Cultivation donghua, a subgenre of Chinese anime, has been grabbing more and more anime fans’ attention in recent years, enthralling audiences with its unique blend of mythology, martial arts, and fantastical storytelling.
Rooted in Chinese culture and Daoist philosophy, cultivation donghua often revolve around characters who seek to transcend their mortal limitations, as they harness spiritual energy (aka qi) to achieve immortality, godlike powers, or enlightenment.
These stories are not just about power-ups and battles, however, they also explore themes of perseverance, morality, and the pursuit of greatness, often making them deeply engaging and relatable.
And with some of the most interesting and epic protagonists in the Chinese anime world.
What makes cultivation donghua so awesome?
For starters, cultivation donghua offer a rich, in-depth world-building, often set in sprawling, intricately designed universes filled with mythical creatures, ancient sects, and gorgeous landscapes.
The protagonists’ journeys from humble beginnings to becoming legendary figures are filled with trials, tribulations, and triumphs, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout a series’ sometimes hundreds of episodes.
Additionally, the blend of action, humor, and emotional depth ensures there’s something for everyone as, whether, you’re a fan of intense fight scenes, intricate plots, or character-driven narratives, cultivation donghua delivers it all.
Here then are five must-watch cultivation donghua that are great starting off points for anyone new to the genre.
1. Battle Through the Heavens (aka Doupo Cangqiong)
Plot: One of the most popular of all the cultivation donghua, Battle Through the Heavens follows Xiao Yan, a once potentially talented cultivator who loses his talent and is scorned by his clan.
After encountering a mysterious spirit named Yao Lao, who appears out of a ring once owned by his late mother, Xiao Yan embarks on a journey to regain his strength, avenge his family, and uncover the secrets of the cultivation world.
Along the way, he realizes those at fault are even more powerful than he ever realized, so achieving the highest rank of cultivator possible must now be his goal.
Main Characters
– Xiao Yan: The determined and resourceful protagonist who rises from disgrace to greatness.
– Yao Lao: A powerful spirit and mentor who guides Xiao Yan on his path to becoming a top cultivator.
– Gu Xun Er: Xiao Yan’s childhood sweetheart, and a talented fighter in her own right. She eventually becomes his second wife.
– Cai Lin: Queen of the Snake People tribe, and Xiao Yan’s first wife.
Why Watch Battle Through the Heavens?: It’s one of the absolute best classic cultivation stories with a rich, in-depth plot, and a perfect mix of action, strategy, and character growth.
The animation and fight scenes are top-notch, making it a visual treat, the character development is excellent, and the relationship between eventual teacher Yao Lao and teacher Xiao Yan is wonderful.
The soundtrack is kickass too.
2. Soul Land (aka Douluo Dalu)
Plot: Tang San, a prodigy from the Tang Sect in his previous life, is reincarnated into a world where everyone possesses a spirit that determines their abilities.
With his knowledge of martial arts from his previous life and a “trash spirit” that turns out to be quite unique, Tang San sets out to become the strongest cultivator while protecting his loved ones and uncovering the mysteries of this new world.
Main Characters (too many to mention all)
– Tang San: A genius martial artist with a calm and strategic mind.
– Xiao Wu: Tang San’s love interest and a powerful spirit master in her own right.
– Oscar: Tang San’s one-time roommate, and the only person who is an Auxiliary Food System Spirit Master with Innate Full Spirit Power.
– Ning Rongrong: An arrogant, spoiled brat who arrives at Shrek Academy and spends her time avoiding work and looking down on everyone.
Why Watch Soul Land?: The long-running donghua combines cultivation with a rich fantasy world, interesting and nicely-written characters, and offers a compelling story of loyalty to friends and loved ones, love, and self-discovery.
While it can be slow-moving in spots, and Tang San and the decision he makes can be incredibly frustrating, the well-written plot, intricate spirit system and well-developed characters more than make up for it.
3. A Will Eternal (aka Yi Nian Yong Heng)
Plot: Bai Xiaochun, a timid and comical young man, accidentally becomes a cultivator after setting off on a journey to become immortal simply because he is frightened of death.
Because of it, though, he soon finds himself stuck in a world of danger and intrigue, with potential death around every corner.
