Anime

June 28th marked the global premiere of the anime adaptation, dropping worldwide simultaneously. The Lord of the Mysteries (诡秘之主) series is a Western fantasy IP created by "Cuttlefish That Loves Diving" (爱潜水的乌贼), a Platinum-tier author on China Literature. Shattering web novel records over the past two decades, this global phenomenon has captivated readers worldwide and stands as a landmark achievement in online literature. The IP currently comprises two installments: Lord of the Mysteries and Circle of Inevitability. Set in a world steeped in occult mystique, it blends Victorian-era aesthetics with steampunk flair, crafting a meticulously structured power system, vast continent-spanning geopolitics, and unforgettable characters. Modern-day clerk Zhou Mingrui awakens as Klein Moretti, a university student in this strange new world. To unravel the mystery of his transmigration, he pursues supernatural abilities—plunging from ordinary life into a vortex of fate involving other empowered beings and the very survival of the world. On the surface, it's an age of industry: revolvers, cannons, dreadnoughts, and airships fill the landscape. Yet beneath this rational veneer lurks a realm ruled by arcane forces. Potion-based magic, divination, curses, and sentient artifacts (artifacts with sealed powers) permeate society. Ancient secret societies pull strings from the shadows, while…

"Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts and wars in our real world, revisiting The Legend of The Legend of Hei 2 hits differently: our world truly needs more of these beautiful yet clear-eyed 'fairy tales'." "Grandma! Grandpa! Your anime just updated!" After a six-year wait, The Legend of The Legend of Hei 2, the series countless "Hei-ologists" have been eagerly anticipating, is finally returning with a brand-new chapter. On July 18th, the animated film The Legend of The Legend of Hei 2 2 graced the big screen once more, six years after the debut of its predecessor. This homegrown animation, which began in 2011, has become an emotional anchor for many viewers over the past decade. The densely packed barrage of "My youth is back!" (爷青回, a nostalgic internet meme) flooding the screen at the start of every episode is a testament to its long journey alongside its audience. For many, The Legend of Hei 2 is more than just a soft, fluffy, and seemingly naive cat demon. He's a vivid character, a child growing gently yet steadily before our eyes. Let's turn our gaze back to 2011. Starting from the original web series, let's revisit and rediscover The Legend…

Remember Ne Zha? That monster hit smashed records, raking in a whopping 15.9 billion yuan globally (approx. $2.2 billion USD). It became the highest-grossing animated film ever worldwide, seriously highlighting the massive potential of Chinese animation. Fast forward, and the summer movie season has become the key battleground for animated flicks. Bilibili is stirring things up with The Little Monster of Langlang Mountain, hitting right at the heart of youth culture. Then you've got Light Chaser Animation continuing its streak of giving classic stories a modern twist with Curious Tales of a Temple. And don't forget The Legend of Hei 2 (罗小黑战记2), built from the ground up with global audiences in mind. Why all the buzz? And what do these films tell us about where Chinese animation is headed? What we're seeing is a shift. Chinese animation isn't just leaning on one big name anymore. It's building a much richer, more varied scene. Think back ten years–Chinese cartoons barely made up 15% of summer box office. When Monkey King: Hero is Back exploded onto the scene, it felt like a lone warrior breaking through. Then came Ne Zha, rewriting the rules again during summer with over 5 billion yuan. It…

Let's rewind to 2019. Ling Cage: Incarnation Season 1 dropped as China's first original "post-apocalyptic wasteland" anime. Its bold concept and massive world-building instantly grabbed fans. Fast forward to now—Season 2 just landed, painting a new kind of survival story. And honestly? The quality hasn't missed a beat. Here's the buzz: A live-action Ling Cage series is in the works. Let's be real—Chinese TV's been stuck recycling the same ideas lately. Truly fresh stories? Rare. A hardcore, gritty wasteland tale like this hitting live-action? That's uncharted territory. It's not alone, either. Other unique books and animations are getting adapted too. Could this wave finally refresh things? But here's the real test: Will Ling Cage's story even work on screen? In a ruined future, humanity clings to survival inside a floating fortress called the "Lighthouse," battling the deadly Maya Ecosystem ravaging Earth. Season 1 followed the "Hunters"—teams scavenging the toxic surface for supplies while fighting mutant horrors called Corrupted Creatures. Season 2 shifts gears, introducing Dragon Bone Village: a settlement built by surface survivors. They're still under the Maya Ecosystem's shadow, but compared to the Lighthouse's cold, class-driven tyranny? This place breathes freedom. Ling Cage's magic lies in its world—a fusion…

