In recent years, Donghua (Chinese animation) has gained remarkable global attention. From epic cultivation fantasies and martial arts adventures to visually stunning animated films rooted in Chinese mythology, Donghua is no longer a niche genre limited to domestic audiences. With improving animation quality, richer storytelling, and unique Eastern aesthetics, Chinese animation has become increasingly appealing to international viewers. That said, many viewers struggle with one key question: where to watch Donghua. Streaming platforms vary by region, pricing, and content availability, which can make finding reliable sources confusing. This guide covers the best apps and websites to watch Donghua, along with 15 must-watch Chinese animated movies and series, helping both newcomers and longtime fans find great content with ease.
Where to Watch Donghua？
Looking for the best places to watch Chinese animation (donghua) internationally? Below is a breakdown of platforms, categorized into main international platforms, additional global platforms with limited content, and unofficial free aggregation sites. Each table includes the platform’s highlights, payment options, and important notes.
1️⃣ Main International Platforms
These platforms offer official, licensed content and are highly recommended for international viewers who want legal and safe access to donghua.
| Platform |
Resource Highlights | Paid or Free | Note |
| WeTV (International) | Large library of licensed donghua, English subtitles, simulcasts popular series, frequent updates | Free with ads / Subscription for ad-free & early access | Official, safe, regularly updated |
| Bilibili (International, Bilibili.tv) | Covers classic and new series, English subtitles, VIP tier for early access & HD | Free / VIP subscription | Official, extensive variety |
| iQIYI (International, iQIYI.com) | High-quality productions, exclusive series & movies, English subtitles | Free / VIP subscription | Official, best for exclusive content |
| YouTube Official Channels | Official uploads from Bilibili, iQIYI, Tencent, Youku; English subtitles | Free with ads | Official, sometimes episodic updates only |
2️⃣ Additional Global Platforms (Limited Donghua Content)
While these platforms are legally available worldwide, the selection of Chinese animation is more limited, usually focusing on movies or select series.
| Platform |
Resource Highlights | Paid or Free | Note |
| Crunchyroll | Some licensed donghua (e.g.Heaven Official's Blessing), English subtitles | Subscription required — No free ad-supported tier | Limited selection of donghua |
| Netflix | Selected Chinese animation movies (e.g., Jiang Ziya, White Snake, Ne Zha), English subtitles/dub | Subscription required | Limited titles, mostly movies |
3️⃣ Unofficial Free Aggregation Sites
These platforms provide free access to many series and films but are not officially licensed. Users should exercise caution when using these sites.
| Platform |
Resource Highlights | Paid or Free | Note |
| Anime4i | Large collection, fast updates, simple interface | Free | Non-official, may contain ads/popups |
| DonghuaWorld | Popular series and movies, free streaming | Free | Non-official, copyright unclear |
| DonghuaStream | Many series & films, easy to browse | Free | Non-official, may have security risks |
| DonghuaZone | Rich resources, frequent updates | Free | Non-official, safety not guaranteed |
Detailed Guide to Official International Platforms for Watching Donghua
When it comes to watching Chinese animation (donghua) legally and safely, choosing official international platforms is key. Below is a detailed look at six top platforms, including their strengths, subtitle options, available Donghua and subscription details.
1. WeTV (International)
Official Website：https://wetv.vip/en
Basic Overview：WeTV International is Tencent’s official global streaming platform for licensed Chinese animation (donghua), providing a wide range of high-quality series, short animations, and animated movies. Its strengths include frequent updates, a polished and user-friendly interface, multi-device support (mobile, web, smart TVs), and reliable legal content, ensuring viewers can enjoy donghua safely. The platform also offers exclusive series and VIP perks, such as early access to episodes. Most content comes with English subtitles, and select series support multiple subtitle languages, making it convenient for international audiences. Curated recommendations, trending charts, and seasonal promotions enhance the overall viewing experience, making WeTV International a top choice for global donghua fans.
