing but weird blend of genres. It feels like an Isekai anime except without the fantasy theme, but with all the slice-of-life themes you’ll love.
Plot Summary
Ye Jiayao finds herself back in time in the body of Ye Jinxuan. After many twists, she thought she could finally live a simple life and achieve her dream of opening the best restaurant in Huai Song. However, there are villains constantly trying to bring her down.
Adorable Food Goddess is a donghua, anime foodies especially will love. With an infectiously cheerful lead, adorable cast, amazing animation, and music to carry the plot, it does well with just 12 episodes. The donghua is quite the time killer, with its romance and food.
14. Xiao Lu He Xiao Lan (Beryl and Sapphire)
- Genres: Game, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Magic, School, Shounen Ai
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 72
- Aired: August 27, 2018
Beryl and Sapphire, where should I start? It is a unique, captivating, entertaining, and refreshing donghua series. I love how we get to see a story of them in one version and the very next episode we are treated to continuity of a version of their story we stopped at in a previous episode.
Plot Summary
Lighthearted stories of stick figures (until the plot kicks in) At times the closest of friends, at others the worst of enemies… In this donghua where each episode is set in a different world, how would they encounter each other time and again?? Only angst? Too painful! Nothing but fluff? Too sugary! Come watch B&S, the show where you’ll never guess the ending…
In Beryl and Sapphire, we get to cry, get angry, laugh, smile, think profoundly, ship them and enjoy the short story nature of the series. It is just a really relaxing slice-of-life sci-fi series, and the way it shifts from light-hearted, darker, and serious tones is just so well done. It’s a donghua series that is worth everyone’s time.
13. Wo de Tian Jie Nu You (My Cultivator Girlfriend)
- Genres: Adventure, Super Power, Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy
- Studios: Big Firebird Cultural Media
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: September 20, 2017
My Cultivator Girlfriend takes our number 13 spot for 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans. It is a donghua that is enjoyable, thanks to its emphasis on characters’ backstories and wonderfully selected music.
Plot Summary
In the modern cultivation world, everywhere is the law of the jungle, everyone feels insecure. After saving a cultivator girl, the security guard Ma Yingxiong accidentally starts the journey of practicing cultivation.
My Cultivator Girlfriend plot isn’t original, but it is an enjoyable watch especially when you are taking a break from watching any of your favorite donghua or anime, My Cultivator Girlfriend finds a little place in your heart.
12. Wangpai Yushi (Ace Censorate)
- Genres: Adventure, Super Power, Supernatural, Romance, Fantasy
- Studios: Big Firebird Cultural Media
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: September 20, 2017
Ace Censorate is donghua with lots of slapstick comedy that takes nothing seriously, not even the plot. And I honestly think it’s better for it.
Plot Summary
In a world where yin and yang has lost its balance and day merged with night, humans and monsters learn to coexist. Our hardworking censorates do their best to fight the ‘untamed’ monsters in this joyful story.
Ace Censorate is funny, wicked, and mysterious. It is a donghua that is really a good fantasy school series that is worth some of your time. Especially if you are an anime fan that loves slapstick comedy.
11. Yao Shen Ji (Tales Of Demons And Gods)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons, Romance, Martial Arts, Fantasy
- Studios: Ruo Hong Culture
- Episodes: 40
- Aired: May 9, 2017
Tales Of Demons And Gods is a donghua adapted from the popular web-novel of the same name. It is a captivating series and even with 7 minutes per episode still follows the original plot.
Plot Summary
Nie Li, one of the strongest Demon Spirits in his past life standing at the pinnacle of the martial world, however, he lost his life during the battle with Sage Emperor and the six deity ranked beast, his soul was then reborn back in time back to when he is still 13. Although he is the weakest in his class with the lowest talent at only the Red soul realm, with the aid of the vast knowledge, which he accumulated in his previous life, he trained faster than anyone did. Trying to protect the city which in the coming future was being assaulted by beast and ended up being destroyed as well as protecting his lover, friends, and family who died by the beast assault, and to destroy the sacred family whom abandon their duty and betrayed the city in his past life.
Tales Of Demons And Gods is a slow paced donghua plot wise, and has its faults but lore wise very detailed and deep with memorable characters. I think everyone should try.
10. Duan Nao (Die Now)
- Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 16
- Aired: November 28, 2014
At number 10 on our list of 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans is Die Now, a series that is creative, suspense-filled, and unpredictable. It definitely surprised me a few times.
Plot Summary
The word cerebrum refers to a gigantic system comprising collision universes, which is called the cerebrum universe. The story starts from a series of unknown murders, unraveling the secret hiding beneath the entire universe, ranging from horrifying conspiracies to galaxy wars, from anti-human betrayals to honorable sacrifices. Having realized her weakness and backwardness, humanity takes the last stand.
Die Now is a unique donghua that focuses on mystery, solving puzzles, very intelligent characters, and your undivided attention because if you blink you might miss important clues to unravel the plot and motives. It definitely is not for anyone looking for a donghua that doesn’t need your full attention, but if you watch it. Die Now is quite the ride.