When seven core creators sat down together for an interview, it was Light Chaser Animation's idea. Six directors helm this anthology film, pushing creative boundaries after their Tang dynasty epic's success. Over the past decade, this studio has evolved from an independent workshop into a leading force in Chinese animation. Unlike many studios, Light Chaser embraces a collaborative approach. Different directors helm their projects, new talent regularly steps into the director's chair, and dedicated story development teams work within an established pipeline. It's filmmaking by committee, in the best sense. Following the massive success of Chang'an, the team faced a crucial decision for their next project. They chose a bold path. Their new film, Curious Tales of a Temple, breaks the mold as an anthology–directed by six different filmmakers. Why not stick with the proven formulas of Chang'an? How could six distinct chapters feel like one cohesive film? How did they achieve stunning visual styles inspired by felt art and Song Dynasty paintings? Driven by these questions, I sat down with the seven creators (six screenwriters and the producer). Our conversation became a chance for them to reflect on their craft. Story Selection & Unity Curious Tales of a Temple…

Marking two decades of adventure, the beloved Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf  franchise releases its milestone 20th-anniversary film, Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf - Bright New Dawn (喜羊羊与灰太狼之异国破晓), nationwide on July 26. This highly anticipated summer escapade promises a vibrant blend of nostalgia, thrilling action in the mystical Land of Light, and heartwarming character moments, continuing the legacy for generations of fans. The premiere coincides with the emotive release of the end-credits theme song MV, "By Your Side," setting the stage for a journey filled with courage and enduring friendship. Enduring Bonds Take Center Stage The newly unveiled "By Your Side" MV offers a poignant glimpse into the film's core emotional themes. It showcases stunning visuals contrasting light and shadow within the Land of Light, alongside exhilarating sequences of the goat and wolf heroes fighting together. More significantly, it reveals intimate moments highlighting the deep bonds between characters. Lyrics like "Stumbling along, friends are always there to lean on" resonate powerfully, reflecting the twenty-year camaraderie central to the series. The warm, uplifting melody and heartfelt lyrics underscore the characters' bravery in the face of danger and their unwavering faith in each other and a brighter future. This song…

The Legend of Hei 2 (罗小黑战记2) reignites the beloved saga of the cat-like spirit Xiao Hei, promising evolved battles, new allies, and a broader supernatural world. Six years after the first film, director Wooden's sequel blends signature charm with heightened stakes as Xiao Hei transitions from apprentice to protector. Shanghai’s July 14 fan event unveiled pivotal character dynamics and visual upgrades ahead of its nationwide release. The 14-year journey of "Raccoon Little Black Battle Journal" culminates in its long-awaited sequel. From 2011’s humble Flash-animated debut to a cinematic phenomenon, the series defied its "slowest-updating" reputation through endearing characters and delicate artistry. Director Wooden’s meticulous craft even drew admiration from Japanese auteur Makoto Shinkai. Now, The Legend of Hei 2 arrives July 18, continuing Xiao Hei’s tale amid escalating conflicts between humans and spirits. The Growth Sequel Xiao Hei’s growth anchors the sequel. No longer reliant solely on master Infinite’s guidance, he confronts threats with newfound confidence. Six years of training manifest in agile combat sequences where his reflexes outshine foes. Yet traces of his playful naivete remain—a strategic stumble or flustered retort still sparks laughter. This maturation stems from necessity. When an attack shatters peace at the Spirit Association branch,…