Available Donghua:
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Series / Full-Length Animations: The King’s Avatar, Scissor Seven, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Link Click, Spiritpact, White Cat Legend, Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre, Soul Land / Douluo Dalu, Legend of Exorcism, Master of Skill, Battle Through the Heavens, Full-Time Mage, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, Heaven Official’s Blessing.
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Short-Form Animations / OVA: Eggnoid, Zhu Zhiqun’s Diary, GuangGong Legend.
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Movies / Feature Films: Jiang Ziya, White Snake, Ne Zha, Big Fish & Begonia, White Cat Legend: The Movie, Fog Hill of the Five Elements: Movie Version.
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Exclusive / VIP Content: Early access to episodes for VIP members, some series only fully available to VIPs, including Link Click, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, and select Tencent originals.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
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Free Tier: Watch most series and movies with ads, standard definition, delayed release for some new episodes.
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VIP Monthly ($4.99 USD): Ad-free streaming, early access to new episodes, HD/Ultra HD quality, offline downloads.
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VIP Quarterly ($13.99 USD): All monthly VIP benefits for three months at a discounted rate.
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VIP Annual ($49.99 USD): Full access to all exclusive content, Ultra HD streaming where available, offline download, priority support, early access to select series, and occasional VIP-only promotions.
2. Bilibili (International, Bilibili.tv)
Official Website：https://www.bilibili.tv/
Basic Overview：Bilibili International is a unique platform for Chinese animation (donghua) that combines streaming content with an active global fan community. It offers a wide range of series, short animations, movies, and original productions, alongside interactive features such as episode tracking, notifications, and comments with real-time reactions (danmaku). The platform supports multiple devices including mobile apps, web browsers, and smart TVs. Most content comes with English subtitles, and some series provide multi-language options, making it accessible to international audiences. VIP members enjoy early access to episodes, ad-free streaming, Ultra HD quality, and exclusive series, offering a highly engaging and social viewing experience for fans worldwide.
Available Donghua:
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Series / Full-Length Animations: Heaven Official’s Blessing, Link Click, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Scissor Seven, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, White Cat Legend, Battle Through the Heavens, Soul Land / Douluo Dalu, Spiritpact, Master of Skill, King’s Avatar, Full-Time Mage, Legend of Exorcism.
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Short-Form Animations / OVA: Eggnoid, The Daily Life of the Immortal King OVA, GuangGong Legend, Zhu Zhiqun’s Diary.
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Movies / Feature Films: Jiang Ziya, White Snake, Ne Zha, Big Fish & Begonia, White Cat Legend: The Movie, Fog Hill of the Five Elements: Movie Version.
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Exclusive / VIP Content: VIP members can access episodes earlier and watch exclusive series first, including Link Click, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, and other Bilibili originals.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
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Free Tier: Watch most series and movies with ads; SD/HD quality; new episodes may have delayed release.
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Monthly Standard ($4.99 USD): Ad-free streaming, early access to new episodes, HD resolution, multi-platform access, free downloads, skip ads.
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Quarterly Standard ($14.97 USD): All monthly standard benefits for three months at a discounted rate; renewed automatically; can be canceled anytime.
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Annual Standard ($47.99 USD): All standard benefits for a year with 19% savings per month; renewed automatically; can be canceled anytime.
3. iQIYI (International, iQIYI.com)
Official Website：https://www.iq.com/
Basic Overview：iQIYI International is a premium streaming service offering legally licensed Chinese animation (donghua), movies, and original productions, with a focus on high-quality visuals, smooth playback, and reliable global access. Its strengths include curated recommendations, trending charts, seasonal specials, and a rich library of exclusive content that can’t be found elsewhere. The platform supports multiple devices, including mobile apps, web browsers, and smart TVs, and provides English and multi-language subtitles for most content. VIP members enjoy ad-free streaming, early access to new episodes, Ultra HD quality, offline downloads, and exclusive series, making iQIYI International a one-stop destination for fans looking for both quantity and quality of donghua.
Available Donghua:
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Series / Full-Length Animations: Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Link Click, Scissor Seven, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, White Cat Legend, Battle Through the Heavens, Soul Land / Douluo Dalu, Spiritpact, Heaven Official’s Blessing, Master of Skill, King’s Avatar, Full-Time Mage, Legend of Exorcism.
