3. Heaven Official’s Blessing (2020) 

Known in Chinese as Tian Guan Ci Fu, Heaven Official’s Blessing is a donghua that has quickly gained a dedicated following, standing out in the crowded field of animated series that often look to Japanese anime for inspiration. Adapted from the popular novel by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu, this unique blend of romance, action, and moral complexity presents a captivating narrative that draws heavily from Chinese mythology—an area that is often overshadowed by Greek, Roman, and Nordic mythos in popular media.

At the heart of the story is Xie Lian, a once-adored prince who has fallen from grace and is relegated to a mere temple page. His journey intertwines with that of Hua Cheng, a ghostly mysterious and powerful figure shrouded in secrets. The characters are uniquely developed, particularly Xie Lian, who’s morally ambiguous nature and emotional depth invite viewers to reflect on the themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny. The narrative explores their relationship in a romantic light, which is interesting when taking into account Chinese censorship laws against those part of the LGBTQIA+ community. While the show is classified as Boys Love (BL), it maintains a subtler approach to its romantic elements, creating an engaging “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng. This layered depiction of romance, though lacking explicit content due to censorship, emphasizes emotional resonance over physicality. The animation quality is breathtaking, featuring almost painterly backgrounds and lush scenery that bring the historical epic fantasy to life, even if the character designs are simpler compared to the intricate illustrations of the novels.

While some critics have pointed out its reliance on miscommunication tropes, which can feel frustrating at times, the overarching narrative remains compelling and engaging. Nevertheless, the series not only entertains but also enriches a wider understanding of Chinese mythology and storytelling tradition. For those unable to access the donghua, the novel remains an equally enchanting alternative, providing depth and context that complements the animated adaptation.

2. The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (2018)

The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation, translated from the Chinese title Mo Dao Zu Shi, is yet another captivating donghua based on the novel written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. Released prior to Heaven Official’s Blessing, this series adeptly explores themes of gay romance and complex relationships, having initially premiered on the Chinese web novel platform Jinjiang Literature City. The story revolves around Wei Wuxian, a controversial figure in the cultivation world who, after facing betrayal and meeting a tragic end, mysteriously finds himself resurrected in a new body. As he navigates this second chance at life, he encounters Lan Wangji, his former companion, amidst a backdrop of supernatural conflicts and personal revelations. Their relationship, once characterized by friendship and mutual respect, now stands on the precipice of rivalry, setting the stage for a rich narrative filled with emotional tension.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is its intricately woven timelines, flipping between Wei Wuxian’s past and present. This narrative structure not only allows for dramatic irony—where viewers know the deep-seated rivalry that has developed between the two protagonists—but also cultivates suspense as audiences are left to ponder how their relationship deteriorated so profoundly. The show centers not only on themes of love but also dives deeply into Chinese spirituality, exploring concepts such as ghosts, resurrection, and the afterlife, which underpins the conflict within the story.

While the series has faced its share of challenges due to the sensitive nature of its LGBTQIA+ themes in China, it manages to convey a deep emotional connection between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji without explicit content, showcasing the nuances of their bond through a rich tapestry of dialogue and interaction. The artwork is striking, with a level of animation quality that complements the intricate storytelling, capturing both the beauty of the landscapes and the emotional weight of the characters’ journeys. Overall, The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is a must watch for fans of in-depth emotional turmoil and beautifully tragic love stories. 

1. Link Click (2021)

Link Click is arguably one of the most underrated donghua of recent years, offering an incredible tapestry of storytelling and emotions that sets it apart from its peers. Unlike the other titles on this list, Link Click is an original story, which is a refreshing change in a landscape often dominated by adaptations. Following two protagonists, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang, who run a photography studio, the series uniquely incorporates time travel as they use their abilities to enter photographs and experience the memories of the people depicted. This premise could easily fall into the realm of fantasy cliché, but the series intricately weaves a narrative that centers around real human emotions—grief, love, and the unbreakable bonds that can help us through difficult times.

At its core, Link Click is both a psychological thriller and a heartfelt exploration of the human condition. Each episode presents the duo with a client seeking closure or understanding regarding their past, which brings Cheng, Lu, and their assistant and Cheng’s sibling-like friend Qiu Ling, into complex situations that often reveal the darker side of life. Despite dealing with much heavier themes compared to other titles on this list, the story feels grounded, making it relatable and impactful. The intricate plot twists and mystery elements encourage viewers to re-watch the series, peeling back the layers of complexity with each viewing.

Visually, Link Click captivates with its striking art style, combining sleek designs with hard lines. While the aesthetics may come off as romantic and cute, the storytelling dives into darker subject matter that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it masterfully complements the narrative and enhances the emotional stakes, creating an immersive experience that even serves as a perfect backdrop for studying. In summary, Link Click is a standout series that combines a fascinating premise, strong character development, and a beautiful soundtrack. Honestly, give this one a watch!

Link Click: Bridon Arc is set to release this October on Crunchyroll.