The highly anticipated English-dubbed version of Ne Zha 2 (哪吒2): The Devil Comes is set to premiere across North America and Australasia on August 22, 2025, marking a strategic expansion for this record-breaking Chinese animation. Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh has joined the cast, lending her voice to an undisclosed role, as revealed by production partners China Lion Film and A24. This release aims to captivate audiences in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand with premium formats like IMAX and 3D, addressing cultural preferences for dubbed films over subtitles. Following its monumental success in China, where it grossed over $22 billion globally and dominated box office charts, this new iteration promises to amplify the film's universal themes of resilience and heritage for English-speaking viewers. Record-Setting Achievements The original Chinese release of Ne Zha 2 captivated audiences for an extended 153-day run starting January 29, 2025, becoming a cultural phenomenon with unprecedented milestones. It shattered 113 records and earned 308 accolades, cementing its status as China's all-time highest-grossing film and the global animation leader. Global earnings surpassed $22 billion, placing it among the top five highest-grossing movies in history, a testament to its widespread appeal and storytelling power. In North…

"Han Li is a protagonist utterly resolute in his pursuit of the Dao." This simple assessment, spoken by Lin Yu'ang, director of Seasons 3 and 4 of the animated series A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传), during a live stream with Bilibili creator, reveals his deep understanding of the character. Having evolved from a devoted fan of the original novel to its adaptor, Lin knows Han Li's "Dao heart" is far from an empty concept. It's rooted in his childhood longing for the wider world beyond his mountain village. It's his desperate clutch at the lifeline offered upon discovering his spiritual roots—a chance to alter his destiny. It's the hard-won realization that stopping his journey means only one end: utter annihilation. "On the immortal cultivation path," Lin notes, "a single misstep leads to ruin, to complete destruction." From the sprawling 7.7-million-word source material, Lin sees Han Li's journey at its core as a "chronicle of solitary cultivation." Han Li must train diligently in obscurity to advance his power. He must hide his strength and tread carefully against formidable foes to snatch any chance of survival. And when acquiring rare treasures, extreme discretion is paramount to avoid covetous…

Ling Cage Season 2 is finally here. Back when Season 1 first aired, it made a strong impression with its high production value and detailed worldbuilding. It even picked up some heavyweight awards. No surprise then that fans have been waiting—some would say suffering—for the second season to drop. That wait? Five years long. Yes, some online comments still mock it with terms like "techno-cultivation" (科技修仙)—a tongue-in-cheek way of saying it mixes high-tech settings with the spiritual journey style usually found in xianxia fantasy. But jokes aside, the numbers speak for themselves: over 100 million views and counting. I still remember binging Season 1 back in 2019, and from then to now—through the special episodes and that sneak-peek prequel—we were handed so many carefully planted clues. They were exciting, clever, and, for me at least, unforgettable. One line in particular jumped out at me this season: "Is the body a prison for the soul?" And that was the moment I paused. Could Chinese philosophy be the key to breaking the Western mold that's dominated post-apocalyptic storytelling for decades? Think about it. In the global market, apocalyptic stories have always been a go-to for exploring human nature and survival. Western narratives…

Prepare for a collision of nostalgia and groundbreaking adventure! The iconic duo that defined childhood mischief for generations, Tom and Jerry, are catapulting onto the big screen like never before in Tom & Jerry：Forbidden Compass. Officially set for release across China on August 9th, this highly anticipated animated feature promises to transport audiences alongside the legendary cat-and-mouse pair into a breathtaking, perilous, and utterly hilarious ancient world. Far more than a simple extension of their classic chases, this film represents a bold reimagining, blending the beloved slapstick humor with high-stakes fantasy and stunning new landscapes. This event marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey beyond the familiar living room battleground, thrusting Tom and Jerry into an epic struggle where their trademark rivalry must evolve into an unlikely alliance for survival. This isn't just another cartoon; it's a meticulously crafted cinematic event poised to reignite fond memories while delivering a fresh, visually spectacular experience for the entire family, solidifying its status as a must-see summer blockbuster. Unleashing Cosmic Chaos The familiar rhythm of pursuit and evasion takes an unforeseen cosmic detour in Forbidden Compass. The film opens with Jerry's audacious raid on the bustling Metropolitan Exhibition Hall, naturally drawing the ever-diligent…