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Short-Form Animations / OVA: Eggnoid, The Daily Life of the Immortal King OVA, Zhu Zhiqun’s Diary, GuangGong Legend.
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Movies / Feature Films: Jiang Ziya, White Snake, Ne Zha, Big Fish & Begonia, White Cat Legend: The Movie, Fog Hill of the Five Elements: Movie Version.
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Exclusive / VIP Content: Some series and episodes are available first to VIP members, including early access to Link Click, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, and select iQIYI originals.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
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Free Tier: Watch most series and movies with ads; SD/HD quality; new episodes may have delayed release.
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Gold Membership: $8.99/month or $89.99/year. Supports streaming on 2 devices simultaneously with 1080P Full HD. Benefits include early access to popular series and animations, ad-free playback, offline downloads, multi-platform access (mobile, PC, tablet), and Dolby Audio. Ideal for individual users who mainly watch on personal devices.
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Diamond Membership: $11.99/month or $119.99/year. Supports streaming on 4 devices simultaneously with 4K Ultra HD quality. Includes all Gold benefits plus Dolby Vision, making it perfect for families or users with high-quality viewing requirements.
4. YouTube Official Channels
Official Website：https://www.youtube.com/@MadeByBilibili
Basic Overview：YouTube official channels provide a free and accessible way to watch Chinese animation (donghua) online, with content uploaded by studios, production companies, and licensed distributors. While the selection may be smaller compared to dedicated streaming platforms, it includes popular series, short animations, trailers, and sometimes full episodes, often with official English subtitles. YouTube supports all major devices including mobile apps, web browsers, and smart TVs, and allows viewers to like, comment, and subscribe for updates. Some channels also offer membership perks, such as early access to videos or exclusive content, though the majority of content remains free to watch.
Available Donghua:
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Series / Full-Length Animations: Link Click, Scissor Seven, Fog Hill of the Five Elements, Heaven Official’s Blessing, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, White Cat Legend, Soul Land / Douluo Dalu.
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Short-Form Animations / OVA: Eggnoid, GuangGong Legend, The Daily Life of the Immortal King OVA.
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Movies / Feature Films: Jiang Ziya, Ne Zha, White Snake, Big Fish & Begonia.
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Source Notes: Official uploads are from Bilibili, iQIYI, Tencent, Youku; most content comes with English subtitles.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
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Free Access: Most content is available for free with ads.
- YouTube Membership (per channel, optional): $4.99/month for benefits like early access, ad-free viewing on that channel, and exclusive content.
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YouTube Premium ($11.99/month, varies by region): Ad-free viewing across all YouTube content, offline downloads, background playback, access to YouTube Music, and enhanced experience on mobile, web, and smart TVs.
5. Crunchyroll
Official Website：https://www.crunchyroll.com/
Basic Overview：Crunchyroll is a well-known international streaming platform primarily focused on anime, including some licensed Chinese animation (donghua). It offers legal, high-quality streaming with English subtitles, supporting mobile apps, web browsers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Crunchyroll features simulcasts, seasonal charts, curated recommendations, and community engagement, allowing viewers to stay up-to-date with new episodes shortly after release in China. VIP members enjoy ad-free streaming, HD/Ultra HD quality, offline downloads, and multi-platform access, making it a convenient choice for international donghua fans.
Available Donghua:
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Series / Full-Length Animations: Heaven Official's Blessing, The Defective, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, Link Click, To Be Heroine, Psychic Princess, Cinderella Chef, Fairies Album, X&Y, The Legend of Hei, TO BE HERO X, The Fated Magical Princess: Who Made Me a Princess, Lord of Mysteries, Renegade Immortal, Throne of Seal, Scumbag System, The Master of Diabolism.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
Starting January 1, 2026, Crunchyroll will fully transition to a paid subscription model, discontinuing its free ad-supported viewing option. There are three paid membership tiers, each with increasing benefits, allowing users to choose based on viewing habits and desired perks.
