The Best Donghua to Watch Right Now: A Guide for Anime Enthusiasts
The world of Chinese animation, or Donghua, is booming with incredible stories and stunning visuals. If you're looking to expand your anime horizons, here's a list of the best donghua to get you started:
Action & Adventure
- Mo Dao Zu Shi (The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation): This fantasy series follows Wei Wuxian, a cultivator who returns from the dead and gets caught up in a web of conspiracy and ancient secrets. The beautiful animation and complex characters make this a must-watch.
- Hitori no Shita - The Outcast (Under One Person): A martial arts and supernatural action series about a normal college student who discovers he has hidden abilities. The fight scenes are dynamic and the story explores themes of destiny, friendship, and self-discovery.
- Ling Qi (Spirit Realm): This action-packed series blends historical fantasy with modern elements. It follows a group of students who are chosen to fight against a powerful evil force. The characters are compelling, the plot is engaging, and the fight sequences are intense.
Romance & Fantasy
- Heaven Official's Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu): This beautiful and moving series follows the story of Xie Lian, a god who is repeatedly demoted and reborn, and his journey to redemption. It features a complex and heartwarming romance, stunning visuals, and a compelling story about forgiveness and second chances.
- The King's Avatar (Quan Zhi Gao Shou): Based on a popular web novel, this series follows a professional gamer who decides to return to the game after a hiatus. It explores themes of competition, passion, and the power of friendship. The anime is beautifully animated and features a compelling protagonist.
- Scissor Seven (Qian Ling Qi Bing): This action-comedy series follows a seemingly ordinary barber who is actually a skilled assassin. The humor is witty, the characters are charming, and the animation is dynamic.
Slice of Life & Coming-of-Age
- The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Xian Wang de Ri Chang Sheng Huo): This comedic series follows the daily life of Wang Ling, an immortal who attends a normal high school. The show explores the unique challenges of being an immortal in a modern world and is a great example of how humor and slice-of-life can work well together.
- The Untamed (Chen Qing Ling): This series follows two cultivators, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, who investigate a mysterious case. It features complex characters, stunning visuals, and a heartwarming story about friendship and brotherhood.
- The Legend of Hei (Hei Yao): This dark and gritty series tells the story of a young boy named Hei who is raised in a dangerous underworld. It explores themes of survival, hope, and the fight against injustice.
This list is just a starting point and there are many other fantastic donghua series out there. With its diverse range of genres and captivating stories, donghua is definitely worth exploring!