The afterglow of Ne Zha: Rebirth of the Demon still lingers. With the arrival of the summer movie season, animated films are stirring again. The summer movie season, as a peak period for teenage movie - goers, has always been the stronghold of animated films, and this year is no exception. According to Maoyan Professional Edition data, as of June 20th, 85 movies are expected to be released during the season, among which there are a full 17 animated films. It's another big year for anime. The anime craze in the film market has lasted for quite a long time. From the fierce competition of animated films in the 2024 summer movie season to the nationwide viewing boom of Ne Zha 2 during the 2025 Spring Festival, animated films have always had a high profile. However, this hustle and bustle is only reflected in the number of films. Or rather, the excitement belongs to Ne Zha 2 alone. The continuous slump in box - office performance is the norm for the animated film market. Facing the situation of 'one super - strong and many weak', can animated films recapture their stronghold this summer? Animated Films The clustering of animated films…

2025 marks a monumental year for Chinese animation, signaling a cultural renaissance that has fans worldwide buzzing with anticipation. This isn't just a wave - it's a tsunami of creativity, with over a dozen highly anticipated films set to debut, reflecting China's growing confidence in storytelling and technological innovation. For decades, Japanese and Western animations dominated the global scene, but 2025 changes the game. Studios like Shanghai Animation Film Studio and creators such as Yi Zhongtian (易中天) (famed for his historical expertise) are pushing boundaries, blending ancient myths with cutting-edge CGI. The lineup includes titles ranging from fantasy adventures to historical epics, all poised to captivate audiences with their unique narratives. This surge is fueled by rising domestic talent and international recognition, as seen in films like A Story About Fire (燃比娃), which premiered at the Berlin International Festival. For anime enthusiasts, this year promises an unprecedented feast of imagination, where every release feels like a step toward redefining what animation can achieve in the 21st century. Stories That Redefine Fantasy Among the standout films, Endless Journey of Love (时间之子) stands out with its blend of historical Shanghai and supernatural intrigue. Set for release on May 30, it follows Qian…

The most unexpected magic happens not in fantasy realms, but in animation studios. Yu Ao's (于奥) debut feature, Endless Journey of Love (时间之子) - a visually breathtaking tale of time manipulation and star-crossed love - has quietly become China's most emotionally resonant animated film of 2025, grossing ¥130 million ($18 million) since its release on the Dragon Boat Festival. But what audiences experience as spellbinding cinema began as something far more personal: a journey through grief. "In 2019, Tienan (铁男) and I faced a loss that reshaped our world," Yu reveals during our conversation in Beijing, her hands cradling a cup of jasmine tea. "We didn't set out to make a blockbuster. We needed to find meaning in goodbye." This raw emotional truth became the foundation for the protagonist, Qianxiao (千晓), and the film's central promise: "to guard one day of love for a lifetime." Test screenings revealed unexpected therapeutic power - teenagers clutching weeping parents, estranged siblings reconnecting after decades of silence. Yu's artistic vision was forged in Qingdao's theatrical world, where her father worked. Childhood viewings of classics like Lotus Lantern (宝莲灯) (featuring Chen Peisi's legendary voice work) taught her that "true animation magic lives in emotional authenticity,…

