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The recent uprising of Donghua (Chinese Animation) has been sensational. While the anime industry has gone mainstream, the Donghua is also following the same path. The industry has been in operation for some time, but the past few years have been particularly fruitful for it. There have been some great releases, and these shows have garnered a massive number of fans worldwide. With great plots, characters, and fascinating anime, the Donghua industry is slowly starting to change the animated shows.
Here are the top 10 Donghua to watch, but be careful, as it might turn you into a fan and have you discard your “former” favorite.
1. Link Click
- Creator: Li Haoling
- Animation Studio: Studio LAN
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
A time-traveling Donghua that focuses on changing people’s regrets by setting things right in the past. Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang run a photo studio named Moment of Time. Clicking pictures is a cover for their main business, which is time travel.
When a customer comes to them with a picture that they are regretful about, the duo embarks on a journey to set it right. While one of them stays in the present and keeps everything under control, the other one travels to the past to set things right. However, time is of the essence, and if they cannot fulfill the task within the stipulated time, they will have to face some major issues. Link Click is a masterpiece in every aspect. Apart from being a global fan-favorite, there is emotional depth, good pacing, and magnificent storytelling.
2. To Be Hero X
- Creator: Li Haoling
- Animation Studio: Studio LAN
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
To Be Hero X was created by Li Haoling, who is the creator of Link Click. To Be Hero X is not based on a single person; rather, it showcases the story of the top ten heroes in the world and how they are connected to each other. To become heroes, one must gain the trust of others, and through it, one can manifest abilities like flight, superhuman strength, fire-breathing, etc. While people can make a hero, they can also take away their powers and lose trust. All the heroes try to become Hero X, the title given to the number one hero.
Every three years, a battle royale is held with the top ten heroes taking part in it. The winner is declared Hero X. To Be Hero X takes out determination and hard work and implements a third-party source for energy surge. The Donghua stands out from the rest due to featuring smart satire, complex storytelling, and amazing fighting sequences.
3. The Master of Diabolism
- Creator: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- Animation Studio: B.CMAY Pictures
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
The Master of Diabolism is a reincarnation story that follows the path of supernatural entities. In order to achieve Xian, the state of immortality, one has to cultivate the demonic path. Defying all the odds, Wei Wuxian achieves the goal after multiple tragedies, but he is assassinated by his closest ally when the clan overpowers him.
13 years later, the protagonist is reincarnated in the body of a lunatic and manages to meet a former classmate, Lang Wangji. Together, they set out on a journey to unravel the truth and why he was killed. Wei Wuxian is a complex character and will keep the viewers glued to their seats. There are layers to each character and emotion, along with rich world-building.
4. Heaven’s Official Blessing
- Creator: Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
- Animation Studio: Haoliners Animation League
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll/Netflix
Xie Lian is a former martial God and the Crown Prince of Xianle, but over time, he loses all his followers and turns into a pitiful scrap-collecting God. During his first mission, he meets the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, Hua Cheng, a mysterious Ghost King feared by both Gods and Demons. Before Xie Lian could ask him anything, Hua Cheng disappeared. While he is trying to figure out the reason behind such an abrupt visit, the protagonist meets San Lang, who possesses information on the Ghost King as well as Xie Lian. San Lang accompanies Xie on his journey to unearth the past mysteries.
Heaven’s Official Blessing mixes heavenly and ghost folklore with Chinese folklore, showcases a romantic plot, and explores trauma resilience and compassion to its depth.
5. Fog Hill of Five Elements
- Creator: Lin Hun
- Animation Studio: Nice Boat Animation
- Where To Watch: Bilibili
Fog Hill of Five Elements’ jaw-dropping animation is one of the many reasons for its massive popularity. Inspired by Chinese folklore, the story readily uplifts traditional Chinese concepts and features exceptional fighting sequences. Fog Hill of Five Elements speaks of a legend that tells the story of individuals who had to explore the dangerous foggy mountains to gain special abilities from monsters that allow them to master all five elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, Wood). One such powerful individual was Wen Ren Yu Xuan, and the Donghua follows his story as he ventures into the foggy mountains.
