For years, Japan has been an undisputed powerhouse for global animation , and its dominance has shaped the medium’s language, tone, and artistry to a very large degree. However, in recent years, Chinese animation, known as donghua, has been slowly closing the gap.

Once dismissed on the global stage for irregular quality and limited visibility, Chinese anime series now rival their Japanese counterparts in nearly every department, from storytelling to production and ambition. Chinese creators are crafting fresh yet timeless stories fusing mythology, technology, and character-driven drama. As such, this list explores ten donghua that exemplify this steady evolution.

Each series demonstrates a different strength: visual artistry, emotional depth, worldbuilding, or innovation. These serie

See Full Page