Michelle Topham 
Chinese 2D-animated donghua has been absolutely killing it in recent years, so narrowing it down to the top five is more than a bit of a challenge.
That being said, here’s my list of the Best 2D-Animated Donghua Series for Newbies (in no particular order, because they’re all incredible in their own ways) — plus 3 “honorable mentions”.
Let’s dive in!
The King’s Avatar (aka 全职高手 or Quanzhi Gaoshou)
Why it’s a must-watch
This 2D-animated donghua is a love letter to Esports and the video gaming culture, and to the fans that obsess over them.
The King’s Avatar donghua (not to be mixed up with the live action series) follows Ye Xiu, a legendary player who, after being kicked off his premiere league team and forced to retire, makes a triumphant return to the virtual world of the MMORPG Glory as the mysterious player Lord Grim.
The animation is top-tier, the quirky characters are unforgettable, and the battles are so intense and strategic that you’ll feel like you’re in the game yourself.
There’s also a movie prequel — The King’s Avatar: For the Glory.
If you love a story about passion, perseverance, and the thrill of competition, all populated by a group of underdogs, this one is definitely for you.
Perfect for: Gamers, Esports fans, and anyone who loves underdog stories.
Mo Dao Zu Shi (aka 魔道祖师, or Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)
Why it’s a must-watch
The Mo Dao Zu Shi donghua is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending fantasy, mystery, and romance into one breathtaking package.
It is a Boys’ Love story that follows Wei Wuxian, a mischievous and brilliant cultivator who returns from the dead to uncover a dark conspiracy, all while rekindling his bond with the stoic Lan Wangji.
The animation is gorgeous, the fight scenes are epic, and the emotional depth will leave you in tears.
And no, it isn’t overtly Boys’ Love if you hate PDA as, you know, Chinese censorship.
RELATED: Why is Boys’ Love manga so incredibly popular?
Perfect for: Fans of fantasy, romance (especially Boys’ Love), complex but fascinating plots, and intricate world-building.
Link Click (aka 时光代理人, or Shiguang Dailiren)
Why it’s a must-watch
If you mention 2D-animated donghua to most Chinese animation fans, the first series they will likely recommend is Link Click.
After all, it is a mind-bending mix of sci-fi, mystery, and emotional drama as it follows Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, a pair of young men who can dive into photographs to relive moments and change the past.
But as they help others, they uncover dark secrets and face dangerous consequences. The storytelling is gripping, the animation is sleek, and the emotional punches hit very hard.
The third season of Link Click (Link Click: Bridon Arc) also premiered this month, so there are plenty of episodes to watch.
Perfect for: Mystery lovers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good emotional rollercoaster. There’s also some subtle Boys’ Love thrown in there too.
Heaven Official’s Blessing (aka 天官赐福 or Tiān Guān Cì Fú)
Why it’s a must-watch
From the same creator as Mo Dao Zu Shi, this 2D-animated donghua is a visually stunning and deeply romantic fantasy series. And, yes, it’s another Boys’ Love donghua (sorry, but many of the best ones are!)
Heaven Official’s Blessing follows Xie Lian, a kind-hearted god who has fallen from grace, and Hua Cheng, a mysterious and powerful ghost king who has been by his side for centuries. Even if Xie Lian wasn’t aware of it.
The animation is beautifully done, the story is rich with mythology, and the relationship between the two absolutely fabulous male leads is both tender and epic.
Perfect for: Fans of fantasy, romance (and, yep, Boys’ Love), and stories about redemption and devotion.
Scissor Seven (aka 刺客伍六七, or Cike Wu Liuqi)
Why it’s a must-watch
Scissor Seven is a hilarious and action-packed gem with a unique art style and a ton of heart.
It follows Wu Liuqi (aka Seven), a hapless and often useless assassin who takes on odd jobs while trying to recover his lost memories.
The series is full of slapstick humor, over-the-top fight scenes, and surprisingly touching moments. Plus, the soundtrack is an absolute killer.
Perfect for: Comedy lovers, action fans, and anyone who enjoys quirky, heartfelt stories with a unique protagonist.
Why are these the best 2D-animated donghua series?
These five donghua represent the best of Chinese 2D animation, showcasing a wide range of genres, styles, and storytelling techniques. Whether you’re into gaming, fantasy, mystery, or comedy, there’s something here for everyone.
Plus, they all have one thing in common: they’re incredibly well-made, feature beautiful art styles and animation, standout characters that you will both love and been unable to forget, and are impossible to stop watching once you start.
Honorable mentions of other 2D-animated donghua to watch (Because they’re also amazing!)
Fog Hill of Five Elements (aka 雾山五行, or Wu Shan Wu Xing) — A visually stunning donghua with jaw-dropping fight scenes and a mythical Chinese aesthetic.
White Cat Legend (aka 大理寺日志, or Da Li Si Rizhi) — A historical comedy-mystery that takes place during Empress Wu Mingkong’s rule with gorgeous animation and a charming cast.
A Will Eternal (aka 一念永恒, or Yī Nian Yong Heng) — A hilarious and action-packed cultivation story with a lovable, if slightly cowardly, protagonist.
RELATED: What are the best donghua for newbies? An intro to Chinese anime
About the Author
Steven Reynolds