If you are looking for something fresh and unique, you should definitely check out these 10 titles. Each of them brings something different, from stunning visuals and complex storytelling to deep cultural themes you won’t be bored to watch. Trust me, once you dive into these, you’ll be hooked on a whole new world of incredible stories and breathtaking art styles. So grab some popcorn, get comfy and prepare to dive into the world of Chinese Animation (Donghua).
Swallowed Star
The series “Swallowed Star” is a sci-fi anime donghua that shows the story of the protagonist Luo Feng, an ordinary man who becomes a hero in a world on the edge of destruction. The earth is no longer safe, as alien monster threaten humanity. Luo Feng’s journey is journey of growth, where he transform from an ordinary man to a powerful warrior through countless battles and challenges. Along the way , he proves his courage ang intelligence , showing determination to protect humanity and bring peace to the world.
The series Swallowed star has a total of 4 season out of which its 4th season is currently ongoing. Additionally a film has also been announced, whose official name is “Swallowed Star: Blood Luo Continent”. Although, the release date is yet to be announced, but it is expected to be announce soon.
A Record of Mortal’s Journey to Immortality
This is an action, adventure and romance animation donghua series that tells the story of the protagonist Han Li’s growth, showing how he gradually develops step by step, overcoming difficulties, capturing treasures, galloping across the starry sea and fighting various forces to seek revenge. As the plot develops, Han Li eventually becomes a strong person who can travel across the three realms, the series has 3 season out of which its 3rd season is currently airing.
Senior Brother
Li Changshou, a young man who was suffering from a terminal illness, unexpectedly finds himself reborn in an ancient world as a Qi Refiner. In this mysterious and dangerous realm, he carefully pursues immortality, always cautious and focused on survival. A master of escape techniques, alchemy and poisons, Li Changshou keeps a low profile and only shows his true strength when absolutely necessary. However, his peaceful life takes a turn when his master introduce a new junior sister into his life, thrusting him into a series of unexpected adventures. As Li overcomes these challenges, he not only defeats formidable enemies, but also forms alliances with other on the same path, steadily progressing on the road of Immortality.
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Jade Dynasty
Jade Dynasty season 1 emerged as one of the standout donghua of the year 2023, it was everyone’s favorite. This animation became so famous not only because of its story but also its animation quality, character building, visuals overall it was phenomenal. After the first season concluded, anticipation for season 2 was high, which lead to its release in 2024, which performed above expectations. Season 2 not only equaled but also surpassed the success of the first season, solidifying its place as one of the top release of the year 2024. Although, season 2 has ended, fans would be thrilled to know that season 3 has already been announced, promising even more excitement in the upcoming seasons.
The series “Jade Dynasty” tells the story of the main protagonist Xiao Fan, an ordinary boy and his journey of growth, as well as his love story with two beautyful women. After his village, Caomiao was brutally attacked, Zhang Xiao Fan was taken in as disciple by the Qingyun Sect. During his training, he came into possession of a powerful and dark magic weapon called the “Fire Stick”, which helps him during the Seven Veins Martial Competition of Qingyun Sect. Later, he was sent to Kongsang Mountain to investigate strange activities linked to the demon sect.
Along the way, he faced danger but was saved by Biyao, a women from the demon sect. The story also uncovers the mystery of Zhang Xiaofan’s parents murders and his complicated relationship with Biyao.
Perfect World
The Series “Perfect World” tells the story of the protagonist Shi Hao is born supreme, but his supreme bone was taken away by his brother Shi Yi and His mother, leaving him seriously ill and on the verge of death. He was later raised by his parents in the ancestral land of Shi Clan. The young man left the wilderness, ascended the nine heaven, crossed the Imperial Pass, and created a secret cultivation system for the human body, pacified the source of the dark turmoil and made a decisive decision with a sword of eternity, creating a relatively peaceful environment for the future generation before ascending to heaven.
The Animation Series “Perfect World” has a total of 4 season out of which the 4th season is currently ongoing, its season 5 has also been announced by the official team of the series. However, its release date is not unveiled yet. Additionally, a separate film of the series has also been made, which has been released on 14 September this year.
The Demon Hunter
The series shows the story of a Cangyuan world, where evils spirits are creating chaos and mankind is being devastated. The main protagonist Meng Chuan is the descendant of the Meng Family, a family of gods and demon, has made an oath to avange his mother since childhood. Embarking on his journey from the Jinghu Taoist Temple, Meng Chun relies on his unwavering determination, fearless spirit and decisive swordsmanship to punish the evildoers and destroy the demon clan. He faced constant challenges in his growth, including alien invasions and the collapse of Lihuo Taoist Temple. In order to protect his hometown and people, he vowed to become a strong man.
The Series “The Demon Hunter” also known as “Cang Yuan Tu” has released 2 season, out of which its 2nd season was released as a special season consisting of only 4 episodes while its first season consisted of 26 episodes and if we talk about its original season 2 then its season 2 has been officially announced by the production team and it is being expected to release very soon.
