For years, like many animation fans outside of East Asia, my world revolved primarily around Japanese anime. I devoured shonen epics, pondered philosophical sci-fi, and laughed at quirky slice-of-life tales. While I knew other countries produced animation, I hadn’t really explored beyond the dominant force.
Then, a few years back, I stumbled into the world of Donghua.
Donghua, for the uninitiated, is simply the term for Chinese animation. And let me tell you, it is a vast, vibrant, and increasingly popular landscape filled with incredible stories, breathtaking animation, and unique cultural flavors. From sweeping historical fantasies to hilarious modern comedies and complex cultivation epics, there’s something for everyone.
However, diving in can feel a little daunting at first. With countless series available, different platforms, and sometimes unique storytelling conventions, a beginner might wonder, “Where do I even start?”
That’s exactly where I was. And through trial and error, recommendations from fellow fans, and just pure curiosity, I’ve found some absolute gems that I believe serve as fantastic entry points into this captivating medium. Based on my own journey and what I’ve seen resonate with newcomers, I’ve put together a list of five Donghua series that are, in my opinion, perfect for someone just starting their adventure into Chinese animation.
These shows offer a mix of genres, art styles, and accessible narratives that showcase the quality and diversity of modern Donghua. I’ve tried to pick series that are relatively easy to find on international platforms and don’t require extensive prior knowledge of Chinese history or mythology (though they might spark an interest!).
Here are my top 5 recommendations for beginners, along with information on where you can likely watch them:
1. Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)
- Why it’s Beginner-Friendly: It’s arguably the most popular Donghua internationally and for good reason. The animation is consistently stunning, the characters are incredibly well-developed and memorable, and while the story involves fantasy cultivation elements, the core themes of justice, morality, friendship, and overcoming prejudice are universally resonant. The first season does a great job of introducing the world and protagonist.
- The Premise (Spoiler-Light): The story follows Wei Wuxian, a charismatic cultivator who stirred controversy in his past by practicing demonic cultivation. After his death, he is resurrected in the body of another and reunites with his stoic, upright former classmate, Lan Wangji. Together, they get entangled in a series of mysteries that force them to confront the dark secrets of the cultivation world and reckon with Wei Wuxian’s past.
- My Take: This series was one of my first deep dives, and it hooked me immediately. The animation is fluid, the fight scenes are dynamic, and the character interactions are top-tier. It has mystery, action, drama, and even moments of humor. It’s a bit of a slow burn initially as you get used to the world, but it’s immensely rewarding.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation (as of their merger), WeTV/Tencent Video (often with official YouTube uploads).
2. Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven Official’s Blessing)
- Why it’s Beginner-Friendly: Produced by Bilibili and animated by the same studio as the epic Legend of Hei movie, Tian Guan Ci Fu is visually one of the most breathtaking Donghua out there. Its beauty alone can draw you in. The story, centered around a kind, unlucky god, is often heartwarming and mysterious, with a focus on character relationships and unraveling ancient secrets. While it deals with gods and demons, the emotional narrative is very accessible.
- The Premise (Spoiler-Light): Xie Lian, once a beloved Crown Prince and now a thrice-ascended, thrice-banished god of misfortune, descends to the mortal realm for another heavenly trial. There, he encounters a mysterious and powerful ghost king named Hua Cheng, who seems to have a deep, inexplicable connection to him. Their journey together begins to unveil secrets spanning centuries.
- My Take: If you appreciate stunning visuals and a story driven by complex relationships and lingering mysteries, this is a fantastic choice. Xie Lian is an incredibly empathetic protagonist, and his interactions with Hua Cheng are captivating. It feels grand and intimate at the same time.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Bilibili (official uploads sometimes available).
3. Cike Wu Liuqi (Scissor Seven)
- Why it’s Beginner-Friendly: This one is a complete genre shift! Scissor Seven is an action-comedy with a unique, slightly sketchier art style that sets it apart. It’s episodic in nature, making it incredibly easy to pick up and watch an episode without getting lost. The humor is often slapstick but clever, and the action sequences, when they kick in, are surprisingly well-choreographed and impactful. It’s pure fun.
