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Is There A Chinese Version Of Anime? (Discover)

Chinese animation has some vibrant bright colors and is referred to as Donghua, which refers to animation in Chinese.

Unlike Anime, Donghua has started to receive acknowledgment in recent years outside China which has led to many streaming platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll adding them to their watch list.

However, Most of these platforms have included Donghuas in the Anime categories which confuses people to think that it is also Anime. 

Unlike Donghua, The inaccurate term Chinese Anime has been more prevalent over the past year.

Recent films including Reikenzan, Hitori no Shita, Cheating Craft, Bloodivores, and the presently showing Gin no Guardian have all utilized it as a moniker.

Chinese animation is known as Donghua, which means animation in Chinese, and features some vivid, bright colors.
Chinese animation is known as Donghua, which means animation in Chinese, and features some vivid, bright colors.

What is a Chinese Anime called?

If a Chinese manhua is being adapted, Anime is initially referred to as Donghua. The term simply denotes any Chinese animation, whether conventional 2D Anime or contemporary 3D animation.

The majority of the Anime there is inspired by Chinese culture. In essence, Chinese Anime is created in China, and there are Anime films and series primarily based on Chinese culture and ideas.

Many Anime enthusiasts are not even aware that Donghua exists. It’s produced in China and is usually dubbed in Mandarin, but otherwise, it’s pretty similar to Anime.

Donghua was first exclusively made available to Chinese viewers. More shows began having their own English subs as certain Donghua became more and more successful in other markets.

History of Chinese Anime Donghua

The Chinese government concentrated on using animation to spread communist principles.
The Chinese government concentrated on using animation to spread communist principles.

Chinese animation, or Donghua, has a long and rich history. The earliest examples of Chinese animation can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the release of the first Chinese animated film, The Camel’s Dance, in 1935.

During the 1920s and 1930s, a number of Chinese animation studios were established, and several notable animated films were produced, including “The Four Elements” and “Princess Iron Fan.”

However, the development of Chinese animation was disrupted by the Chinese civil war and the subsequent establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Chinese government focused on promoting socialist values through animation, and many propaganda films were produced. In the 1970s and 1980s, a number of animated TV series were also produced, such as “Huan zhu Gege” and “The Monkey King.”

Since the 1990s, Chinese animation has experienced a resurgence, with the emergence of new studios and the production of a wide range of animated films and TV series.

Today, China is a major player in the global animation industry, with many popular animated series and films being produced in the country.

Recently, More than 11 billion people watched “The Founder of Diabolism,” a Chinese Anime series that has gained international acclaim.

The show topped the charts on MyAnimeList, a global Anime and Manga social networking site, and was particularly well received by women.

Can Anime also be Chinese?

Anime is a term that refers specifically to Japanese animated content, so in that sense, Anime and Chinese animation (also known as Donghua) are two distinct types of animated content.

However, it is worth noting that the terms “Anime” and “Manga” (Japanese comics) have gained widespread popularity around the world, and are often used to refer to any animated content or comics that are produced in an art style that is influenced by Japanese animation or comics.

So, while Anime is a term that is used specifically to refer to Japanese animated content, it is possible for animation that is produced in other countries, including China, to be influenced by the art style and storytelling techniques of Japanese Anime, and to be referred to as Anime by some people.

In this sense, it is possible for a Chinese animated work to be referred to as “Anime,” even though it is not technically Japanese Anime.

With that said, here are a few examples of popular Chinese animated series and films that may be referred to as “Chinese Anime” by some people:

“The King’s Avatar” 

The king's Avatar is a 2017 Chinese TV series
The king’s Avatar is a 2017 Chinese TV series.

It is a popular donghua TV series that is based on a light novel of the same name.

The series follows the story of a professional gamer who is forced to retire from competitive play but then makes a comeback as a coach for a struggling e-sports team.

“Quanzhi Gaoshou” (Full-Time Mage) 

“Quanzhi Gaoshou” (Full-Time Mage) is another popular donghua TV series that follows the story of a professional gamer who becomes a top player in the competitive world of online gaming.

“The Legend of Qin” 

“The Legend of Qin” is a donghua TV series that is set in ancient China, and follows the story of a young hero who sets out to unite the warring states of China and become the first emperor of the Qin dynasty.

“Ne Zha” 

NE ZHA Official Trailer

It is a popular donghua film that is based on a Chinese mythological character.

The film follows the story of a young hero who must overcome the prophecies that say he will bring disaster to the world, and become a true hero.

TitlesNo. of EpisodesGenre
Ling Qui20Action Supernatural
Zhen Hun Jie (Rakshasa Street)24Action Supernatural
Wo de Tian Jie Nu You15Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Monkey King: Hero is BackMovieAction Adventure
Some popular Donghuas

What is the difference between Japanese Anime and Chinese Anime?

The main difference between Japanese Anime and Chinese Anime (also known as Donghua) is the country of origin.

Anime is a term that is used specifically to refer to Japanese animated content, while Donghua refers to Chinese animated content.

There are also some differences in the art styles and storytelling techniques that are used in Japanese Anime and Chinese Donghua.

Japanese Anime tends to have a distinctive art style, with characters that often have large, expressive eyes and elaborate hairstyles.

The storytelling in Anime is also often characterized by complex plots and the use of metaphors and symbols.

Chinese Donghua, on the other hand, can have a wide range of art styles, and the storytelling can be more straightforward and action-oriented.

However, it is worth noting that these are generalizations, and there is a great deal of diversity within both the Anime and Donghua industries, with many individual works that defy these generalizations.

Is Anime made by Japanese or Chinese?

Anime has not only spread its magic to the west but also influenced the animation styles of eastern countries with which China topping the list.

Chinese animation up to an extent takes inspiration from Anime’s art style and combines it with their culture and morals to create Donghuas.  

Chinese animation has gradually resurfaced after facing a long period of stagnation due to the identity crisis going on against leading animation giants like Disney, Pixar, and Studio Ghibli.

Although it initially took some inspiration from Anime its subsequent shift towards the Chinese culture has been well received by the audiences. 

Conclusion

  • It is possible for animation produced in China to be influenced by the art style and storytelling techniques of Japanese Anime and to be referred to as Anime by some people.
  • Chinese donghua have a wide range of art styles, 2D and 3D animations, and the storytelling can be more straightforward and action-oriented. 
  • Chinese animation may need a few more years to create as much hype as Anime.

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