Where to Watch Donghua: A Guide for Anime Fans
Donghua, the Chinese animation industry, is booming, with captivating stories, stunning visuals, and diverse genres. If you're eager to dive into this world of animated wonder, you're probably wondering where to watch it. Fear not, fellow anime enthusiasts, because we've compiled a list of platforms that offer a wide range of donghua titles:
Streaming Platforms:
1. Bilibili (Bilibili.tv)
- Best for: Original content, free access to many titles, diverse selection of genres.
- Pros: Bilibili is a popular platform for Chinese animation, offering a vast library of both popular and lesser-known titles. Many shows are available with English subtitles for free.
- Cons: Interface may be overwhelming for first-time users, not all content is translated.
2. Funimation
- Best for: Licensed titles, English dubs, and a curated selection of donghua.
- Pros: Funimation features a selection of popular donghua titles, including "The King's Avatar" and "Spiritpact." It also offers English dubs for many titles.
- Cons: Limited selection compared to Bilibili, subscription required for most content.
3. Crunchyroll
- Best for: Global reach, a growing selection of donghua, simulcasts.
- Pros: Crunchyroll is becoming a major player in the donghua world, adding more titles each season. They offer simulcasts, meaning you can watch new episodes as they air in China.
- Cons: Donghua selection is still limited compared to other platforms, subscription required.
4. Netflix
- Best for: Convenience, easy access, a curated selection of popular titles.
- Pros: Netflix has begun to add donghua to its library, offering popular titles like "Hitori no Shita: The Outcast" and "The Daily Life of the Immortal King."
- Cons: Limited selection, not all titles are translated.
5. YouTube
- Best for: Free access to some titles, independent studios, finding specific episodes.
- Pros: Many donghua creators upload their shows to YouTube for free, offering a diverse selection of content.
- Cons: Quality can vary, often lacks official subtitles.
6. Tencent Video
- Best for: Access to newer releases, extensive library, English subtitles for some titles.
- Pros: Tencent Video is a major Chinese streaming platform with a vast library of donghua, including many newer titles. Some titles are available with English subtitles.
- Cons: Subscription required, website interface is in Chinese, not all content has English subtitles.
7. iQIYI
- Best for: Popular titles, simulcasts, a diverse selection of genres.
- Pros: iQIYI is another major Chinese streaming platform with a strong selection of donghua. It offers simulcasts and English subtitles for some titles.
- Cons: Subscription required, website interface is in Chinese, not all content has English subtitles.
Beyond Streaming:
Donghua can also be found on dedicated websites and blogs. These resources often offer reviews, news, and insights into the world of Chinese animation:
- Anime News Network (ANN): Offers news and reviews on donghua, including information on licensing and availability.
- Donghua Fan: A dedicated website for donghua fans, with news, reviews, and a database of titles.
Tips for Finding Donghua:
- Research and explore: Explore different platforms and don't be afraid to try new titles.
- Read reviews and recommendations: Seek out recommendations from other fans and critics.
- Check for subtitles: Make sure the titles you choose have English subtitles available.
- Be patient: The donghua industry is rapidly evolving, with new platforms and titles emerging all the time.
With this guide, you're well-equipped to embark on your donghua journey. Explore the captivating worlds and diverse stories that this exciting animation scene has to offer.