Rain splattered the taxi window as 18-year-old Shuyi (淑怡) stepped onto the curb. Suddenly, a hand grasped hers - the hand of Xia Mingxing (夏鸣星), the fictional boyfriend she’d adored for years in Light and Night (光与夜之恋). "Run with me," he whispered, pulling her through the summer downpour. Her heart raced, though she knew this wasn’t magic: she’d paid ¥800 ($110) for this manufactured moment. Across China, millions of young women are now purchasing intimacy through "cos commissions - where cosplayers become living proxies for digital lovers. How Otome Games Spawned a Generation’s Surrogate Heartbeats Commission agents like Qingjiu (清久) spend weeks preparing for a single booking: mastering a character’s posture, sourcing screen-accurate wigs, rehearsing signature phrases. For ¥1,500 ($206), they deliver scripted romance - holding hands through shopping malls, whispering custom-written confessions, even staging marriage proposals during films. "We’re emotional escrow services," explains agent Xiao T. "Clients deposit feelings they can’t share elsewhere." Education expert Xiong Bingxi (熊丙奇) identifies "compensatory fulfillment" as the core driver. "These lonely, overpressured youth crave idealized relationships without real-world vulnerability," he observes. Data reveals otome gamers exhibit 73% retention rates versus mobile gaming’s 42% average - proof of extraordinary emotional investment. The industry operates on razor-thin emotional margins. Top agents earn ¥30,000 ($4,130)/month managing 20+ clients,…

A whirlwind of vibrant wigs, intricate armor, and unnaturally colored eyes swirls through crowded convention halls. This isn’t Halloween; it’s the daily reality of a global subculture evolving into a colossal economic engine. Forget niche hobbies - cosplay (costume play) is now a $4.8 billion global powerhouse, fueled by 10 million passionate fans spending an average of $480 annually to bring their favorite characters to life. The days of cardboard props and makeshift outfits are fading, replaced by a sophisticated, IP-driven ecosystem mirroring the explosive growth of its anime, gaming, and comic roots. How IP and Passion Forged a Billion-Dollar Cosplay Juggernaut The transformation is staggering. What began in the underground scenes of 1980s Japan has matured into a structured, three-tiered commercial ecosystem: The IP Wellspring: At the source lies a torrent of compelling characters. Global hits like Genshin Impact (原神) and Heaven Official's Blessing (天官赐福), alongside breakout phenomena like Black Myth: Wukong (黑神话：悟空), provide an endless reservoir of visually distinct, emotionally resonant personas. These aren't just drawings or pixels; they're blueprints for a multi-million dollar costume industry. The explosive popularity of characters like Genshin's Zhongli (钟离) or Wukong's titular Monkey King translates directly into soaring demand for meticulously crafted replicas of their attire…

The digital battlegrounds of Arena of Valor (王者荣耀) underwent a seismic shift on June 19th, 2025. Without prior announcement, Tencent dropped a bombshell collaboration with the legendary anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (BLEACH 境·界千年血战篇), sending shockwaves through both gaming and anime communities. This surprise crossover - leveraging the final arc of the iconic Shinigami saga - introduced four meticulously crafted character skins, merging the spiritual realms of Soul Society with the strategic chaos of the MOBA arena. The Crossover Champions: Anime Icons Reimagined Miyamoto Musashi as Kurosaki Ichigo (Legendary Skin) Draped in Ichigo’s signature black-and-orange Shinigami robes, Musashi wields dual blades mirroring Ichigo’s reforged Zangetsu from the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War . The synergy is uncanny: Musashi’s swift strikes emulate Ichigo’s Bankai-enhanced speed, while his ultimate ability erupts in a golden “Getsuga Tenshō” crescent , slicing through enemies like Hollows. Subtle nods include the Substitute Shinigami Badge materializing during idle animations and a dramatic recall sequence showing Ichigo leaping from the Soul King’s palace - a direct homage to his anime entrance. The inclusion of Kon (referred to as "Soul-san" by fans) in random movements adds levity to the high-stakes combat. Fei as Kuchiki Byakuya (Legendary Skin) Fei embodies the…

The Chinese anime Renegade Immortal (仙逆) recently released its theatrical film Battle of Divine Descent. Adapted from Er Gen's xianxia web novel, Renegade Immortal follows Wang Lin, an ordinary boy who defies fate to cultivate immortality. Its 2023 anime adaptation received consistent acclaim, transitioning from seasonal to year-round release status. As the franchise's first theatrical film, Battle of Divine Descent was highly anticipated. While its pacing received mixed reviews compared to the series, it delivered abundant romantic moments for the main couple, proving highly appealing to shippers and maintaining strong popularity. Renegade Immortal's success stems from its mastery of blending male-oriented and female-oriented narrative appeals: Protagonist Wang Lin operates with ruthless decisiveness, delivering high-octane satisfaction for action fans. His character design is exceptionally handsome, and he exhibits unwavering devotion to the female lead Li Muwan. He represents a rare "exemplary fidelity" archetype within male-oriented narratives, whose romantic depth rivals dedicated love interests in female-oriented stories. The "Lin-Wan" couple pairing has attracted a massive fandom, including significant female viewership. News of an upcoming live-action adaptation has sparked heated discussion. While such adaptations cannot replicate the anime's approach, Renegade Immortal offers valuable insights for male-oriented IPs seeking broader audience appeal. The Anime's…

Chinese sci-fi animation is quietly undergoing a revolution. No longer confined to tropes of myth or fantasy, a new wave of creators is tackling speculative futures with precision and boldness. These works don't shout for attention; they earn it through sharp world-building, unflinching themes, and a refusal to simplify humanity's relationship with technology. From crumbling post-apocalyptic cities to AI-dominated dystopias, these stories ask urgent questions: What does survival cost? Can humanity evolve without losing itself? The answers are rarely comfortable but always compelling. Below are seven essential titles that define this movement—not as "cultural milestones" but as raw, inventive narratives. They prioritize substance over spectacle, proving that Chinese sci-fi animation isn't just catching up—it's carving its own path. Ling Cage: Incarnation 灵笼 In Ling Cage: Incarnation, humanity's survival hinges on a brutal calculus: sacrifice empathy or perish. The floating fortress Lighthouse enforces a genetic hierarchy where "Uppercitizens" hoard resources while "Dust Citizens" endure dehumanizing labor and insect-based diets. This system strips away human bonds—exemplified by the Dawn Hall's emotionless breeding rituals—reducing life to a eugenicist project. Mark, a Hunter captain tasked with scavenging a monster-infested Earth, initially upholds this order until discovering the Lighthouse's darkest secret: a cult sacrificing children…

Chinese romance animations thrive on bold storytelling and character-driven intimacy. Series like Fox Spirit Matchmaker hook viewers with immortal lovers defying reincarnation cycles, while No Doubt in Us reinvents relationship dynamics through a royal couple's body-swap chaos. These stories avoid tired tropes by grounding emotions in tangible stakes: a demon hunter's loyalty tested across lifetimes in Demon List, or a mortal girl unraveling celestial secrets in Contemplation of Affection. What unites them is razor-sharp focus on how characters earn love—whether battling societal expectations or their own flaws—making every confession or sacrifice resonate with raw, earned authenticity. Fox Spirit Matchmaker 狐妖小红娘 "Fox Spirit Matchmaker" redefines fantasy romance with its inventive premise of fox spirits bridging past and present loves. At its core lies the hauntingly beautiful saga of Dongfang Yuechu, a mortal warrior, and Tu Shan Honghong, a fox spirit matchmaker bound by centuries of duty. Their story isn't a straightforward courtship but a layered unraveling of identities—she must confront her role as an emotionless facilitator of others' romances while secretly yearning for her own; he grapples with fragmented memories of lives where their love repeatedly ended in tragedy. The series weaponizes reincarnation as both plot device and emotional catalyst. Flashbacks to past lives—as star-crossed lovers in imperial courts…

In the animated film Nezha: The Devil's Birth, both Nezha and Ao Bing sport distinctive forehead designs. Many of us might recall having a similar dot on our foreheads during childhood. But what's the story behind this shared symbol? The forehead decoration is known as Huadian (花钿), and it's not unique to this film. Historical depictions of Nezha often feature similar designs. In fact, many of us had these dots as children. Huadian has been popular throughout Chinese history, especially among women and children. These decorations came in various styles, colors, and materials, ranging from flat to three - dimensional. During the Song Dynasty, some were even made of pearls for added elegance. Why Do Children Wear Huadian? While it's understandable why women adorned themselves with Huadian for beauty, why did children wear them? One folk belief suggests that marking the center of the forehead symbolizes the opening of wisdom. A traditional rite of passage called Kaibi Li (开笔礼), or "Breaking the Seal," marks a child's entry into learning. Using cinnabar (a traditional protective substance) on the forehead combines the idea of warding off evil with the hope for intelligence. A more plausible explanation ties Huadian to the Dragon Boat…