- The Premise (Spoiler-Light): Wu Liuqi (or Seven) is an amnesiac hairdresser on Chicken Island who moonlights as a low-ranking, highly incompetent assassin. Armed with shape-shifting scissors and the help of his sidekick, a wise-cracking chicken named Da Fei, Seven botches most of his missions in hilarious ways while slowly uncovering fragments of his mysterious past.
- My Take: I watched this on Netflix and was immediately charmed. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it has moments of genuine heart and surprisingly cool fight scenes. The shorter episode length and self-contained stories (within an overarching plot) make it perfect for binge-watching or just watching casually. It’s a great example of the diverse styles Donghua offers.
- Where to Watch: Netflix (globally available with multiple language options, including dubs).
4. Quanzhi Fashi (Versatile Mage)
- Why it’s Beginner-Friendly: This series offers a more contemporary urban fantasy setting, which can feel more familiar to viewers used to modern stories. It’s set in a world where magic is studied in schools, similar to many popular fantasy series. The power system is relatively straightforward (elemental magic), and the protagonist follows a classic underdog journey, making it easy to root for him.
- The Premise (Spoiler-Light): In a world where mastering magic is a real and respected profession, Mo Fan is a high school student from a poor family. Through a mysterious pendant, he gains the ability to cultivate magic in two elements simultaneously – a rare and powerful gift. He enrolls in a prestigious magic academy, determined to become a powerful mage and protect his family, while facing prejudice and monstrous threats.
- My Take: If you enjoy magic school settings, power progression, and a protagonist who starts weak but works hard to get stronger, Versatile Mage delivers. It’s got action, school drama, and a clear goal for the hero. While it has many seasons, the early ones establish the world and characters well, making it a solid starting point.
- Where to Watch: WeTV/Tencent Video (sometimes on YouTube), various anime/Donghua streaming sites.
5. Douluo Dalu (Soul Land)
- Why it’s Beginner-Friendly: Okay, full disclosure: Douluo Dalu is massive. It’s one of the longest-running and most-watched Donghua ever, with hundreds of episodes (and ongoing). However, the early arcs, covering the protagonist’s time learning and growing with his companions, are a fantastic example of a classic shonen-style adventure/cultivation story. The world-building starts relatively simply, focusing on character development and forming a strong team. Its immense popularity means there’s a huge community around it, making it easy to find discussions and explanations if you get curious.
- The Premise (Spoiler-Light): Tang San is a genius disciple from a martial arts sect who is reincarnated into a fantasy world called the Soul Land. In this world, everyone awakens a “martial soul” and can cultivate “soul power” to become powerful Soul Masters. Tang San must navigate this new world, hone his unique abilities inherited from his previous life, and form bonds with powerful companions to uncover the secrets of his past and the Soul Land itself.
- My Take: While I haven’t caught up on all hundreds of episodes, I found the initial seasons highly engaging. It’s a quintessential underdog story with clear progression, exciting battles, and a focus on found family. The 3D animation style is distinct and generally high quality. Don’t feel pressured to watch all of it immediately, but the beginning is a solid, action-packed adventure.
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, WeTV/Tencent Video, YouTube (official uploads).
Embarking on a new animation journey is always exciting. As Norman McLaren, a pioneer in animation, once said:
“Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn.”
And in the world of Donghua, those movements are often spectacular, filled with rich detail and cultural nuances. These five series represent just a sliver of what’s available, but they offer diverse entry points into a thriving animation industry ready to be explored.
