Michelle Topham 
If you are just starting out watching donghua, and want to see how good Chinese animation can be, as well as how unique their stories, here are five donghua for newbies that should be at the top of any must-watch list.
Watch these five donghua, and you will have a decent idea of why Chinese donghua is rapidly growing in popularity.
You might even find yourself as obsessed with the genre as the rest of us once you have.
Link Click (Shiguang Dailiren)
This mystery suspense donghua follows two friends, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, as they run a small shop called Time Photo Studio.
Not a typical photography studio, though, but instead a sort of ‘time detective agency’, where a client brings in a photograph and then requests a wish be granted connected to something in the photograph.
One of the friends then jumps back into the past by entering the photograph and living its events. That way, they hope to be able to make the client’s wish come true.
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Of course, all of this comes with a huge risk as, if they change anything more than minor things, it could ruin the lives of both the people in the photograph and the person who took it.
Link Click has been praised for its unique concept, its art style and its writing. The donghua’s in-depth, touching storytelling and time-travel mechanics, also make it a brilliant choice for a donghua newbie.
The donghua is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Xian Wang de Richang Shenghuo)
Known for its blend of comedy, fantasy, and slice-of-life elements, this donghua explores the life of Wang Ling, a high school student who just happens to be a powerful immortal.
And not just any immortal, but one who is capable of destroying the world if he lets his emotions get the better of him.
Its humor and the protagonist’s desire for a normal life despite his extraordinary abilities have captured fans’ hearts. To the point that it has become something of a cult classic.
The Daily Life of the Immortal King has 4 seasons out too, so there are plenty of episodes to watch.
Streaming on Crunchyroll.
Fog Hill of Five Elements (Wu Shan Wu Xing)
This donghua series offers a mix of adventure and mystery with its setting in a mystical valley where elements like fire, water, and earth come to life.
It follows Yixuan Wenren (see screenshot above), the fire axis of the Five Elements, who is able to summon fire and use it in any way he likes.
Fog Hill of Five Elements is known for its almost God-tier visuals and fight animation, as well for its off-beat story.
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Surprisingly, this is 6-man studio Samsara Animation Studio first donghua. Difficult to believe when you see the high caliber of art style and animation.
As donghua for newbies go, this one only has 7 episodes (three in the first season and four in the second). That means it doesn’t require a huge time commitment for someone who just wants to get a few series under their belt.
Watch the series on Bilibili.
The Founder of Diabolism (Mo Dao Zu Shi)
Mo Dao Zu Shi is based on the popular Boys’ Love (BL) novel series Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, and has become something of a cult classic among fans of the BL genre.
It is also recognized as a series that persuaded its fans to become fans of donghua in general as well.
The donghua follows Wei Wuxian, a powerful cultivator who uses forbidden manipulations to control the dead in order to rapidly improve his progress, but who is murdered by one of his enemies.
13 years later, Wei Wuxian is reincarnated into the adult body of a disciple, but tries to hide his true identity due to his enemies still being very much alive. Unfortunately for Wei Wuxian, fellow cultivator and distant friend Lan Wangj may just have guessed who he really is.
It is now up to Wei Wuxian to continue to avoid detection, while dealing with his feelings for Lan Wangj.
While the donghua — which is a tale of resurrection, cultivation and redemption — has gained some fame, it is also a brilliant donghua for a newbie.
This is due to its interesting, but complex characters, rich lore, and dramatic storytelling.
Streaming now on WeTV.
RELATED: Seasons 1 and 2 of Mo Dao Zu Shi now streaming on Crunchyroll as The Master of Diabolism
A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (Fanren Xiu Xian Chuan)
If you want a first foray into donghua, and would like a long-running series with many episodes, you can’t go wrong with A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality.
The donghua is a cultivation story that follows poor village boy Han Li who, along with one other boy, is accepted into a minor sect as disciples of the head of the sect.
Although he is a mediocre talent to begin with, Han Li must become stronger if he wants to be successful on his path to becoming immortal, while also dealing with the humans, monsters and gods who are out to kill him.
The donghua is known for its incredible story, fabulous characters, amazing animation and character models, and for its superb world-building.
The first episode starts out with an intense, high-speed fight between Han Li and a monster, and it never lets up from there.
You can watch every episode (there are currently 125 episodes plus several specials) on Bilibili’s YouTube channel.
Heaven Official’s Blessing (Tian Guan Ci Fu)
Another Boys’ Love (BL) donghua, Heaven Official’s Blessing (aka Tian Guan Ci Fu) follows Xie Lian, a crown prince who became a god after ascending to the heavens, then was quickly sent back down to earth again due to his transgressions.
Many years later he ascends again but, this time, only manages to remain in heaven for a few minutes before he is banished for a second time.
Eight hundred years later, he is now back in the heavens again for try number three and, while now the joke of every other god, he is still given tasks on earth to carry on. Even if those tasks are of the lowest caliber.
During his first task, however, he meets Hua Cheng, the Crimson Rain Sought Flower, and a Ghost King who is feared by everyone.
Unbeknownst to Xie Lian, however, Xie Lian is not only not a stranger to Hua Cheng, the Ghost King has been interested in him for a very long time.
Its blend of romance, action, and comedy, along with deep character development, makes it a must-watch.
These six donghua for newbies will give you just a tiny taste of the diversity and wondrousness that is Chinese animation.
Bet you can’t just watch all six and then walk away from it!
About the Author
Steven Reynolds