10 best starter Chinese Donghua series for anime lovers

Chinese Donghua is a rising star in the arena of animation storytelling. Mesmerizing audiences through amazing visuals, deep storytelling, and cultural influences, Chinese Donghua brings something unique to the table in the world of animation.

As anime maintains its popularity around the globe, Donghua is slowly gaining attention, especially for fantastical worlds and differing genres. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, action, or emotional dramas, there's a Donghua that can match the intensity and appeal of your favorite anime.

The wide variety of available Chinese Donghua might be too much for those newly introduced to it. This makes finding the best starting point while entering this amazing genre. Here are the ten best starters in the Chinese Donghua series for anime lovers.

Disclaimer: This list is ranked in no particular order and reflects the writer's opinion.

The King's Avatar, Soul Land, and 8 other Chinese Donghua series for beginners

1) Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren)

Link Click wonderfully combines time travel and mystery in a richly emotional storyline. The story is about two main protagonists traveling back in time with photographs, reliving others' memories to solve personal cases, many of which are heart-wrenching missions. Its intricate storyline holds the viewer on the edge of suspense, drama, and humor.

The anime is super-appealing, and the characters are well-developed such that anime fans will easily relate to them. Themes of deep emotions the series portrays, such as appearing in the popular anime Steins; Gate, making Link Click one of the starter Chinese Donghua anime fans should watch.

2) The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Xian Wang de Richang Shenghuo)

The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Image via Haoliners Animation League)

A perfect blend of humor, action, and supernatural elements makes The Daily Life of the Immortal King an ideal introduction to Chinese Donghua. The series features Wang Ling, an overpowered cultivator who wishes to live a normal high school life while concealing his immense powers.

The plot is full of comedic moments, and so are epic battles, with a great balance that appeals to anime fans who enjoy school-life comedies and action-packed storylines. Fast-paced, quirky characters and a unique animation style make this highly entertaining. The show presents familiar tropes in fresh ways, making it one of the best Chinese Donghua starter series for anime lovers.

3) God Troubles Me (Hanhua Riji)

God Troubles Me is a lighthearted Chinese Donghua, equipped with jokes and fantasy, combined with a modern lifestyle, describing in this fantasy a funny Donghua that surrounds a high school girl, inheriting godly powers, moving her around into absurd situations.

It masterfully balances the series between supernature and comedy, making it fun for anime fans who love quirky characters and offbeat storytelling. It also has a vibrancy-packed animation coupled with the episodic format, making it easy to follow. At the same time, the humor ensures it remains entertaining without being too serious.

4) Swallowed Star (Tunshi Xingkong)

Swallowed Star (Image via Sparkly Key Animation Studio)

Swallowed Star is set in a future where monsters have destroyed the earth, and humanity fights for survival. It follows the main character, Luo Feng, a young man seeking to grow strong enough to protect his loved ones.

Its gripping plot of personal growth, survival, and battles naturally grabs the attention of anime fans. The quality of animation combined with action sequences is at par, with the world-building style following the lead of quite a few anime in the industry. This makes Swallowed Star one of the Chinese Donghua fans anime fans should start with.

5) The King's Avatar (Quanzhi Gaoshou)

The King's Avatar (Image via B.CMAY PICTURES)

The King's Avatar is centered on the competitive world of esports, following the adventures of seasoned player Ye Xiu, who returns to the number one after being forced into retirement. The story portrays the excitement of online gaming through action-packed battles and strategic gameplay.

The determination and experience of the protagonist make up an interesting storyline that resembles the usual rise-and-fall arcs in so many anime. The smooth animation and detailed visuals make it more attractive to people who like all modern-day anime with a gaming flavor. This makes The King's Avatar one of the best starters in the Chinese Donghua series for anime fans.

6) Soul Land (Douluo Dalu)

Soul Land (Image via Sparkly Key Animation Studio)

Soul Land offers an interesting cultivation system that brings anime lovers into the complex world of martial spirits and power-ups. Protagonist Tang San journeys to growth as popular anime heroes do, where hard work, teamwork, and strategy help him outmaneuver the strongest enemies.

Its mix of fantasy, adventure, and action imitates what various anime genres carry, and its pace allows newcomers to understand Chinese cultivation lore complexities.

Rich world-building, descriptive character development, and combat set the stage for binge-worthiness for any casual viewer or an enthusiastic anime fan. This makes Soul Land one of the Chinese Donghua anime fans should watch.

7) Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Mo Dao Zu Shi)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (Image via B.CMAY PICTURES)

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is set in an intricately crafted universe of cultivation and magical powers. Colorful animation and thrilling character development keep the viewers hooked on the series. It revolves around the story of Wei Wuxian, where his past and present interrelate into a sweeping tale of friendship and betrayal, showcasing beautiful fight scenes to everything emotionally invested.

The series also delves into themes relating to love, redemption, and the war between good and evil. With its great plot and pretty illustration, Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is amongst the best starters in Chinese Donghua for anime fans.

8) Spiritpact (Ling Qi)

Spiritpact (Image via Haoliners Animation League)

Spiritpact revolves around supernatural elements and strong character dynamics, pegged on a human bonding with a spirit. The storyline unfolds with You Keika, one unlucky fortune teller, and Tanmoku Ki, a powerful exorcist who joins forces to fight evil spirits.

The perfect balance of comedy, action, and emotional scenes keeps the series engaging, with blossoming chemistry between the two main characters, acting as the cheery on top. The vibrant animation and unique spin on the spirit world make Spiritpact something new for anime viewers discovering Chinese Donghua.

9) Throne of Seal (Shen Yin Wangzuo)

Throne of Seal (Image via Shenman Entertainment)

Throne of Seal follows the story of Long Hao Chen, a young knight, and his protection of the human race against the demons. Built in a fantastically distinct world with remarkable detail, the anime takes place in an atmosphere with themes of determination, friendship, and endless strife between good and evil.

The series offers interesting characters, electrifying battles, and a deep narrative to which anime fans can easily connect, especially if they like personal growth and heroism stories. The well-animated fight scenes and emotional stakes further enhance the experience, placing it among the best starters of the Chinese Donghua series for anime lovers.

10) White Cat Legend (Da Li Si Rizhi)

White Cat Legend (Image via Nice Boat Animation)

White Cat Legend is an engaging piece of historical settings in a funny, action-packed story. Chen Shi, searching for his brother who had lost his way, eventually works under Li Bing, a white cat who serves as a powerful official in the Dali Court.

The general comedy and antics of quirky characters and exciting action sequences keep the viewers entertained, while the historical backdrop adds depth. Its lighthearted tone and creative storytelling make White Cat Legend one of the best Chinese Donghua to watch for beginners.

Final thoughts

Chinese Donghua offers a new experience with its distinctive narration and eye-catching world for anime fans. Development series like The King's Avatar and Soul Land have complex and exciting battle moments. The deep emotional storyline in Link Click and the legendary world in Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation won the hearts of many users.

It covers everything anime fans want, from comedies to lighthearted series like The Daily Life of the Immortal King to dramatic, battle-driven ones like Swallowed Star and Throne of Seal.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika