Alright, let’s get real for a second. If you’re like me and you’ve been riding the Donghua wave these past few years, you know we’re living in a golden age of Chinese animation. Seriously, the stuff coming out of China right now is absolutely mind-blowing.
And guess what? 2025 is shaping up to be absolutely INSANE. We’re talking epic returns, long-awaited sequels, and visual spectacles that will probably break the internet.
I’ve been keeping a close eye on what’s coming, and here are the 10 Donghua you absolutely need to have on your radar for 2025. Get ready to update your watchlists!
1. Soul Land (Douluo Dalu)
The OG that just keeps getting better
If you’re not watching Soul Land yet, where have you been? This epic about Tang San and his crew has been running for years, and 2025 is set to deliver some of the biggest moments yet. The 3D animation keeps leveling up, and the story just gets more intense.
Why you’ll love it: It’s like the perfect comfort food – familiar characters, incredible power-ups, and battles that will have you cheering out loud.
2. Battle Through the Heavens (Doupo Cangqiong)
The underdog story that never quits
Xiao Yan’s journey from zero to hero continues to be one of the most satisfying watches in animation. The fight scenes in this show are literally some of the best I’ve ever seen – anywhere. After that incredible special season, everyone’s dying to see what’s next.
What to expect: More insane flame techniques, epic confrontations, and that satisfying feeling when Xiao Yan proves everyone wrong (again).
3. Perfect World (Wanmei Shijie)
The visually stunning epic*
This show is just… beautiful. Like, “pause-and-stare-at-every-frame” beautiful. Shi Hao’s adventure through this ancient world is packed with mythical creatures, massive battles, and power levels that will make your head spin.
Why it’s special: The scale is just massive. We’re talking primordial worlds, ancient clans, and battles that feel truly cosmic.
4. Swallowed Star (Cun Shi)
When sci-fi meets cultivation
This one stands out because it blends futuristic technology with traditional cultivation elements. Spaceships AND spiritual energy? Yes please! The animation quality is top-notch, and the story keeps getting bigger and bigger.
The vibe: Imagine defending Earth from alien threats while also cultivating cosmic power. It’s as cool as it sounds.
5. Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren)
The emotional time-travel masterpiece
Okay, if you haven’t watched Link Click yet, stop everything and go watch it right now. This show proved that Chinese animation can compete with the best in the world. The time-travel mystery, the incredible characters, the emotional gut-punches – it’s all perfection.
Why we’re excited: Season 3 could literally drop any day now, and we are NOT ready for what’s coming next for Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang.
6. Heaven Official’s Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)
The breathtaking fantasy romance*
This show is just… gorgeous. Like, every frame could be a wallpaper. The story of Xie Lian and Hua Cheng has captured hearts worldwide, and after that incredible Season 2, we’re all desperately waiting for more.
What makes it special: The animation is stunning, the characters are deeply compelling, and the romantic tension? Chef’s kiss.
7. Scissor Seven (Cike Wu Liuqi)
The hilarious hidden gem*
If you want something completely different, this is your show. The art style is unique, the humor is actually funny, and the characters are ridiculously lovable. Seven’s journey from terrible assassin to… well, slightly less terrible assassin is pure joy.
Why it works: It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers surprisingly deep emotional moments and incredible fight scenes.
8. The King’s Avatar (Quanzhi Gaoshou)
The esports legend*
This show basically created the esports animation genre in China. Ye Xiu’s comeback story is legendary, and even if you don’t play MMOs, you’ll find yourself completely invested in the virtual battles of ‘Glory.’
Why it’s still relevant: The strategic gameplay, the team dynamics, and that satisfying feeling when the underdog proves why he’s the best.
9. Throne of Seal (Shen Yin Wang Zuo)
The knightly fantasy*
This one flies a bit under the radar but deserves way more attention. Holy knights, demons, and some of the most detailed world-building in Donghua – it’s a solid fantasy epic that keeps getting better.
What to expect: Strategic battles, team formation, and that classic good-vs-evil struggle done really, really well.
10. Fog Hill of Five Elements (Wushan Wuxing)
The animation masterpiece*
Okay, full disclosure – we don’t know for sure if this is coming in 2025. But when it does come? Drop everything and watch it. The animation in this show is literally some of the best ever created. It’s like watching moving Chinese ink paintings come to life.
Why it’s worth the wait: Each episode is a work of art. The fight scenes are so fluid and beautiful they’ll make you cry.
The Bottom Line
2025 is looking absolutely stacked for Donghua fans. Whether you’re into:
- Epic fantasy battles (Soul Land, Battle Through the Heavens)
- Stunning visuals (Perfect World, Heaven Official’s Blessing)
- Mind-bending stories (Link Click)
- Unique gems (Scissor Seven, Fog Hill)
There’s something for everyone. The quality just keeps getting better, the stories more ambitious, and the animation more breathtaking.
What am I most excited about? Honestly, all of it. But if I had to pick one, seeing where Link Click goes next might just keep me up at night.
What about you? Which of these are you most looking forward to? Did I miss any that should be on your radar? Let me know – I’m always looking for new recommendations!
Happy watching, and get ready for an incredible year of animation! 🎉