The recent release of 'Nezha: The Devil Boy's Havoc' (Nezha 2) has reignited discussions about the iconic bun hairstyle that seems to define Nezha's appearance across various adaptations. Is it a coincidence or a stereotype? Netizens joke: 'Nezha can change his fate, but not his hairstyle.' The origin of the 'bun hairstyle' can be traced back to ancient China, where it was one of the many hairstyles popular among women. Its roots lie in the 'double bun' style, which was highly fashionable during that era. Excavated pottery figurines vividly depict the societal admiration for delicate feminine beauty. This trend even influenced ancient Japanese fashion, particularly during the Nara period. Historical dramas like NHK's 'The Great Buddha Opening Eyes,' set in Nara, showcase characters adorned with Tang Dynasty - inspired double - bun hairstyles. In Chinese history, children's double - bun hairstyles were referred to as 'Zongjiao.' Ancient texts emphasize the importance of preserving one's hair as a sign of filial piety. From around eight or nine years old, Han children, regardless of gender, would part their hair into two small buns resembling horns, hence the name 'Zongjiao.' Girls' buns were often styled like branching twigs, known as 'Yaji,' which led…

Tencent Video and Tencent Animation have become hubs for China's animation gems, blending ancient myths, futuristic sagas, and everything in between. Here are 10 must-watch Chinese anime series that redefine what Donghua can be. Battle Through the Heavens 斗破苍穹 At first glance, Battle Through the Heavens fits squarely into the classic cultivation formula: a fallen genius named Xiao Yan sets out to regain his status and surpass his former self. But unlike many shows where power-ups come too easily, BTTH is unusually committed to making every stage of Xiao Yan's progress feel earned—and hard-won. The early loss of his talent isn't just a narrative hook; it forces him to rely on intellect and resourcefulness rather than sheer force. When he gains a mysterious old mentor, Yao Lao, their relationship doesn't just serve as a shortcut for instant power. Yao Lao is more like a chessmaster, constantly reminding Xiao Yan that in this world, raw power alone won't keep you alive—reputation, alliance, and careful timing matter just as much. One of the most distinctive features of this show is its emphasis on alchemy. In many xianxia stories, alchemy is just background dressing—here, it becomes a central tool of conflict and control.…

Bilibili has become a hub for high-quality Chinese animation, offering diverse genres and fresh storytelling. This list highlights standout titles that resonate with both casual viewers and anime enthusiasts, prioritizing engaging plots and unique styles over abstract praise. The Outcast 一人之下 The Outcast (2016-present) is a Chinese animated series blending urban fantasy, dark comedy, and martial arts. With 5 seasons so far, it follows Zhang Chulan, a college student dragged into the hidden world of "Heteromorphs"—people with supernatural abilities—after his estranged grandfather’s death. Teaming up with the enigmatic, deadpan Feng Baby (who wields kitchen knives and an immortal past), he uncovers family secrets while dodging rival factions seeking ancient power. The show stands out for balancing gritty action with quirky humor. Fight scenes mix traditional Chinese martial arts (like Baguazhang) with creative superpowers—a villain manipulates chess pieces as weapons; another controls paper. The animation, while not ultra-polished, delivers kinetic choreography and distinct character designs, especially in later seasons. Character dynamics drive the story. Zhang Chulan evolves from a cynical slacker to a cunning strategist, using wit rather than brute strength. Feng Baby’s emotionless demeanor hides tragic depth, and villains like the scheming Wang Ye feel layered—driven by ambition, not pure…