6. A Will Eternal
- Creator: Er Gen
- Animation Studio: B.CMAY Pictures
- Where To Watch: Viki
Different people have different wills. While some may wish to create oceans, others may wish to summon mulberry fields. However, Bai Xiaochun fears death like anything and desires to live for eternity. To achieve his desire, he ventures into the Spirit Stream Sect and becomes a cultivator. Fortunately for him, Bai becomes a rising star due to his cleverness, luck, and a bit of nonsense. Thus began Bai Xiaochun’s journey to become a legendary cultivator from a literal joke, but the path ahead is not as smooth as he thinks. A Will Eternal will provide the viewers with hilarious content, and take a break from all the stereotypical protagonists by bringing a selfish, stubborn, and scared one.
7. Scissor Seven
- Creator: He Xiaofeng
- Animation Studio: AHA Entertainment
- Where To Watch: Netflix
A hairdresser/assassin, Wu Liuqi, gives the vibe that he is a generational talent with all the abilities he possesses. However, looks are often deceiving, as he is a master at botching his missions because of his subpar skills. Oftentimes, Wu ends up targeting the wrong person, even though he can change into anything and possesses telekinetic scissor techniques.
Wu works two jobs to pay off his debts, but it is not as easy as it sounds since he has a secret third job. He is amnesiac and is on a journey to regain his memories with Dai Bo by his side. Somehow, his ventures seem to get intertwined with him trying to regain his memories. Scissor Seven brings off-beat humor and emotional storytelling. While the plot may seem a bit different, the animation is surreal, and even after multiple seasons, it remains one of the most successful Donghua globally.
8. The King’s Avatar
- Creator: Butterfly Blue
- Animation Studio: G.CMAY Animation
- Where To Watch: Crunchyroll
The world is immersed in the popular online multiplayer video game called Glory. The most famous and skilled player of the video game is Ye Xiu, and because of his achievements over the past decade, people call him the “Battle God.” However, Ye Xiu is forced to retire and leave his in-game career behind because of his teammates. Having made peace with his past, the protagonist starts working at an internet café. Unfortunately, the past is not ready to leave him as Glory launches its tenth server, and unable to control himself, Ye Xiu once again dives into Glory.
Even though he possesses the knowledge from the past decade, starting from scratch is difficult, and that too when there are no sponsors or a proper team. Still, he is trying to overcome the challenges and trying to make a name for himself. Soon, the gamers notice an unknown player leveling up faster than the rest and take an interest in the mystery player. The King’s Avatar’s premise revolves around the popular concept of eSports, giving the spotlight to teamwork, mental strength, and strategizing. Apart from the Donghua, there is stunning in-game action, and Ye Xiu’s character development is the one to look out for.
9. Super Cube
- Creator: Shuiluo Sheng Sheng
- Animation Studio: Big Firebird Culture
- Where To Watch: iQIYI
Super Cube follows the Shounen demographic and brings a perfect mixture of action and supernatural. Wang Xiaoxiu ends up with extraordinary powers thanks to a space system called the “Super Power Cube.” With his newfound powers, he sets out to resolve the world’s crisis, but his journey is cut short when his long-time crush, Shen Yao, is kidnapped by mysterious people. Thus, began Wang Xiaoxiu’s mission of rescuing Shen Yao while fighting against unknown and extraordinary personalities. Super Cube has a unique premise and is as mysterious as the secret element of the dish. There is proper character growth, and the eye-catching visuals are something to look forward to.
10. War God System! I’m Counting on You!
- Creator: Mingyue Dishang Shuang
- Animation Studio: Ruo Hong Culture
- Where To Watch: YouTube
War God System! I’m Counting on You! Revolves around An Lin, who is sent to the spiritual world with the help of a powerful practitioner. With a God of War system handed to him, he is humiliated in the spiritual world on arrival, as he is weak. However, the protagonist is determined to overcome his weak status and starts to practice and improve his cultivation skills. As he got better, he made new friends and embarked on the road of counterattack. The Donghua features a shamelessly hilarious protagonist with a fast-paced story and flashy combat sequences.
Keep an eye out for the upcoming Donghua, like Lord of the Mysteries.
Also Read: After Link Click, Another Must-Watch Donghua, Lord of the Mysteries, Drops in July 2025
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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