Back in Time Today
Chinese animation, known as donghua, has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique art styles and storytelling rooted in rich cultural traditions. These animated treasures blend mythology, martial arts, and fantasy into unforgettable adventures that transport viewers to magical worlds. Whether you’re new to donghua or a longtime fan looking for classics, these fifteen series represent the best that Chinese animation has to offer.
1. Havoc in Heaven (1961)
This groundbreaking masterpiece follows the Monkey King’s rebellion against the Jade Emperor, setting the standard for all donghua that followed. Created using traditional Chinese art techniques, its vibrant colors and fluid animation remain impressive six decades later. The film adapts part of the classic novel Journey to the West, showcasing the mischievous Sun Wukong’s supernatural abilities and defiant spirit. Directors Wan Laiming and Tang Cheng spent nearly four years perfecting this cultural milestone. Fun fact: The film won numerous international awards despite being made during China’s cultural isolation period, demonstrating animation’s power to transcend political boundaries.
2. The Legend of Qin (2007)
Historical drama meets fantasy in this sweeping epic set during China’s Warring States period. Young Jing Tianming transforms from a sheltered royal to a skilled warrior after his kingdom falls, encountering mechanical marvels and mystical powers along his journey. The series stands out for blending accurate historical elements with steampunk-inspired technology and martial arts action. Characters grow and evolve throughout its run, creating emotional investment rarely seen in animation. The stunning 3D animation style draws inspiration from traditional shadow puppetry, creating a distinctive visual identity that honors Chinese artistic traditions while pushing technical boundaries.
3. Mo Dao Zu Shi (2018)
Brilliantly animated with watercolor-inspired visuals, this supernatural mystery follows Wei Wuxian, the infamous Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation. After his controversial death and unexpected resurrection, he partners with childhood rival Lan Wangji to solve a series of mysterious murders. The donghua masterfully balances horror elements with moments of humor and heartfelt emotion. Its complex characters defy simple categorization, with morally ambiguous choices driving the narrative forward. Based on Mo Xiang Tong Xiu’s novel, the series sparked a global phenomenon, introducing countless international viewers to donghua through its compelling story of redemption, justice, and unspoken love.
4. Big Fish & Begonia (2016)
Visually stunning with dreamlike imagery, this feature film weaves Chinese mythology into a poignant tale of sacrifice. Sixteen-year-old Chun, a being who controls the tides, ventures into the human world and falls for a human boy who sacrifices himself to save her. The film’s breathtaking watercolor aesthetic creates a magical realm where oceans flow through the sky and mythical creatures roam freely. Directors Liang Xuan and Zhang Chun spent twelve years bringing this labor of love to screens. Drawing inspiration from Taoist philosophy and Classic of Mountains and Seas, the story explores profound themes of life, death, and the natural order through its emotional journey of love transcending worlds.
5. White Snake (2019)
A fresh take on one of China’s most beloved folk legends, this visually opulent film reimagines the origins of the White Snake spirit. When snake demon Blanca loses her memory after a fierce battle, she falls for a snake catcher named Xuan, creating a forbidden romance across the human-spirit divide. Light Chaser Animation’s gorgeous visuals blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern animation techniques. The action sequences dazzle with magical effects while quieter moments showcase breathtaking landscape paintings come to life. Unlike many adaptations, this version emphasizes female agency, portraying Blanca as a powerful being making her own choices rather than simply a lovestruck spirit.
6. The King’s Avatar (2017)
Esports meets animation in this groundbreaking series following Ye Xiu, a professional gamer forced to retire from his team. Starting from scratch, the 25-year-old prodigy works his way back to the top while hiding his true identity. Unlike fantasy-based donghua, this series stands out for its realistic setting and technical accuracy about competitive gaming. The animation team consulted professional players to capture authentic keyboard movements and gaming strategies. The series revolutionized how games are depicted in animation, with spectacular virtual battles that mirror the excitement of real tournaments. Its success helped legitimize esports as a worthy subject for dramatic storytelling worldwide.
7. Soul Land (2018)
Ancient martial arts meet fantasy in this beloved cultivation series that follows Tang San, a martial arts genius reincarnated into a world of spirit beasts and magical abilities. After discovering his innate spirit resembles a humble blue grass, he defies expectations through intelligence and determination. The series excels at world-building, creating a fully realized magic system where practitioners absorb spirit rings from defeated creatures. Each character’s growth feels earned through genuine struggle rather than convenient power-ups. With over 200 episodes and counting, Soul Land has become a gateway donghua for many international fans, demonstrating the medium’s ability to sustain long-form storytelling without sacrificing quality.
8. Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child (2019)
This blockbuster reimagines the mythological troublemaker Nezha as a defiant hero fighting against his predetermined fate. Born as a demon pill but with a heart yearning for acceptance, the young Nezha battles prejudice from villagers while cosmic forces seek his destruction. Director Jiao Zi’s film broke animation records in China, becoming the highest-grossing animated feature in Chinese history. The spectacular battle sequences feature innovative combinations of traditional Chinese elements with modern animation techniques. Beyond its visual splendor, the film resonates through its message about choosing your own destiny regardless of how others label you. Its success sparked renewed interest in traditional mythology among younger generations.
9. Battle Through the Heavens (2017)
Once hailed as a genius, Xiao Yan’s sudden loss of talent makes him an outcast in his clan. His dramatic comeback story begins when he discovers a mysterious old man living in his family heirloom ring who becomes his mentor in alchemy and martial arts. The series captivates through its alchemical magic system where practitioners concoct pills and potions to enhance their abilities. Fight sequences blend traditional martial arts with spectacular magical effects, creating visually distinctive battles. What separates this cultivation tale from others is its focus on scientific principles within its fantasy framework. Xiao Yan’s victories come through clever application of alchemical knowledge rather than raw power alone.
10. The Legend of Hei (2019)
Adorable yet profound, this feature film follows a cat spirit named Hei whose forest home is destroyed by humans. Forced into the human world, the small shapeshifter encounters both kindness and cruelty while being caught in a larger conflict between spirits and mankind. Director MTJJ expanded this story from his popular flash animations, maintaining the charming character designs while elevating the animation quality. The film balances heartwarming moments with surprisingly mature themes about environmental destruction and cultural preservation. The minimalist character designs contrast beautifully with lush, detailed backgrounds. Despite its cute protagonist, the film doesn’t shy away from exploring complex moral questions about progress versus tradition.
11. Heaven Official’s Blessing (2020)
Former crown prince Xie Lian ascends to godhood for the third time after 800 years of misfortune, only to discover he’s now the laughingstock of the heavenly realm. His unexpected friendship with the mysterious ghost king Hua Cheng evolves into one of animation’s most nuanced relationships. The series stands out for its gorgeous art direction, with ethereal heavenly palaces and ominous ghost realms rendered in exquisite detail. Flashback sequences brilliantly contrast Xie Lian’s glorious past with his humble present circumstances. Based on the novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, the series explores profound themes of faith, perseverance, and finding worth beyond titles or reputation. Its success demonstrates donghua’s growing international appeal.
12. Scissor Seven (2018)
Hilarious yet heartfelt, this comedy follows Seven, an amnesiac assassin who charges just 567 yuan per hit. His bargain-basement prices match his questionable skills, resulting in missions that rarely go according to plan on Chicken Island. Creator He Xiaofeng’s distinctive art style eschews typical anime aesthetics for a more cartoonish approach that enhances the comedic timing. The series brilliantly shifts between slapstick humor and surprising emotional depth, particularly when exploring Seven’s mysterious past. As Netflix’s first Chinese animation acquisition, Scissor Seven introduced many Western viewers to donghua’s creative potential. Its international success proves animation can transcend cultural barriers through universal themes of friendship and identity.
13. Link Click (2021)
Time travel gets a unique twist in this mystery thriller where photographer Cheng Xiaoshi and his partner Lu Guang help clients by entering photos to experience the memories of their subjects. Their rule never to change the past becomes increasingly difficult to follow as they encounter heartbreaking situations. The series brilliantly uses its premise to explore moral dilemmas and human psychology. Each episode functions as a self-contained story while building toward a larger conspiracy that threatens everything they know. Studio LAN’s distinctive animation style emphasizes character expressions and body language, crucial for a story about understanding others’ perspectives. Its international acclaim has made it a gateway donghua for viewers worldwide.
14. Fog Hill of Five Elements (2020)
Breathtakingly animated using traditional Chinese painting techniques, this series follows a young man’s quest to save his sister from a mysterious illness. Set in a world where humans coexist with powerful elemental tribes, the story draws heavily from Taoist philosophy and Chinese mythology. Studio Samsara’s revolutionary animation approach combines ink-wash painting with dynamic action sequences. Each frame could stand alone as a work of art, with water and fire elements flowing across the screen in mesmerizing patterns. Despite its short length, the series packs emotional depth and cultural significance into every moment. The fight choreography honors traditional martial arts while incorporating supernatural abilities based on the five elements philosophy.
15. Jiang Ziya (2020)
This mythological epic follows the legendary general Jiang Ziya, who refuses to execute an innocent fox spirit despite heaven’s command. Cast out from the divine realm, he embarks on a soul-searching journey that challenges everything he believed about justice and duty. As part of the Fengshen Cinematic Universe, the film builds on Chinese mythology while reimagining ancient characters for modern audiences. The spectacular battle sequences feature armies of demons clashing with heavenly forces in visually inventive ways. Beyond its technical achievements, the film resonates through its philosophical questions about blind obedience versus moral conscience. Director Teng Cheng creates a visual language that honors Chinese artistic traditions while pushing animation boundaries.