To help you quickly compare these starting points, here’s a brief table summarizing key details:
| Title | Genre(s) | Why Beginner-Friendly | Where to Watch (Common Platforms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Dao Zu Shi | Xuanhuan, Wuxia, Mystery, Drama | High production value, strong characters, accessible themes | Crunchyroll, Funimation, WeTV/Tencent Video |
| Tian Guan Ci Fu | Xuanhuan, Fantasy, Romance, Drama | Breathtaking visuals, character-focused, emotional story | Crunchyroll, Bilibili |
| Cike Wu Liuqi | Action, Comedy, Mystery | Episodic structure, unique art, pure fun, available on Netflix | Netflix |
| Quanzhi Fashi | Urban Fantasy, Action, School | Modern setting, clear magic system, underdog protagonist | WeTV/Tencent Video |
| Douluo Dalu | Xuanhuan, Action, Adventure | Immensely popular, classic adventure tropes, compelling early story arcs | Crunchyroll, WeTV/Tencent Video, YouTube |
Navigating the world of Donghua might bring up a few questions, especially coming from other animation backgrounds. Here are some common ones I’ve encountered or had myself:
FAQs About Watching Donghua
- Q: What’s the main difference between Donghua and Anime?
- A: The most fundamental difference is origin: Anime is from Japan, Donghua is from China. This leads to differences in cultural references, mythology, historical backdrops, and sometimes storytelling pacing or character archetypes influenced by Chinese culture. While both have diverse animation styles, many popular 3D Donghua series have a distinct look compared to typical Japanese anime.
- Q: Is Donghua available with English subtitles? What about dubs?
- A: Yes, almost all popular Donghua series released internationally have English subtitles. Finding official English dubs is less common than for anime, but it’s becoming more frequent for highly popular titles, especially those on major platforms like Netflix or Crunchyroll. Subtitles are currently the standard way to watch for most.
- Q: Will I understand the cultural references?
- A: For the beginner series listed above, you don’t need deep prior knowledge. The core stories and character motivations are universal. However, these series often draw from Chinese mythology, history, and philosophical concepts (like cultivation, yin/yang, Confucianism, Daoism). Watching can be a fun way to learn about these! Many fan communities and wikis provide helpful context.
- Q: What are Xuanhuan, Wuxia, and Xianxia?
- A: These are popular genres in Chinese fiction, often adapted into Donghua:
- Wuxia: Means “martial heroes.” Stories about skilled martial artists often set in historical China, emphasizing chivalry, justice, and martial arts prowess without supernatural powers beyond peak human ability.
- Xianxia: Means “immortal heroes.” Stories about cultivators who seek immortality and immense power through meditation, alchemy, martial arts, and controlling spiritual energy. Often involves gods, demons, mythical creatures, and fantastical realms.
- Xuanhuan: Means “mysterious fantasy.” A broader term that blends Chinese fantasy elements (like cultivation) with Western fantasy elements or other genres. It can be more free-form and include magic, different races, and various power systems. Many popular action/fantasy Donghua fall under this umbrella.
- A: These are popular genres in Chinese fiction, often adapted into Donghua:
- Q: Is all Donghua 3D?
- A: No! While many of the major cultivation/action epics use high-quality 3D animation (like Douluo Dalu), there are plenty of fantastic 2D Donghua series (like Mo Dao Zu Shi and Cike Wu Liuqi), as well as those that blend 2D and 3D elements.
Tips for Your First Donghua Journey
Here are a just a few simple tips based on my experience:
- Don’t be afraid of subtitles; the voice acting is often a highlight!
- Look up character names if they seem confusing; some characters might have multiple names or titles.
- If you find a series you like, explore the source material (novels, manhua – Chinese comics) or other works by the same studio/author.
- Join online communities! Donghua fans are usually very welcoming and helpful with questions.
- Be open-minded. Enjoy the new perspectives and storytelling styles.
Starting with any one of these five series should provide a wonderful introduction to the quality and excitement of Donghua. Each offers a unique window into the creative potential flourishing within Chinese animation.
So, pick a title that sparks your interest from the list, find where it’s streaming in your region, and prepare to be transported to new worlds filled with intricate plots, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Your gateway to a vibrant, expanding universe of animation awaits!