The Chinese animation industry is one of the largest in the world and it has grown significantly over the last few years. And with more and more companies entering the market, China has become a major player in this growing industry.
Producing an animated show is no easy task, however. When you want to make a show that will captivate audiences and keep them coming back for more it takes time, patience, and creativity.
And these 23 Chinese Animated shows or Donghua Animes are doing just that – they are some of the best series you need to be watching.
23. Nana Moon
- Logline: An adventure story of a girl named Coco on a planet with talking animals.
- Year: 2012
- Genre: Fantasy
- Studio: B.CMAY PICTURES
Nana Moon is a cute Donghua anime with cute talking animals. Though this animated series is aimed at kids, it has a lot of funny jokes that will even make adults laugh.
The show may not have an extraordinary storyline, but it is still beautifully illustrated and entertaining nonetheless!
Synopsis
On the mysterious planet called Nana moon live the lovely little moonies.
One day a girl from Earth named Coco appears on the Nana Moon, which reminds moonies of the prophecy that whenever Nana Moon comes under a threat, a human from the earth will appear to save it.
22. Xiao Liyu Li Xian Ji
- Logline: A story of a little carp fish on a big adventure in the sea.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
This is another Chinese animated series made for the kids that even adults will fund interesting and enjoyable to watch. With great animations and an engaging plotline, this Donghua anime is surely a great pass time.
Synopsis
Bubbles is a small carp fish who lives with his grandmother in Carp lake. One day an evil snake kills Bubbles’ grandmother.
So, Bubbles start his journey to find the Dragon’s scales to revive his grandmother and take revenge on the evil snake.
21. Galaxy Racers
- Logline: Adventurous racing journey of Roy and his friends.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
What do you get when you mix high-octane racing, cartoonish graphics, and colorful characters? Galaxy Racers! This Donghu anime has everything that an anime fan could want in a thrilling racing show.
Synopsis
Roy is a young kid who wants to participate in the prestigious Galaxy race which is controlled by an evil CEO.
He along with his friends starts his journey to reach the top and defeat the infamous Mosha Racing Team at the grand stage.
20. Xing Mao Lixian Ji Zhi Shufa Pian
- Logline: Star Cats fights the Demon Lord to maintain peace.
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
Xiǎng māo líxīán jì zhī shùfǎ piàn is one of China’s most popular animated series. It is also one of the first Chinese animations to be shown abroad.
It is a story of good vs evil, shown very beautifully in this Chinese Donghua anime.
Synopsis
The Dark Lord is in search of a scroll that will give him immense powers. But a team of brave heroes is ready to foil all his plans.
Star Cats and the 12 constellations will do anything in their power to stop him and find the scroll before it gets in the hands of the Dark Lord.
19. Opti-Morphs
- Logline: Two brothers fight against an evil organization with their super minicars.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Alpha Animation
Opti-Morphs is a Chinese animated show that follows the adventures of two teenage superheroes, as they save the world and learn life lessons along the way.
It’s packed with action and comedy which is fun and thrilling to watch at the same time
Synopsis
A cosmic explosion led to the release of a huge amount of energy that reached on earth and became energy coins.
Some of the energy turned into mini cars. An evil organization is trying to take over the world with this power and two teenage brothers are ready to fight them with their supermini cars.
18. Nuwa Chengzhang Riji
- Logline: This story follows an orphan girl rumored to be a successor of “Nuwa”, the goddess of creation.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- Studio: B.CMAY PICTURES
Nuwa Chengzhang Riji is a Dongua anime that dives deep into Chinese mythology and bring forth a story that is a combination of fantasy and reality in a very creative way. It is a good one-time watch show.
Synopsis
The show is about a female protagonist who is rumored to become the next goddess of creation as can create anything she can imagine with her imagination.
It’s her journey of going through good and bad times as she learns more about her powers.
17. Zentrix
- Logline: A mission to stop an all-powerful AI from taking over the world.
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Adventure, Sci-fi
- Studio: Unknown
Zentrix is a Chinese animated show that has captivated audiences with its unique and detailed animation style and well-written storyline.
Zentrix is definitely worth checking out, whether you’re looking for a new show to binge-watch or just want something new to watch with kids!
Synopsis
Jared is the King of a highly advanced nation which is run by a super AI called OmnicronPsy. But one-day OmnicronPsy decides to take over the country and establish himself as King.
To stop the AI, Jared along with his friend and daughter goes seven years in the past to stop OmnicronPsy.
16. Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf
- Logline: A story of a fight between a big bad wolf and brave goats.
- Year: 2010
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy
- Studio: Unknown
Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf is an animated television series based on the traditional Chinese folk tale of the same name. The show is targeted towards children and became very popular in China and many other countries
Synopsis
The show follows the daily life of the goat and the wolf. Every day the wolf tries to catch the goats and eat them but the smart cat always foils his plans.
15. Yi Kong Zhi Dian
- Logline: Three friends go on a journey to become the best finger skateboarder.
