Donghua, or Chinese animation, has been steadily rising in quality and popularity over the past decade. No longer overshadowed by Japanese anime, many donghua series now boast breathtaking visuals, intricate character designs, and mind-blowing fight sequences. Whether you are a seasoned donghua fan or just beginning your journey, these ten titles will mesmerize you with their stunning animation quality.
White Snake (Bai She: Yuan Qi)
Release Year: 2019
Studio: Light Chaser Animation Studios
“White Snake” is a romantic fantasy film inspired by the classic Chinese legend. The animation is nothing short of mesmerizing, with fluid character movements, lush backgrounds, and an almost dreamlike color palette. Every frame feels hand-crafted, making it one of the most visually captivating donghua productions ever made.
Why Watch:
- Gorgeous environment designs
- Expressive character animation
- High-quality visual effects
Fog Hill of Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)
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Release Year: 2020
Studio: Samsara Studio
“Fog Hill of Five Elements” raised the bar for action animation in China. Each battle scene is a masterpiece of choreography, with powerful elemental magic rendered in exquisite brush-stroke effects. The series blends traditional Chinese painting aesthetics with modern animation technology.
Why Watch:
- Stunning fight sequences
- Traditional art-style influence
- Epic world-building visuals
Big Fish & Begonia (Da Yu Hai Tang)
Release Year: 2016
Studio: B&T Studio, Studio Mir
A poignant story about sacrifice and destiny, “Big Fish & Begonia” features an ethereal visual style that feels like a moving painting. Its richly colored underwater scenes and dreamlike atmosphere set a new benchmark for donghua art direction.
Why Watch:
- Fluid water animation
- Richly detailed mythical creatures
- Emotionally immersive visuals
Heaven Official’s Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)
Release Year: 2020
Studio: Haoliners Animation League
Based on the novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, “Heaven Official’s Blessing” offers not only a compelling love story but also some of the most beautifully drawn characters and backgrounds seen in donghua. The flowing robes, ornate palaces, and serene landscapes make every episode a visual feast.
Why Watch:
- Exquisite character designs
- Graceful animation of fight scenes
- Romantic, atmospheric storytelling
The King’s Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
Release Year: 2017
Studio: G.CMay Animation & Film
“The King’s Avatar” captures the energy and dynamism of esports with smooth battle choreography and detailed gaming environments. The attention to weapon effects, lighting, and fast-paced movements sets it apart from many action series.
Why Watch:
- Top-tier battle scenes
- Smooth character animations
- Immersive digital world graphics
Link Click (Shi Guang Dai Li Ren)
Release Year: 2021
Studio: Haoliners Animation League
“Link Click” blends a grounded, modern art style with supernatural elements. Its realistic backgrounds and expressive character animation create a gripping emotional impact. The smooth transitions and creative visual storytelling techniques make it a standout donghua.
Why Watch:
- Smooth scene transitions
- Strong emotional storytelling
- Realistic urban backgrounds
Soul Land (Douluo Dalu)
Release Year: 2018 - END
Studio: Sparkly Key Animation Studio
Based on the popular web novel, “Soul Land” has consistently delivered beautiful 3D animation. Character evolution and spirit abilities are depicted with dazzling visual effects, making every power-up feel monumental.
Why Watch:
- Spectacular special effects
- Detailed character transformations
- Large-scale magical battles
The Legend of Hei (Luo Xiao Hei Zhan Ji)
Release Year: 2019
Studio: Beijing HMCH Anime Co., Ltd.
A heartwarming film about acceptance and identity, “The Legend of Hei” features simple yet expressive character designs with smooth, elegant animation. The fluidity of motion and the pastel backgrounds create a charming, storybook-like world.
Why Watch:
- Smooth, fluid character animation
- Whimsical art style
- Cozy and immersive atmosphere
Scissor Seven (Cike Wu Liuqi)
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Release Year: 2018 - Ongoing
Studio: AHA Entertainment
“Scissor Seven” breaks traditional animation norms with its quirky, exaggerated art style and imaginative action scenes. While the designs are deliberately cartoony, the animation quality is top-notch, especially during fight sequences.
Why Watch:
- Unique and playful art direction
- Innovative action choreography
- Stylish character expressions
Battle Through the Heavens (Doupo Cangqiong)
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Release Year: 2017 - Ongoing
Studio: Motion Magic
One of the most popular 3D donghua series, “Battle Through the Heavens” showcases excellent world-building with highly detailed scenes and thrilling battle animation. Magical duels and evolving environments are visual highlights.
Why Watch:
- Beautiful magical effects
- Continuous improvement in animation quality
- Rich fantasy landscapes
Conclusion
The world of donghua has blossomed into a vibrant, visually rich art form. These ten titles exemplify just how far Chinese animation has come, offering breathtaking worlds, stunning characters, and unforgettable stories. Whether you seek action, romance, fantasy, or heartfelt drama, the right donghua can provide an unforgettable visual experience.
If you’re new to donghua or simply looking for your next visual obsession, start with any of the titles on this list. You won’t be disappointed.