Okay, let me be real with you. For the longest time, my animation world was pretty much just Japanese anime. I lived for the big shonen battles, the mind-bending sci-fi, and all those cozy slice-of-life stories. I knew other places made cartoons, but I never really ventured outside my comfort zone.
Then, I stumbled into Donghua—that’s Chinese animation—and guys, it completely blew my mind.
It’s this huge, vibrant universe filled with stories you won’t find anywhere else. We’re talking epic fantasies inspired by ancient myths, hilarious modern comedies, and these sprawling “cultivation” sagas where characters train to become immortal gods. There’s seriously something for every mood.
But I get it—starting something new can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. After falling down the rabbit hole, I’ve put together a list of five perfect starter shows that’ll hook you without the confusion.
Here are my top picks to get your Donghua journey started:
1. Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)
- The Vibe: A stunning, emotional fantasy mystery that feels like a classic.
- Why Start Here? This was one of my first loves and it’s popular for a reason. The animation is a straight-up masterpiece, the characters are complex and unforgettable, and the story—while full of magic and martial arts—is really about friendship, justice, and second chances.
- The Gist: We follow Wei Wuxian, a mischievous and powerful guy who gets a second shot at life after a tragic death. He teams up with his old, super-stoic classmate, Lan Wangji, to solve supernatural mysteries and uncover a conspiracy that ties back to his own past.
- My Two Cents: It’s a bit of a slow burn, but stick with it. The payoff is incredible. The relationship between the two main guys is the heart of the whole thing and will have you completely invested.
2. Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven Official’s Blessing)
- The Vibe: A breathtakingly beautiful story about a clumsy god and his mysterious, devoted bodyguard.
- Why Start Here? If you want to see what modern Donghua is capable of visually, start here. It’s so, so pretty. The story is also really accessible—it’s a mix of mystery, adventure, and a slow-burn relationship that will give you all the feels.
- The Gist: Xie Lian is the god of misfortune—seriously, this guy cannot catch a break. On another one of his heavenly missions, he meets Hua Cheng, a powerful and charming ghost king who seems to know more about Xie Lian’s past than he lets on.
- My Two Cents: Xie Lian is one of the most lovable protagonists ever. You just want to give him a hug. His dynamic with Hua Cheng is pure magic.
3. Cike Wu Liuqi (Scissor Seven)
- The Vibe: A hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt action-comedy.
- Why Start Here? This one is a total mood-lifter! The art style is unique and quirky, the episodes are short, and the humor is a fun mix of slapstick and clever jokes. It’s incredibly easy to watch.
- The Gist: Seven is a hairdresser and a terribly incompetent assassin who can’t remember his past. With the help of his talking chicken boss, he takes on weird assassination jobs that he almost always messes up, all while clues about his real identity start to surface.
- My Two Cents: Don’t let the comedy fool you—this show has some of the coolest and most creative fight scenes I’ve ever seen. It’s the perfect “watch when you need a laugh” show.
4. Quanzhi Fashi (Versatile Mage)
- The Vibe: A modern underdog story set in a world where magic is everything.
- Why Start Here? If the idea of a “magic high school” sounds fun, you’ll feel right at home. The setting is familiar, the magic system is easy to understand, and it’s super satisfying to watch the main character go from zero to hero.
- The Gist: Mo Fan is a regular kid from a poor family who suddenly discovers he has a unique gift: he can use not just one, but two types of magic. He heads off to magic school to become a powerful mage and take care of his family.
- My Two Cents: It’s pure, addictive wish-fulfillment. You can’t help but root for Mo Fan as he defies the snobby rich kids and proves his worth.
5. Douluo Dalu (Soul Land)
- The Vibe: The ultimate long-running shonen-style epic.
- Why Start Here? This is one of the most popular Donghua of all time for a reason. The early seasons are a fantastic introduction to the “cultivation” genre. It’s all about teamwork, training, and overcoming huge odds.
- The Gist: Tang San, a martial arts genius from his past life, is reborn into a world where everyone has a “spirit” and can cultivate power. He’s born with a supposedly useless spirit, but uses his past knowledge to become stronger and uncover the secrets of this new world.
- My Two Cents: Yes, it’s long, but you don’t have to commit to all of it at once! Just dip your toes in with the first season. The 3D animation is great, and the core group of friends is what makes the story so special.
A Few Quick Tips as You Start
- Embrace the Subtitles: The voice acting is often amazing and adds so much to the characters.
- Don’t Stress the Culture: You don’t need a degree in Chinese mythology to enjoy these. The stories stand on their own! You’ll pick things up as you go.
- Find Your Community: There are tons of friendly fans online ready to gush about these shows and answer questions. Reddit and Discord are great places to start.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick one that sounds fun, get some snacks, and dive in. A whole new world of animation is waiting for you, and I’m a little jealous you get to experience it for the first time.
Happy watching