- Year: 2013
- Genre: Adventure, Sports
- Studio: Unknown
If you are into animes like bay blade then you might find this Donghua anime to your liking. The show is not the best but has its own nice qualities that make it a good one-time watch.
Synopsis
In the future, the game of finger skateboarding played with skateboards that move on their own on the player’s command.
Our hero with his three friends starts a journey of adventure and competes against the best players in the world.
14. Flash and Dash
- Logline: Kids compete in RC car racing.
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Adventure, Sports
- Studio: Unknown
As the name of the Chinese animated show suggests, it is about racing. This show will take you back to the memories of when you used to play with toy cars and had an amazing time.
It is a good show to be watched in your free time.
Synopsis
Two twin brothers compete against a kid in their school in RC car racing and they lose to him. They discuss the reason for their defeat and the brothers learn more about RC racing. And thus begins their passion for the sport.
13. The Legend of Qin
- Logline: A difficult journey of a kid and swords to change the fate of the empire.
- Year: 2007
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Studio: Sparkly Key Animation Studio
The Legend of Qin is a story about strength, courage, and honor. It is a great animated series not only because of its history but also because it’s thoroughly entertaining.
It features a compelling storyline with well-developed characters and a relatably human protagonist who struggles with his own insecurities and flaws.
Synopsis
In the Qin dynasty, an assassin tries to kill the Emperor to save his homeland. He fails and the Emporer in anger orders his 8 years old son to be killed.
But the son is saved by a mysterious swordsman and the two embark on a journey to change the empire.
12. Heibai Wushuang
- Logline: A story of two demons working in an organization that kills humans.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Studio: Unknown
If you are looking for a Donghua anime that is a little dark in nature then this is a perfect fit for you. It has also a good amount of comedy and action to bring a little lightness to the overall theme of the anime.
Synopsis
The story revolves around two demons who are very lazy and clumsy. They work at an organization that is responsible for maintaining the balance between the living and the dead and thus kill humans to do so.
11. Zinba
- Logline: A kid is summoned to a world with mysterious creatures.
- Year: 2013
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
This cute kids show is a great way to introduce children and all its viewers to Chinese culture and take them on a journey through the mythical world.
In each episode, the protagonist gets to explore new parts of the world and make new friends.
Synopsis
A young kid named Kan is summoned from earth to the Toria. In this world, there are big animal creatures with superpowers called the Zinba.
On his journey, he meets many friends and foes and of course some very powerful Zinbas.
10. Zhan Long Si Qu
- Logline: A anime based on mini 4wd racing.
- Year: 2009
- Genre: Cars, Adventure
- Studio: Unknown
Zhan Long Si Qu or Go for Speed is another car Donghua anime that is mainly focused on children but if you are one of those who loves mini 4wd cars or played it in childhood then maybe you’ll enjoy this show.
Synopsis
A story of three friends who set out to become one of the best Mini 4wds racing champions and at the same time enjoy the sport they love so much.
9. Xiao Hua Xian
- Logline: A clash between good vs evil.
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Fantasy
- Studio: Taomee
If you are looking for a Chinese animated show that has cute characters, amazing animation, and a good storyline then this show is worthy of your time. It is a feel-good show that puts you in a pleasant mood.
Synopsis
The Queen of Dark has attacked a continent of Flower fairies to grab the power hidden in the continent.
The only way to save the continent and its residents is by summoning a human from earth who can wield this power and fight against evil.
8. Tian Xin Ge Ge
- Logline: A story of love and rebellion in the future.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Puzzle Animation Studio
If comedy is your favorite genre, this anime is sure to keep you on your toes! For those who love an intricate storyline and creative animation, this show can’t be missed!
Synopsis
The story begins in the year 2100. Humans live happily in the surface world, while the underground world is the kingdom of the Ori-Princesses.
The Ori-Princesses are born with a “light” orb in their chests that shines brightly in the darkness to help them guard against evil. The light helps maintain peace and order among all people on both sides of the world.
One day, when an Ori-Princess becomes 18 years old, she travels to Earth to find her future partner for life so they can have children together.
7. Zhonghua Xiaozi
- Logline: Three teenagers prepare themselves to fight against demons.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action
- Studio: –
Missing some cartoon network-type animation? Let me introduce you to a Chinese tv show that uses similar animation to portray a similar childish story. When you compare popular anime, like Naruto and One Piece, to this Chinese anime, they are worlds apart. The stories are less complex and the animation is not as polished. But still, once you start to binge, there is no coming back!
Synopsis
The story is set in the Henan Province in the 17th century. Demons have been murdering people all around. To stop the innocent killings and bring these demons to justice three teenagers are recruited in the Shaolin temple to learn the art of Kung Fu.
6. Rainbow Sea
- Logline: Rainbow Sea is a place in a black hole rumored to have an infinite stock of precious gems.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Sci-FI
- Studio: –
If you’re looking for an epic sci-fi donghua to watch, I have just the thing. Rainbow Sea was one great show that you just can’t afford to miss. The first season aired a decade ago and was a freakish hit but unfortunately, the second season got into controversy and Rainbow Sea was banned forever.