Despite his fear of death, Bai Xiaochun uses his wit and luck to survive and grow stronger, all while trying to live a peaceful life. However, his actions often lead to hilarious and chaotic consequences.
Main Characters
– Bai Xiaochun: A cowardly yet clever protagonist whose antics drive much of the story’s humor.
– Du Lingfei: A talented and popular cultivator who becomes Bai Xiaochun’s love interest and rival.
– Zhou Zimo: The daughter of Giant Ghost King, a powerful deva, and someone who tried to kill Bai Xiaochun soon after she first met him.
Why Watch It A Will Eternal?: This 2D-animated donghua stands out for its humor and lighthearted tone, and its quirky characters, both of which offer a refreshing take on the cultivation genre.
While the pacing of the plot is sometimes a little too fast, Bai Xiaochun’s growth from a reluctant hero to a formidable cultivator, interspersed with some very funny moments, makes the entire donghua both entertaining and inspiring.
4. The King’s Avatar (aka Quanzhi Gaoshou)
Plot: Although not a traditional cultivation donghua in the true sense of the word, The King’s Avatar shares so many thematic elements, (mastery, competition, and skill growth, for instance) it really should be included in any good cultivation donghua list.
Especially as it is so different from the rest.
Ye Xiu, a legendary esports player, is forced to retire but makes a comeback using a new character. The story follows his journey to reclaim his throne in the virtual world of Glory as he creates Team Happy, his own team of newbies and failed professionals — but people who still have the drive and the heart to become the best players in Glory.
– Main Characters
– Ye Xiu: A calm and skilled player who is revered as the “Battle God of Glory”, but one who also has secrets of his own.
– Su Mucheng: Ye Xiu’s loyal friend, sister of his late best friend, and a top player in her own right.
– Chen Guo: Owner of the Happy Internet Cafe and a rabid fan of Ye Xiu. She also becomes the leader of Team Happy.
– Tang Rou: A former concert pianist from a wealthy family, she starts off as a total newbie but soon becomes a very talented Battle Mage.
– A plethora of team members: Both on Team Happy, and on other teams in the Glory league.
Why Watch The King’s Avatar?:
While not a cultivation story in the traditional sense, The King’s Avatar captures the essence of striving for excellence and mastering one’s craft, while “cultivating” or leveling up a gamer’s skills.
Its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay make it a thrilling watch, and its characters are so beautifully written and acted, you will quickly find yourself falling in love with all of them. Even the annoying and mean ones.
5. Stellar Transformation (aka Xing Chen Bian)
Synopsis: Qin Yu, a young man who lives with his grandfather and was born without the ability to cultivate internal energy.
After discovering a mysterious crystal, and through sheer willpower and unconventional methods, however, he discovers a unique path to power, eventually transcending the mortal realm and challenging the heavens themselves.
Main Characters
– Qin Yu: A resilient and ambitious protagonist who defies the odds to achieve greatness.
– Jiang Lie (Li’er): A girl from the Divine World who becomes Qin Yu’s love interest and ally.
– Hei Yu: The bird that was given to him by his grandfather as a companion.
Why Watch Stellar Transformation?: The donghua is a classic tale of perseverance and defiance, with a protagonist who embodies the spirit of cultivation.
For fans of fast-paced, high-action scenes that are really well done, Stellar Transformation also won’t disappoint.
It’s also not another harem donghua, which many donghua fans definitely appreciate.
These 5 cultivation donghua, and many others, offer a unique blend of action, philosophy, and fantasy, making it a genre that appeals to a wide range of viewers.
Whether you enjoy a series with intense, fast-action battles, intricate world-building, or a protagonist that heads off on an inspiring journey, there’s something in cultivation donghua for everyone.
The five examples above then — Battle Through the Heavens, Soul Land, A Will Eternal, The King’s Avatar, and Stellar Transformations — are excellent starting points for anyone looking to dive into this fascinating genre.
Donghua is my life.
Current favorites — One Hundred Thousand Years of Qi Refining, Perfect World, Renegade Immortal, Jade Dynasty, The Demon Hunter, A Mortal’s Journey, World of Immortals, Tales of Herding Gods.