The Great Ruler
This is a adaptation from the novel of the same name by a famous author “Silkworm Potato”, also the author of the popular series like Battle Through the Heaven” and “Martial Universe”. The first season of this series was premiered on June 30, 2023, with a total of 52 episodes and concluded on June 7, 2024 . Its second season has also been announced, although the release date has not been unveiled for now. we hope that it would be announced soon.
In the great thousand world, where countless planes intersect, many clans reside and lords gather. Heavenly Sovereign emerges from lower planes. They weaves captivating legends that inspires admiration persuing the path to dominance. The flame emperor controls the endless fire territory, where thousands of fire rage. A boy from the northern spiritual realm rides a Nine Netherworld Bird into this diverse world. Who becomes a Great Ruler.
Renegade Immortal
The series tells the story of an ordinary boy named Wang Lin who begins his journey into cultivation despite having average ability. He faces many challenges, but with his intelligence and determination he gradually climbs to the top. Through his hard work, Wang Lin becomes famous in the world of cultivation.
The main Protagonist Wang Lin is resolute, decisive, repays favours and values friendship and loyalty.
The main Deuteragonist – Li Muwan is the first wife of the protagonist, she is a beautiful and quite women.
Battle Through the Heaven
The series tells the story of a continent filled with “Dou Qi” (God Fight), the protagonist Xiao Yan was once the most talented cultivator in his family’s history. However, he faced many setbacks, including losing his cultivation abilities and being rejected by his fiance, Despite these challenges, Xiao Yan found new hope under Yao Lao’s (His Master) guidances. Over time, his strength grew and he mastered the art of alchemy, gathered powerful “strange fire” and became a top tier alchemist. Although the enemies he faced became increasingly formidable, Xiao Yan never gave up. Eventually, he overcome his past setbacks and became the strongest on the Dou Qi Continent.
The series is one of the most popular donghua in the donghua industry. Its 5 season have been released so far while its fifth season currently ongoing, there is also 1 special season which tells the story of Queen Medusa and Hai Bodong. If you are new to donghua community than I would highly recommend you to watch this series- you’ll love it.
Martial Universe/ Wu Dong Qian Kun
A boy who learns cultivation with the help of a mysterious seal. He travels around the world to get better at it and with his hard work and determination, he became a great cultivator. Along the way he discovers some deep secrets about the world. He finds out the demon group is planning somthing evil that can ruin everything. Lin Dong works together with two other who also skilled in martial arts. They together fight against the evil plans of the demon group and try to bring peace back to the world.
“Wu Dong Qian Kun” is an action packed, thrilling martil arts donghua series that has four season released so far. The much awaited fifth season was also recently announced by the official team with a new poster and a new PV during an award show.
Throne of Seal
Six thousand year ago, an invasion by the Demon Gods ended humanities. The mankind created six temples to fight the demons and protect the remaining humans. Now, the protagonist Long Hao Chen- a nine year old boy trains to join the knight temple hall. After passing the knight exam, a ritual reveals that Long Hao Chen is a “Son of Light” with immense spiritual power. Under his teacher Long Xing Yu, Long Hao Chen is tasked with becoming a strong knight to fight the demon lord and end the era of darkness.
Soul Land
The donghua “Soul Land” is one of the best series ever made in the Chinese animation industry. It is an action, fantasy and adventure donghua series and full of goosebumps scenes, this is one of my favorite chinese anime of all time.
The series “Soul Land” or “Douluo Continent” follows the journey of Tang San, a disciple of the Tang Clan’s outer sect. He wasn’t accepted by the clan because he secretly learned inner sect skills. To prove his determination, he jumped off a cliff and ended in a new world called Douluo Continent. In this world, there is no magic or martial arts, but people possess magical spirit. At the age of six, everyone awakens their spirit in the spirit hall and those with exceptional spirits can train to become powerful fighter, the most respected profession on Douluo Continent.
Purple River/ Zi Chuan
The series “Zi Chuan” tells the story of the mythical Zichuan Continent, which unfolds the ancient lineage of the human empire and the mysterious eastern family. Between internal and external challenges three heroes emerges – Dilin, Sterling and Zichuan Xiu with magical abilities, they live in a world filled with demons and orcs and tribals conflicts, Through bloodshed and sacrifice, the epic story waves together themes of loyalty, love and resilience between generations in a fantasy realm.
This series is popular for its for its stunning animation quality, battle sequences, cinematography and for the portrayal of an overpowered MC. The series has one season so far although its season 2 has already been announced but the release date is still pending.
Against the Gods
The series “Against the Gods” is written by the writer of the popular Chinese Animation “Perfect world”. This series is filled with a mix of comedy, adventure and epic fight scenes. Overall the plot is engaging and fun, if you like watching comedy drama series than I would highly recommend you to watch this series, it is really worth watching.
This Chinese anime “Against the Gods” show us a remarkable journey of a protagonist Yun Chi, whose life takes a tragic turn when his meridian were destroyed. He was abandoned by his clain, scorned as worthless and even suffered a cruel fate on his wedding day, he was murdered on that day. But, thanks to the Samsara’s mirror, his destiny was reversed and he was reborn into a world filled with both hatred and regret. He vows that this time he will reach the pinnacle of power.