7 Chinese anime series that can be called masterpieces

Chinese animated series, better known as Donghua, has been challenging the notion of “animation is just for kids” alongside Japanese anime. Over the years, Chinese anime have evolved to master powerful animation, breathtaking visuals and characters who have a death grip on fans. Some of the best donghua can easily rival not only anime but any animation from around the world.

Donghua has become a global sensation, with series gaining international recognition because of their brilliant storytelling and animation quality. These outstanding donghua masterpieces have fast-paced narratives that intrigue the audience and never let them go.

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation Is a Xianxia Legend

Every BL anime fan has a transformative moment in their life, and Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is their spiritual awakening. Better known as Mo Dao Zu Shi, this brilliant donghua is an adaptation of an extremely popular Chinese novel series by the same name. The donghua is known for its breathtaking animation, whose fluidity lends a completely different kind of mesmerizing action scenes.

Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation follows a non-linear plot. It begins with the resurrection of its dead protagonist, before delving into why he was dead in the first place, and finishing the story off with the unraveling of deep-seated mysteries and hatred that spans generations. Of course, one of the greatest attractions of the Chinese anime is the chemistry between its main characters, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.

Scissors Seven Delivers Comedy With an Edge

Scissor Seven is one of the best martial arts-focused Chinese anime, and right from the start, its animation won over fans before its plotline got the chance to. Scissor Seven is a masterpiece primarily because its animation might look simple, but it’s the basics done right, and every fight choreography is sharp and distinct. Focusing on a boy who has lost his memories, but retains his skills with weapons, Scissor Seven soon shifts the story from an action donghua to an exploration of heartfelt themes.

Scissor Seven also seamlessly transitions between comedy, action, mystery, and drama, while maintaining perfect pacing and timing. The donghua maintains a poignant exploration of its characters, without ever forgetting about them. Scissor Seven is the kind of donghua that can entice fans of any genre.

Heaven Official’s Blessing Showed a Love That Defied Heaven

Heaven Official’s Blessing, or Tian Guan Ci Fu, is another work from the creator of Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, whose masterful animation and story have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The Chinese anime instantly entices its viewers with intricately designed backgrounds and characters, before rewarding them with a grand journey.

Heaven Official’s Blessing follows a former crown prince, who ascends to Godhood, but is treated like a fool by the rest of the heavenly officers. Soon, he is joined by the Ghost King, and the story goes on to unearth political intrigue and an elegant yet powerful relationship that moves heaven and earth.

To Be Hero X Has a Fresh Take on Superheroes

Instead of focusing on a single hero, To Be Hero X introduces multiple heroes and dedicates entire arcs to them before moving on to the next character. To Be Hero X’s narrative style is very refreshing, with an innovative power system. The Chinese anime links supernatural abilities of characters with their public perception and how much trust they inspire. A hero’s entire identity and powers are based on what the common citizens believe they are capable of, which also means anyone can become a hero.

Yet, the hero system in To Be Hero X is extremely flawed, with hero agencies dictating the steps taken by heroes. The donghua turns heroes into marketable products who are trapped because of their powers and position. To Be Hero X also uses different animation styles for each arc, which keeps the series engaging.

Lord of Mysteries Has Brilliant Worldbuilding

Lord of Mysteries is an incredible Chinese anime that begins with its protagonist killing himself. The main character wakes up in the body of Klein in a Victorian-era-inspired world. He needs to find a way to return home, but first, he needs to navigate a dangerous world filled with secret organizations and evil gods. While Klein’s story begins like that of any other protagonist who has been thrown into an unknown world, his character development soon takes an intriguing turn.

Lord of Mysteries also excels in the animation department. It perfectly captures the Victorian era aesthetic, character emotions and intricate story details that stay memorable till the end. Lord of Mysteries sets itself apart from the usual isekai anime, allowing viewers to enjoy a dark atmosphere with tinges of horror.

Link Click Has a Refreshing Take on Time Travel

Link Click toys with the idea of time travel, with two protagonists who can travel back in time by entering photos, at the request of their clients. Although the duo tries to adhere to the rules of not altering the past, they end up getting dragged into a dark plot when a client’s request goes wrong. The thrilling plot of Link Click kept its viewers glued to their screens till its very end.

One of the best traits of Link Click is its charming and life-like characters, which the story masterfully uses to create a refreshing concept. At the same time, the Chinese anime has wowed fans with its spectacular animation. Every scene is expressive, which, when paired with its thrilling plot, heightens the tension and mystery.

The Daily Life of the Immortal King Is for Fans of OP Characters

Fans of The Disastrous Life of Saiki K will find themselves right at home with the overpowered protagonist of The Daily Life of the Immortal King. The donghua’s protagonist, Wang Ling, has terrifying spiritual powers that he needs to suppress at all costs. The anime’s deadpan comedy is reminiscent of Saiki K, and watching Wang Link hide his powers just to live a normal life is too entertaining to miss.

The Daily Life of the Immortal King also delivers a vibrant animation with eye-catching colors, which creates a perfect environment for its humorous scenes. The donghua balances slice-of-life moments with supernatural powers, and the action sequences are equally brilliant.