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9. Lan Mo de Hua (Lan Mo’s Flower)
- Genres: Magic, Romance, School
- Studios: Colored-Pencil Animation
- Episodes: 9
- Aired: July 13, 2017
Lan Mo’s Flower as said in the plot summary is a sweet and touching romance donghua, that I think everyone can relate with at some point in their lives, and with only 9 episodes is easy to dive into.
Plot Summary
Ordinary girl Lan Mo once got a headdress flower that could transform her into a dream girl. She uses this image to chase her childhood sweetheart, Liu Yi Feng. The story happens between them is sweet and touching.
Lan Mo’s Flower honestly does a lovely job with its pacing, even with just 9 episodes, scenes don’t feel rushed or out of place and the animation is decent. Romance anime fans will love this short but very sweet donghua.
8. Zhen Hun Jie (Rakshasa Street)
- Genres: Action, Supernatural
- Studios: L²Studio
- Episodes: 24
- Aired: April 28, 2016
Rakshasa Street is an interesting donghua series with a well-written plot, with plenty of emotions, action and accomplishes a lot with an average run time of just 14 minutes.
Plot Summary
Requiem Street, where evil spirits are attracted to destroy them. A place where spirits and humans co-exist, not all humans can enter Requiem Street. Only those rare-soul users with guardian spirits can enter. Xia Ling was just a normal university intern, but a meeting by chance changes her ordinary life… In this world full of evil spirits, can you cooperate with your guardian spirit to survive?
Rakshasa Street is not trying to be revolutionary plot-wise, but something well executed. It is a series that is well-grounded following the rules of the story world. It is a donghua I would recommend trying as one of your firsts.
7. Ling Qi (Spiritpact)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Magic, Shounen Ai, Supernatural
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 20
- Aired: June 21, 2016
Spiritpact is donghua shounen-ai anime fans will love. A well-balanced series with humor, action, unexpected moments, and hilariously funny parodies.
Plot Summary
Poverty-stricken Yang Jinghua dies in an accident. The moment he wakes up, he seems ten years younger. At first, Yang Jinghua thought he was reborn. However, a white-haired, rich, and handsome man, named Duanmu Xi, reveals the truth. To stay in the world, Yang Jinghua must become Duanmu Xi’s soul image and therefore, creates a soul contract that binds both their souls.
Spiritpact overall has lovable and memorable characters, it will leave a lot of unanswered questions at the end, but not unsatisfying where days later you are still trying to figure out what it all means. It is simple and engaging and you will be looking at the final credits scene before you know it.
6. Douluo Dalu (Soul Land)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Martial Arts, Romance
- Studios: Sparkly Key Animation Studio
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: January 20, 2018
Soul Land is a donghua like Tales Of Demons And Gods that I feel was executed a bit better. The 3D art style used for this series just seems to work for it and makes the fights look better.
Plot Summary
Tang San spent his life in the Tang Outer Sect, dedicated to the creation and mastery of hidden weapons. Once he stole the secret lore of the Inner Sect to reach the pinnacle of his art, his only way out was death. But after throwing himself off the deadly Hell’s Peak he was reborn in a different world, the world of Douluo Dalu, a world where every person has a spirit of their own, and those with powerful spirits can practice their spirit power to rise and become Spirit Masters.
Soul Land has a great story to tell with little fillers added, and there is character growth but just for the main character mostly which is my only negative of the series, the romance is good and it is a donghua I would recommend to isekai anime fans.
5. Sishen Qiaokeli-ing… (Cupid’s Chocolates)
- Genres: Harem, Comedy, Romance, School
- Studios: B.CMAY PICTURES
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: December 2, 2015
Cupid’s Chocolates is a donghua that anime fans that love the harem genre shouldn’t miss! With plenty of fanservice and ecchi elements.
Plot Summary
Jiang Hao, a normal, high school student who is extremely scared of getting into trouble suddenly becomes the Harem King of his school and gets confessed to by a bunch of beautiful girls! The worst thing is, Jiang hao doesn’t know any of the girls who confessed to him! What on earth is happening?
Cupid’s Chocolates is a donghua series with lovable characters, amazing character development, and the plot is good enough to put a tear or two in your eyes. Cupid’s Chocolates is a satisfying watch.
4. Huyao Xiao Hongniang (Fox Spirit Matchmaker)
- Genres: Comedy, Historical, Supernatural, Romance
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 13
- Aired: June 26, 2015
Fox Spirit Matchmaker is a donghua with a slow start, taking its time to introduce you to the characters and the world. It is a series that balances the comedic and serious moments well.
Plot Summary
True love never dies—even when it is between a human and a near-immortal youkai. Thankfully, fox spirit youkai have discovered a solution that allows a human to be reincarnated, and with the services of a Fox Spirit Matchmaker, eventually recall memories of their past life, so they can begin anew with their beloved youkai. In this story, the lives of a fox spirit and a man who have both rejected the idea of true love become intertwined, and their exciting adventure begins.
Fox Spirit Matchmaker is an amazingly deep donghua, with two adorably cute main couples that tell the story of true love with a tiny helping of ecchi. You will definitely love it if you love romance or sad anime.
Honourable Mentions
Dongguo Xiaojie: Karma
- Genres: Adventure, Historical, Demons, Supernatural
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: December 26, 2016
Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage (Spirit Blade Mountain)
- Genres: Comedy, Magic, Fantasy
- Studios: Studio Deen
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: January 9, 2016
Shin Chou Kyou Ryo: Condor Hero (The Legend of Condor Hero)
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Historical, Romance
- Studios: Nippon Animation
- Episodes: 26
- Aired: April 11, 2001
Wu Shan Wu Xing (Fog Hill of Five Elements)
- Genres: Action, Historical, Martial Arts, Fantasy
- Studios: Nice Boat Animation, Samsara Animation Studio
- Episodes: 3
- Aired: July 26, 2020
Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster Of Demonic Cultivation)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Historical, Supernatural
- Studios: B.CMAY PICTURES
- Episodes: 15
- Aired: July 9, 2018
Wan Jie Xian Zong (The Wonderland of Ten Thousands)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons, Fantasy, Historical, Martial Arts, Romance
- Studios: Ruo Hong Culture
- Episodes: 40
- Aired: March 21, 2018
Heibai Wushang (The Unparalleled Black & White)
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Supernatural
- Studios: Wawayu Animation
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: July 9, 2015
Shiguang Daili Ren (LINK CLICK)
- Genres: Super Power, Drama, Fantasy
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League
- Episodes: 11
- Aired: April 30, 2021
Doupo Cangqiong (Battle Through the Heavens)
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Romance
- Studios: Shanghai Foch Film and TV Culture Investment
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: January 7, 2017
Jie Mo Ren (The Devil Ring)
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Fantasy
- Studios: Qiying Animation
- Episodes: 14
- Aired: April 27, 2016
Wo de Ni Tian Shen Qi (My Holy Weapon)
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Supernatural, Magic, Romance, Fantasy
- Studios: Haoliners Animation League, Pb Animation Co. Ltd.
- Episodes: 16
- Aired: April 26, 2018
3. Quanzhi Fashi (Full-Time Magister)
- Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School
- Studios: Shanghai Foch Film and TV Culture Investment
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: September 2, 2016
Number 3 on our donghua list is another hidden gem, Full-Time Magister that is really worth your time. The main character of the series is someone a lot of viewers can identify with and feels like an actual human being.
Plot Summary
He awoke, and the world has changed. The familiar high school now teaches magic, encouraging students to become the greatest magicians they can be. Beyond the city limits, wandering magical beasts prey on humans. However, Mo Fan discovered that while everyone else can only use one major element, he himself can use all magic!
Full-Time Magister is a unique donghua that feels very unreal and realistic at the same time, even drama and romance are kept in just the right amount so it doesn’t become overbearing or corny. It’s one donghua every anime fan should try out.
2. Da Yu Hai Tang (Big Fish & Begonia)
- Genres: Adventure, Supernatural, Drama, Romance
- Studios: B&T
- Episodes: 1
- Aired: July 8, 2016
Big Fish & Begonia was a donghua that first came out in 2004, as a flash short film which was the prototype for animated movie Big Fish & Begonia, which was okay visually, musically but was not so good plot wise.
Plot Summary
In an old mythical world, there live spirit-like beings who oversee the natural order of the mortal realm. One of them, a young girl named Chun, has just come of age and must undergo her rite of passage by experiencing the human world for herself. While there, she gets caught in a fishing net during a storm and saved by a human boy.
The original 7 minutes prototype of Big Fish & Begonia was good too and even won an award, but the film had a deep storyline, beautiful message, and lots and lots of much appreciated heartwarming moments. To me, it was perfect, and I recommend every anime fan watch both versions.
1. Quan Zhi Gao Shou (The King’s Avatar)
- Genres: Action, Game
- Studios: B.CMAY PICTURES
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: April 7, 2017
Last but not least is The King’s Avatar, an amazing donghua series about video games, on the edge of your seat action, tactical thinking, and wonderfully written character development.
Plot Summary
Widely regarded as a trailblazer and top-tier professional player in the online multiplayer game Glory, they dubbed Ye Xiu the “Battle God” for his skills and contributions to the game over the years. However, when forced to retire from the team and to leave his gaming career behind, he finds work at a nearby internet café. There, when Glory launches its tenth server, he throws himself in to the game once more using a new character named “Lord Grim.”
The King’s Avatar may not do well in its representation of Esports, it is still a pretty decent show with humor, action, and plenty of substance with a solid story. I enjoyed the series and recommend action anime fans or anime fans that love character-driven plots.
So with that, I am done with our list of 20 Must-Watch Donghua From China For Anime Fans! What do you think of donghua? Have you watched any of our recommendations yet, what did you think? Do you think we missed one? Or is there one you would like to share with us? Hit us up in our comments section, we would love to hear from you!
Till next time… Keep being moving foward!
Thanks for reading!
