Chinese anime, or donghua, is no longer a hidden gem. With global sensations like Heaven Official’s Blessing, Link Click, and Fog Hill of Five Elements dominating social media feeds, fans are curious: Who’s creating these masterpieces? Behind every hit donghua is a studio blending cutting-edge animation, rich storytelling, and cultural artistry. In this guide, we’ll spotlight the top Chinese anime studios shaping the industry—and why their work deserves your attention. Let’s dive in!
A Quick Primer: What Makes Donghua Unique?
Before we meet the studios, let’s address the elephant in the room: How is donghua different from Japanese anime? While both share vibrant art styles and passionate fandoms, donghua often draws from China’s 5,000-year-old history, folklore, and genres like wuxia (martial heroes) and xianxia (immortal cultivation). Think intricate palace dramas, spellbinding magic systems, and mind-blowing fight choreography—all rooted in Chinese culture.
Now, let’s meet the studios bringing these worlds to life.
1. Haoliners Animation League (绘梦动画)
Founded: 2013
Style: Genre-bending storytelling + cross-border collaborations
Haoliners is a trailblazer, known for bridging Chinese and Japanese anime cultures. They’ve collaborated with Japanese studios like Studio Deen and even helped produce Crunchyroll hits like Reikenzou: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage.
- Signature Works:
- Link Click (2021): A time-travel thriller that broke MyAnimeList records.
- The King’s Avatar (2017): An esports underdog story with a cult following.
- Why They Stand Out: Seamless mix of 2D and 3D animation, plus bold genre experiments (rom-coms, thrillers, fantasy).
2. B.CMay Pictures (玄机科技)
Founded: 2005
Style: Epic sagas + cinematic 3D animation
B.CMay is the Marvel Studios of donghua, specializing in long-running franchises with intricate worldbuilding. Their flagship series, Soul Land (Douluo Dalu), has over 250 episodes and counting—a testament to their stamina.
- Signature Works:
- Soul Land (2018–present): A soul-stirring tale of reincarnation and martial arts.
- Throne of Seal (2022): A holy knight’s quest blending Western and Eastern fantasy.
- Why They Stand Out: Gorgeous 3D character models and battle sequences that rival Hollywood CGI.
3. Sparkly Key Animation (彩铅动画)
Founded: 2015
Style: Nostalgic 2D art + emotional depth
In a sea of 3D-heavy studios, Sparkly Key is a love letter to classic 2D animation. They’re masters of “slice-of-life” donghua, weaving quiet, heartfelt stories that resonate globally.
- Signature Works:
- A Silent Voice (Chinese dub collaboration, 2016): Proof of their emotional range.
- The Legend of Hei (2019): A whimsical yet profound journey about a spirit cat.
- Why They Stand Out: Their films and shorts prioritize atmosphere and character development over flashy action.
4. Colored-Pencil Animation (彩条屋影业)
Founded: 2015
Style: Blockbuster films + dark fantasy
Colored-Pencil is China’s answer to Studio Ghibli, producing critically acclaimed films that push boundaries. They’re backed by Enlight Media, one of China’s largest entertainment conglomerates.
- Signature Works:
- Big Fish & Begonia (2016): A visually stunning myth about sacrifice and love.
- Deep Sea (2023): A psychedelic adventure exploring mental health (yes, really!).
- Why They Stand Out: Dreamlike visuals and themes that challenge traditional storytelling.
5. Tencent Penguin Pictures (腾讯影业)
Founded: 2015
Style: Big budgets + web novel adaptations
Tencent isn’t just a streaming giant—it’s also a studio powerhouse. Penguin Pictures adapts popular web novels into donghua, ensuring built-in fandoms and explosive hype.
- Signature Works:
- Mo Dao Zu Shi (2018): The BL xianxia series that took over TikTok.
- Battle Through the Heavens (2017): A revenge saga with fiery dragon battles.
- Why They Stand Out: Faithful adaptations of beloved novels, plus production values that keep getting better.
Honorable Mentions
- Wonder Cat Animation (七创社): Makers of the quirky Scissor Seven (2018), a blend of comedy and assassin drama.
- Coconut Island Studio (椰子天华): Rising stars behind White Cat Legend (2022), a historical comedy with Lupin III vibes.
Why Support Donghua Studios?
- Cultural Preservation: Many studios modernize ancient myths (e.g., Ne Zha Reborn), keeping traditions alive.
- Innovation: Chinese studios are pioneers in blending 2D/3D animation and exploring mature themes.
- Global Reach: Collaborations with Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Japanese studios are making donghua a worldwide phenomenon.
FAQ: Your Donghua Studio Questions, Answered
Q: Is donghua only for Chinese audiences?
A: Not anymore! Platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll subtitle/dub donghua for global viewers. Start with Link Click or Heaven Official’s Blessing—they’re beginner-friendly.
Q: Why do some donghua look “3D”?
A: Many Chinese studios use 3D animation for cost efficiency and to create intricate action scenes. It’s a stylistic choice, not a limitation!
Q: How can I support these studios?
A: Watch shows legally on Bilibili, Tencent Video, or Netflix. Merchandise purchases (e.g., via AmiAmi) also help!
Q: Are donghua studios involved in gaming?
A: Absolutely! Tencent and Bilibili often tie donghua to mobile games (e.g., Honkai Impact 3rd collaborations).
Q: What’s the next big donghua to watch?
A: Keep an eye on Legend of Exorcism Season 3 (2024) and Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation spin-offs.
Final Thoughts
From Tencent’s blockbuster machine to Colored-Pencil’s arthouse gems, Chinese anime studios are redefining what animation can be. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to explore donghua. So grab your headphones, queue up a series, and get ready to binge—your next obsession is waiting.
Which studio’s work resonates with you? Drop your favorites in the comments below! 🎬
