Bilibili has become a major home for Chinese animation, with shows that can appeal to almost every kind of anime fan. There is one thing to keep in mind, though. On the main Bilibili website and app, later episodes of many titles usually require a VIP subscription after the first few free episodes, depending on the show and region.
If you want to watch these titles without a paywall, the easiest option is Bilibili’s official YouTube channel, Made By Bilibili, which uploads full series free with ads. With that said, here’s the top 10 donghua on Bilibili.
1. Link Click Redefines Time Travel With Dark Suspense
A still from the donghua series Link Click. | Credit: Studio LAN
There are plenty of time-travel stories in anime, but Link Click takes the idea in a much more personal direction. The story follows Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, two friends who run a small photo studio. Using their special abilities, they can enter photographs and experience what happened in the past.
What makes the donghua stand out is how quickly its simple premise becomes something much darker. Early episodes focus on individual clients and their problems, but those stories slowly connect to a much bigger mystery. The result is a show that can move from emotional drama to genuine suspense in just one episode.
2. The Immortal King Offers a Hilarious Take on School Life
Wang Ling from the donghua series The Daily Life of the Immortal King. | Credit: Haoliners Animation League
Most cultivation stories are about characters becoming stronger and stronger. The Daily Life of the Immortal King takes that idea and turns it into a comedy. Wang Ling is already unbelievably powerful, yet all he really wants is to live a quiet school life and enjoy his favorite crispy noodles.
That contrast makes the series so much fun. Even when the story becomes more serious, the comedy remains one of its biggest strengths.
3. Heaven Official’s Blessing Delivers a Beautiful Fantasy Romance
Some donghua rely on huge battles to impress viewers, while Heaven Official’s Blessing takes a more emotional route. The story follows Xie Lian, a former crown prince who has fallen from grace but still manages to ascend to Heaven for the third time.
His life changes again when he crosses paths with Hua Cheng, a powerful ghost king who clearly has a deep connection with him. The first season slowly introduces their relationship and the larger supernatural world around them. The romance works because it is mixed with mystery, tragedy, and the painful history of its characters.
4. God Troubles Me Turns Gods Into Everyday Household Items
Comedy donghua series God Troubles Me. | Credit: L²Studio
Not every donghua needs a complicated power system or a massive war. God Troubles Me takes Chinese mythology and drops it into everyday life. Su Moting is an ordinary young woman who gets caught up with gods and demons who are trying to live among humans.
The funniest part is seeing these supernatural beings deal with completely normal problems. Gods and demons that should feel mysterious and powerful can end up behaving like regular people. It is a simple comedy, but that is exactly what makes it an easy show to watch.
5. No Doubt In Us Makes an Emperor and Empress Swap Lives
A still from the donghua series No Doubt In Us. | Credit: Paper Plane Animation Studio
Body-swap stories are nothing new, but No Doubt In Us gets plenty of comedy from putting an emperor and empress in each other’s shoes. The trouble begins when the two fall into a pool and wake up with their minds in each other’s bodies.
The emperor now has to deal with matters usually handled by the empress, while she has to understand the political pressure surrounding the throne. The early episodes use the swap for plenty of laughs, but the story also gives both characters a better understanding of each other. That makes the romance feel more natural as the series moves forward.
6. The Legend of Exorcism Brings Demons to Tang Dynasty China
Legend of Exorcism is a 3D-animated donghua. | Credit: Sparkly Key Animation Studio
Historical China already provides a beautiful setting for a fantasy story, and The Legend of Exorcism makes the most of it. The story follows Kong Hongjun, a young half-demon who leaves Mount Taihang and arrives in Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty’s Tianbao era.
The series mixes demon hunting with character comedy and large action scenes. The changing relationships between the members of the exorcism team also keep the story interesting when there is no major battle happening. Its detailed 3D animation is another big reason the series stands out.
7. Carp Reborn Gives a Modern Sniper a Fantasy Upgrade
Wang Sheng from the donghua series Carp Reborn. | Credit: CG Year
Carp Reborn begins with a setup that sounds almost impossible to take seriously. Wang Sheng, a modern military sniper, is transported to a fantasy world and ends up with a seemingly useless carp Yuan soul.
Of course, being stuck with a weak ability does not stop him for long. Wang Sheng uses his military experience and sharp instincts to survive in a world filled with powerful cultivators. What makes the series different from many other cultivation stories is the way Wang Sheng combines combat skills with the rules of his new world.
8. War God System Turns Divine Power Into Pure Comedy
An Lin from a still. | Credit: Chongzhuo Animation
War God System! I’m Counting On You! follows An Lin, an ordinary student who suddenly gets access to a strange system that gives him a path toward divine martial arts power.
Naturally, things do not go as smoothly as he expects. Instead of becoming an unstoppable hero overnight, An Lin has to deal with strange rules and ridiculous situations. Its first season has 16 episodes, making it another easy pick for viewers who want a short action-comedy without committing to a huge series.
9. Shen Jianxin Stumbles His Way Into Becoming a Wuxia Hero
A still from JX Online 3. | Credit: Xishan Pictures
Wuxia stories are usually filled with powerful warriors, deadly rivalries, and heroes who seem to know exactly what they are doing. JX Online 3: The Adventure of Shen Jianxin turns that idea upside down with a hero who often has no idea what is happening around him.
Shen Jianxin starts as a village guard who dreams of becoming a great martial artist. The comedy comes from watching other characters treat him like a legendary fighter while he continues stumbling through one situation after another. It is a fun parody for anyone familiar with classic wuxia stories.
10. Fairies Album Blends Spirit Stories With Emotional Drama
A still from the donghua series Fairies Album. | Credit: Haoliners Animation
Fairies Album takes a quieter path than most of the donghua on this list. It follows Tao Yao, a mysterious spirit doctor who travels from place to place helping spirits and dealing with problems that often have a connection to the human world.
The series is built around smaller stories rather than one constant adventure. Each story brings a different spirit and a different emotional problem, which gives the series a surprisingly human feel. It is a good choice when you want fantasy and Chinese folklore without nonstop fighting.
Now the big question: Which one are you planning to watch first? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
