The 10 Best Chinese Anime (Donghua) to Watch
Chinese animation has exploded in quality. Here are the 10 best donghua to watch — ranked on animation, story and staying power, from Mo Dao Zu Shi to Lord of Mysteries.
Donghua — Chinese animation — has grown from a niche curiosity into some of the most beautiful, ambitious work in the medium. If you have only ever watched Japanese anime, these ten are the perfect place to start.
Quick answer Start with Mo Dao Zu Shi (the genre's breakout), Link Click (a tight time-travel thriller), and Lord of Mysteries (a gripping mystery-fantasy). From there, Soul Land and Heaven Official's Blessing are essential.
The best donghua, ranked
| Rank | Title | Why watch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Founder of Diabolism) | The landmark that put donghua on the map; gorgeous ink-style art |
| 2 | Link Click | A taut, emotional time-travel thriller |
| 3 | Lord of Mysteries | A richly built mystery-fantasy with a cult following |
| 4 | Heaven Official's Blessing | An epic, beautifully animated fantasy romance |
| 5 | Soul Land (Douluo Dalu) | The beginner-friendly cultivation epic |
| 6 | The King's Avatar | A slick e-sports drama with real heart |
| 7 | Fog Hill of Five Elements | Stunning, hand-crafted action animation |
| 8 | Scissor Seven | A hilarious, stylish action-comedy |
| 9 | Battle Through the Heavens | A long-running cultivation power-fantasy |
| 10 | White Snake | A breathtaking fantasy film |
Where to start
If you want the donghua that defined the modern era, begin with Mo Dao Zu Shi — its blend of traditional ink aesthetics and fluid motion is still a high point. For something punchy and self-contained, Link Click is a perfect entry, while Lord of Mysteries is the current breakout for fans who love deep worldbuilding and mystery.
What makes donghua special
The best Chinese animation leans into its own identity: traditional ink-wash visuals, sweeping mythology drawn from Chinese folklore, and cultivation power systems that reward long-term investment. Where it once trailed Japanese anime in polish, the top donghua now stand shoulder to shoulder with it — and in pure visual ambition, sometimes surpass it.
Key takeaways
- Mo Dao Zu Shi, Link Click and Lord of Mysteries are the best starting points.
- Donghua excels at ink-style art, folklore-rich fantasy, and cultivation epics.
- The quality gap with Japanese anime has all but closed at the top end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is donghua?
Donghua is the term for Chinese animation, the equivalent of "anime" for Japanese animation.
What is the best Chinese anime?
Mo Dao Zu Shi is the most common pick for the best donghua, with Link Click and Lord of Mysteries close behind.
What is a good donghua for beginners?
Soul Land and Link Click are very accessible starting points, and Lord of Mysteries is excellent for fans of mystery and worldbuilding.
Are Chinese anime as good as Japanese anime?
At the top end, yes — the best donghua now rival Japanese anime in animation and storytelling, with a distinct visual identity of their own.
Images © their respective rights holders.
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