Okay, let’s talk about Heaven Official’s Blessing—that stunning Chinese fantasy story that’s taken over everyone’s TikTok and Twitter feeds. If you’re new to this world of fallen gods, ghost kings, and 800 years of pining, you’re probably wondering: where do I even start?
You’ve got two main options: the breathtaking animated series (donghua) or the exquisitely drawn comic (manhua). Both are gorgeous, but they offer totally different experiences. Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over boba tea.
The Donghua: Like Watching a Moving Painting
Imagine the most beautiful anime you’ve ever seen, then multiply that by ten. That’s the Heaven Official’s Blessing donghua.
Why start here?
→ It’s absolutely breathtaking to watch. We’re talking fluid animation, heavenly landscapes that make you want to screenshot every frame, and character designs that are just chef’s kiss. Xie Lian’s elegance and Hua Cheng’s smirking confidence? Perfectly captured.
→ The voices will give you chills. The voice acting in this show is next-level. Hearing Hua Cheng’s playful tone or Xie Lian’s gentle uncertainty adds so much depth to their characters. And the music? Hauntingly beautiful.
→ It feels familiar. If you’re already an anime fan, jumping into the donghua will feel like coming home. The episode format makes it easy to binge, and the production quality rivals any big studio production.
→ The emotional moments hit harder. There are scenes in the donghua that will literally make you gasp out loud. The combination of music, voice acting, and animation creates moments that stick with you for days.
But keep in mind:
The romance is subtle—think meaningful glances and poetic dialogue rather than direct confessions. Also, the story moves at a pretty leisurely pace, and there aren’t that many episodes out yet. You’ll definitely be left wanting more.
The Manhua: Each Panel is a Work of Art
STARember’s artwork for the manhua is so detailed and beautiful it almost doesn’t seem real. Every page looks like something you’d want to frame.
Why start here instead?
→ The art will blow your mind. Seriously, the level of detail in every panel—from the intricate costumes to the expressive character faces—is unbelievable. You’ll find yourself scrolling back just to admire the artwork.
→ You get further in the story faster. Since the manhua has been running longer, it covers more ground than the donghua. If you’re impatient to see how the plot develops, this might be your best bet.
→ You control the pace. Want to spend five minutes staring at a particularly beautiful panel of Hua Cheng? Go for it. Prefer to speed through dialogue-heavy sections? You can do that too. Reading lets you engage with the story at your own rhythm.
→ It includes more little moments. The manhua often includes small interactions and details that the donghua has to skip due to time constraints.
The trade-off:
You miss out on the incredible voice acting and soundtrack that make the donghua so immersive. And if you’re not used to reading digital comics, the format might take some getting used to.
So… Which Door Do You Choose?
Here’s my honest take:
Start with the DONGHUA if:
- You want that full cinematic experience with music and voices
- You’re visual and love beautifully animated fight scenes
- You don’t mind waiting for more content and switching to the manhua later
- You want to experience those iconic romantic moments with all the atmospheric buildup
Start with the MANHUA if:
- You’re the type who loves to linger over beautiful artwork
- You want to get deeper into the story quickly
- You prefer reading at your own pace
- You don’t mind missing out on the audio elements
What most people do (including me):
Watch the donghua first to fall in love with the world and characters through that incredible audio-visual experience. Then, when you’re completely obsessed and need more immediately, dive into the manhua to continue the journey. From there… well, the novel awaits for the truly devoted.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. Both will sweep you into this unforgettable story of a clumsy god who keeps falling down and the mysterious ghost king who’s been watching him for centuries.
So what are you waiting for? Your journey with Xie Lian and Hua Cheng begins the moment you choose a door. And trust me—once you step through, you’ll never want to leave.