Donghua, or Chinese animation, has experienced an incredible surge in popularity over the past decade. No longer a niche market, donghua is now a dominant force in global entertainment. Behind this success are powerful studios whose creativity and innovation have defined what donghua is today. In 2025, five studios stood out for their exceptional contributions, setting new benchmarks in storytelling, animation quality, and emotional depth.
In this comprehensive article, we explore the top 5 donghua studios of 2025 that captivated audiences worldwide.
Tencent Penguin Pictures: The Giant Behind Donghua’s Evolution
Studio Overview
Tencent Penguin Pictures , a subsidiary of tech giant Tencent, continues to dominate the donghua scene. Known for producing high-budget and high-quality animations, the studio has been instrumental in bringing Chinese stories to a global audience.
2025 Highlights
In 2025, Tencent released several blockbuster donghua series, including:
- “Battle Through the Heavens: The Ultimate Awakening”
- “Soul Land V: Divine Realm Chronicles”
These titles not only topped domestic charts but also trended globally on platforms like Bilibili International and Netflix.
Animation Techniques
Tencent invests heavily in cutting-edge technologies such as:
- 4K ultra-HD rendering
- Motion capture advancements
- Hybrid 2D-3D animation
Their seamless blending of traditional Chinese art with modern animation methods creates a unique, captivating visual style.
Global Influence
By partnering with international streaming services and hosting global fan events, Tencent Penguin Pictures significantly expanded the reach of donghua culture beyond Asia.
Haoliners Animation League: The Power of Adaptation
Studio Overview
Haoliners Animation League has built a strong reputation by adapting popular web novels and manhua into visually stunning donghua.
2025 Highlights
Their 2025 standout projects include:
- “The King’s Avatar: Final Showdown”
- “Spare Me, Great Lord! Season 3”
Both series continued to build on already massive fanbases, delivering emotional depth and action-packed storylines.
Storytelling Excellence
Haoliners is particularly adept at:
- Character-driven plots
- Emotionally resonant arcs
- Faithful novel-to-animation adaptations
Their attention to narrative details ensures that loyal fans of the original works are satisfied.
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International Reach
With subtitles in over 15 languages and dubbing in English, Spanish, and French, Haoliners has effectively globalized Chinese storytelling.
Colored Pencil Animation: The Artist’s Touch
Studio Overview
Known for its artistic approach, Colored Pencil Animation crafts animations that look like moving paintings.
2025 Highlights
Some of their remarkable 2025 releases:
- “White Cat Legend: Journey of the Ancients”
- “A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality: Celestial Clash”
These works feature breathtaking backgrounds and fluid character motions that mesmerize viewers.
Unique Artistry
The studio’s techniques include:
- Hand-painted textures
- Watercolor-inspired backgrounds
- Cinematic lighting and color theory application
Each frame feels like an artwork you could hang on a wall.
Cultural Impact
Their works have been praised in international animation festivals, promoting Chinese culture through a universally artistic lens.
B.CMAY Pictures: Masters of Adaptation
Studio Overview
B.CMAY Pictures has specialized in adapting beloved Chinese fantasy novels into animation.
2025 Highlights
In 2025, they released:
- “Scumbag System: Final Redemption”
- “Heavenly Jewel Change: Emperor’s Legacy”
Both projects were lauded for staying faithful to the source material while enhancing the visual experience.
Adaptation Strategies
B.CMAY excels in:
- Faithful character designs
- Layered, intelligent world-building
- Emotional complexity through slow-burn storytelling
This studio’s commitment to the soul of the original novels earned them respect both domestically and internationally.
Studio LAN: Rising Star of 2025
Studio Overview
A newcomer compared to others on this list, Studio LAN burst onto the scene with fresh ideas and unparalleled ambition.
2025 Highlights
Their breakout hit:
“Chronicles of the Sacred Sword”
This series became an instant phenomenon, noted for its deep lore, emotional maturity, and revolutionary visual effects.
Fresh Approaches
Studio LAN innovates by:
- Blending mythology with science fiction
- Dynamic camera work mimicking blockbuster films
- Incorporating VR and AR elements in promotional strategies
Their forward-thinking mindset positions them as a leader of the next generation of donghua.
Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Donghua
These five studios Tencent Penguin Pictures, Haoliners Animation League, Colored Pencil Animation, B.CMAY Pictures, and Studio LAN each brought something unique to the table in 2025.
They redefined what audiences expect from Chinese animation, elevating the art form with stunning visuals, compelling stories, and groundbreaking innovation. With their passion and talent, the future of donghua looks incredibly bright.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to dive deeper into the magical worlds crafted by these visionary studios.