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Fan Plan ($7.99 USD/month): Ad-free viewing, full anime library access, simulcasts (same-day release as Japan), and streaming on one device.
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Mega Fan ($11.99 USD/month): All Fan Plan benefits, plus offline downloads, streaming on up to four devices, and early access to merchandise and events.
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Ultimate Fan ($15.99 USD/month): All Mega Fan benefits, plus exclusive merchandise discounts, premium member gifts, and extra device support (up to six devices).
6. Netflix
Official Website：https://www.netflix.com/
Basic Overview：Netflix is a global streaming platform that offers a wide variety of movies, series, and original content. For Chinese animation (donghua), Netflix primarily provides selected feature films, often with English subtitles or dubbing. It supports mobile devices, web browsers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles, and allows for offline downloads on supported plans. While the selection is limited compared to dedicated donghua platforms, Netflix offers high-quality streaming and exclusive movie content.
Available Donghua:
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Movies / Feature Films): Jiang Ziya, Ne Zha, White Snake, Big Fish & Begonia, White Cat Legend.
Subscription Plans & Pricing：
Netflix offers three main paid plans, each with different streaming quality and device limits, allowing users to watch anime and all other Netflix content without additional fees.
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Standard with Ads ($7.99 USD/month): Limited ads, HD quality, and up to 2 concurrent streams.
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Standard (Ad-Free, $17.99 USD/month): No ads, HD quality, up to 2 concurrent streams, and offline downloads supported.
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Premium (Ad-Free, $24.99 USD/month): No ads, Ultra HD (4K) quality, up to 4 concurrent streams, and offline downloads.
How to Choose Donghua Streaming Platforms？
A Quick Guide
1. For the Largest Library & Fastest Updates: Choose WeTV International. It's the primary official outlet for most major Donghua series.
2. For Community & Exclusive Originals: Choose Bilibili.tv. Its interactive danmaku and strong original productions offer a unique experience.
3. For Budget or Casual Viewing: Start with YouTube Official Channels (free). Use the free tiers of WeTV, Bilibili, or iQIYI for more complete series with ads.
4. If You're Already a Subscriber Elsewhere:
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Anime Fans: Check Crunchyroll's catalog first—it may have the specific hit Donghua you want.
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General Streamers: If you have Netflix, explore its curated Donghua movie collection.
5. For Donghua Movies: Netflix provides top-tier streaming quality. WeTV and Bilibili often have a more complete movie library.
Important: Content availability varies by region. Check the free version first to confirm your desired titles are accessible in your location.
Final Recommendation
New to Donghua? Sample shows for free on YouTube or platform free tiers.
Ready to Dive Deep? A WeTV or Bilibili International VIP subscription is the best investment for dedicated fans.
The Convenience Choice: If you already use Crunchyroll for anime, its growing Donghua selection might be sufficient.
15 Must-Watch Chinese Animation Movies & Series
With these platforms at your fingertips, it’s time to dive into some of the must-watch Chinese animation series and movies that showcase the best of storytelling and animation from China.
A. Masterpiece Series (A Great Starting Point)
These are critically acclaimed, with exceptional storytelling and art that have defined modern donghua.
| English Title |
Chinese Title | Genre | Key Highlights | Primary Legal Platforms |
| Link Click | Shiguang Dailiren (时光代理人) | Modern, Supernatural, Thriller | Time travel through photos; masterful pacing, emotional depth, brilliant twists; a global sensation. | Bilibili.tv & Crunchyroll |
| The Master of Diabolism | Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) | Xianxia, Fantasy, Drama | Top-tier cultivation fantasy; complex characters, intricate politics, legendary slow-burn romance; beautiful fight choreography. | WeTV & Crunchyroll |
| Heaven Official's Blessing | Tian Guan Ci Fu (天官赐福) | Xianxia, Fantasy, Drama | From the author of Mo Dao Zu Shi; visually breathtaking, rich in Chinese mythology, deeply moving tale of a god and a ghost king. | Bilibili.tv & Crunchyroll |
| Scissor Seven | Cike Wuliuqi (刺客伍六七) | Comedy, Action, Drama | Unique blend of hilarious comedy, stylish action, and heartfelt drama; follows a hapless amnesiac assassin; distinctive art style. | Netflix |
B. Top Action & Cultivation (Xianxia/Xuanhuan)
For epic battles, power progression, and immersive fantasy worlds.