Synopsis
This sci-fi anime takes you to a fictional world where space travel is no more a big deal.
Exploring the wonders of the universe, humans stretch their limits to the extreme. One result of this curiosity was the rumor about the Rainbow Sea. A place in the dark hole embodied with precious stones, gold rivers, and a sky that is covered in the colors of the rainbow.
A young boy named Maidang promised his father to find this mysterious place. The anime follows Maidang adventures in finding the Rainbow Sea along with his associate Gudong.
5. Ba La La Xiao Mo Xian Zhi Caihong Xin Shi
- Logline: Everyday tales from the fantasy land of Fairy Castle.
- Year: 2011
- Genre: Comedy
- Studio: Alpha Animation
What do you get when you mix Japanese folklore and a bucket of Disney? You get the Chinese anime Ba La La Xiao Mo or Balala the Fairies. First aired in 2011, this anime was geared towards kids between the ages of eight and fifteen. If the kid in you is craving for something like that you must binge on this one for once.
Synopsis
It follows the story of three fairies from a fantasy world. The three fairies, Bala-baba, Rara-boo, and Lala-lulu are in charge of granting wishes to the needy. Sometimes though it’s hard for them to figure out what people really want, that’s where our human friend Emily comes in! She helps teach them about emotions and what makes people happy by guiding their journey through the human world.
4. Taikong Lixianji
- Logline: A space voyage to find an earthlike planet.
- Year: 2010
- Genre: Sci-Fi
- Studio: –
Have you ever watched a show and been transported to a whole new world? A world beyond earth, in an astronomical voyage in pursuit of a new home.
Taikong Lixianji is one of those shows. It’s not just your average superhero show, though. There are a lot of twists and turns that you don’t see coming. If you are a sci-fi fan, you must not skip on this Chinese anime.
Synopsis
It is the year 2735. Like we would expect, the earth is no more survivable. Extreme lever of radiations has degraded every other form of resources humans could make use of. Now, to sustain the legacy of mankind an elite group of individuals has formed the Space Migration Fleet.
The Fleet aims to find a new home for mankind. This exploration of the unknown brings up a series of challenges that the exploration crew must face head-on to achieve their goal of finding a survivable land.
3. Dou Po Cangqiong
- Logline: A misfit lad is burdened with a responsibility to fight for his race.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Action
- Studio: Shanghai Foch Film and TV Culture Investment
Move to next if you aren’t an admirer for 3d anime. But if you seek to dig out the unsung gems of Chinese anime then this one is no less than a jackpot for you. Dou Po Cangqiong will take you on into another dimension of animation while keeping you entertained with a thrilling plot, fun and intriguing characters, and over-the-top music and sound effects.
Synopsis
Also popular by the title- Battle through the Heaven, this donghua is about humans and gods, and the various struggles they face as time goes on.
It follows Xiao Yan as he trains in martial arts and dares to challenge his incompetency. The story develops into a world war between the two races. Over time, Xiao Yan becomes stronger and starts to unlock many secrets which were hidden by these two races.
2. Spiritpact
- Logline: Once a top-level gamer has one more chance to establish his dominance.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Action
- Studio: B.Cmay Pictures
Spiritpact or originally known as Ling Qi is one of the reasons why Chinese animes are able to sustain their influence in the west. The show finished airing in 2016. Its massive popularity motivated its creators for a second season which like its prequel also topped charts.
The characters are likable, even if they are villains or antiheroes, unlike other anime where the protagonist is always right and has to be liked by all viewers. And finally, it’s not predictable like most shōnen anime.
Synopsis
A spirit pact is an agreement that two or more people make with each other to perform a certain action for a specific purpose. That’s exactly what happens between the protagonist of this show.
You Keika lives in misery and tries hard to defy bad luck and get himself a stable life. One day Keika is encountered by a top-level exorcist named Tanmoku Ki. Tanmoku makes Keika realize his true identity of being a wandering spirit.
Tanmoki asks Keika to form a spiritpact with him. Offering protection from humans and in return asking Keiko to become his spirit shadow.
1. Quanzhi Gaoshou
- Logline: Once a top-level gamer has one more chance to establish his dominance.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Action
- Studio: B.Cmay Pictures
Quanzhi Gaoshou is surely one of the most underrated donghua of all time. It has very interesting storylines that are unpredictable, but not in an overly complicated way. The first few episodes reminded me of popular Japanese anime based on esports like Sword Art Online. However, a few more episodes down the lane and I experienced the freshness this Chinese anime has bought to the genre.
Synopsis
The main protagonist is Ye Xiu who had previously been known as the “God of Games” for his impressive skills at every type of game he was challenged in.
After being forced to retire from professional gaming due to his age, Ye Xiu finds himself going from being a top player to a normal employee with a desk job. Struggling with this drastic change in lifestyle, Ye Xiu soon finds himself helping out with part-time jobs for Ye Qiu, his boss from work who is also the most powerful player in Glory’s history.