| English Title |
Chinese Title | Genre | Key Highlights | Primary Legal Platforms |
| Fog Hill of Five Elements | Wushan Wuxing (雾山五行) | Action, Fantasy | Pinnacle of action spectacle; jaw-dropping hand-drawn 2D fight sequences; minimal story, maximal visuals. | Bilibili.tv |
| A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality | Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan (凡人修仙传) | Xianxia, Fantasy, Drama | "Realistic" strategic cultivation; protagonist relies on wits and caution; sophisticated world-building, consistent high quality. | Bilibili.tv |
| Soul Land | Douluo Dalu (斗罗大陆) | Fantasy, Adventure, Long-form | Nationally popular long-running epic; genius reborn in a world of martial spirits; satisfying power system, engaging story. | WeTV |
| The King's Avatar | Quanzhi Gaoshou (全职高手) | Esports, Drama, Sports | The ultimate esports donghua; legendary pro player starts from scratch; incredibly knowledgeable about gaming culture, intensely satisfying. | WeTV & Crunchyroll |
C. Groundbreaking Films
Chinese animated films that have pushed the industry forward in box office, technology, or artistry.
| English Title |
Chinese Title | Genre | Key Highlights | Primary Legal Platforms |
| Ne Zha | Ne Zha (2019) (哪吒之魔童降世) | Mythology, Comedy, Drama | Blockbuster that shattered records; thrilling, humorous, emotional reimagining of the mythical rebel hero; represents high industrial standards. | Netflix & iQIYI |
| White Snake & Green Snake | Bai She: Yuanqi / Bai She 2 (白蛇系列) | Mythology, Romance, Fantasy | Gorgeously animated; mature, fresh retellings of classic Chinese folklore; cinematic animation quality. | Netflix |
| Big Fish & Begonia | Da Yu Hai Tang (大鱼海棠) (2016) | Fantasy, Romance, Drama | Visually poetic and tragic fantasy romance; cultural phenomenon for its stunning art and emotional story; marked a new era. | iQIYI & Crunchyroll |
D. Highly Recommended & Personal Picks
These are excellent works, each with its own distinct style, covering a variety of themes.
| English Title |
Chinese Title | Genre | Key Highlights | Primary Legal Platforms |
|
Ling Cage |
Ling Long (灵笼) | Sci-Fi, Post-apocalyptic, Drama | Masterpiece of post-apocalyptic sci-fi; phenomenal 3D animation, serious tone, deep philosophical themes on survival and humanity. | Bilibili.tv |
| The Daily Life of the Immortal King | Xian Wang De Richang Shenghuo (仙王的日常生活) | Xianxia, Comedy, School Life | Hilarious isekai-style comedy about an overpowered cultivator in high school; pure, fun escapism. | Bilibili.tv & Crunchyroll |
| Swallowed Star | Tunshi Xingkong (吞噬星空) | Sci-Fi, Xuanhuan, Adventure | Epic sci-fi cultivation; humanity battles cosmic beasts; impressive scale and visual effects. | Crunchyroll & WeTV |
| To Be Hero / To Be Heroine | Tubian Yingxiong (凸变英雄系列) | Comedy, Fantasy, Drama | Wildly creative, bizarre, and surprisingly philosophical comedies that break the fourth wall and tackle profound themes. | Crunchyroll |
How to Choose & Watch：
For Story & Art: Start with Link Click or Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.
For Pure Action: Watch Fog Hill of Five Elements.
For Fun & Heart: Watch Scissor Seven.
For Epic Cultivation Journeys: Try A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality or Soul Land.
Hope this guide to where to watch Donghua and our list of 15 essential Chinese animation movies and series helps you discover new favorites and enjoy the best that Donghua has to offer.