Chinese animation (donghua) has gone from a niche discovery to a global obsession, with shows like Link Click, Heaven Official’s Blessing, and The Daily Life of the Immortal King attracting fans far beyond China. These donghua have inspired several live-action adaptations like Rakshasa Street, The Untamed, and more. Some of these donghuas have proved that anime isn’t just Japanese art. The good news? You do not need to rely on questionable streaming sites to explore the world of donghua.
From dedicated Chinese platforms to official YouTube channels, there are several legal ways to watch Chinese animation for free. Here are 7 of the best platforms to check out, along with what they offer and what to expect from their free viewing options.
1. Bilibili
If you are looking for a platform that genuinely feels built around Chinese animation, Bilibili is an obvious first stop. Its international website has a dedicated free section and regularly features major donghua titles. The platform’s catalogue includes fan favourites such as Heaven Official’s Blessing, Link Click, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, and The Last Summoner. The catch is that catalogues and access can vary by region, and some titles or episodes may be reserved for premium users.
2. Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll’s licensed donghua selection includes major titles such as Heaven Official’s Blessing, To Be Hero X, Swallowed Star, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, and The King’s Avatar (which also has a live-action C-drama starring Yang Yang). Depending on your region and the specific title, Crunchyroll’s free viewing options may include ad-supported episodes, while some content requires a premium subscription. However, Crunchyroll may not have the deepest donghua library like Bilibili, but it’s worth a look.
3. WeTV
The platform is home to major long-running donghua such as Soul Land, alongside titles including Fights Break Sphere, Martial Universe, The Founder of Diabolism (Mo Dao Zu Shi), Throne of Seal, and A Will Eternal. Soul Land, in particular, has a massive episode catalogue, although access varies between free and VIP episodes. The donghua alone offers the kind of sprawling fantasy journey that makes “just one more episode” a dangerous promise. However, some episodes are freely available, while others may be locked behind VIP access or subject to regional restrictions.
4. Rakuten Viki
Viki is better known for Korean, Chinese, and Thai dramas, but it is worth checking when you are looking for more unusual Chinese-language animated titles like Ever Night (Jiang Ye), Walking the Way All Alone, Beyond Time’s Gaze, A Will Eternal, Psychic Princess 2, Eclipse of Illusion, The Legend of Princess Chang Ge, among others. The platform’s free catalogue can change significantly by territory and licensing window. Viki also frequently distinguishes between free viewing and content that requires a subscription.
5. iQIYI
iQIYI is another major Chinese streaming service with a substantial animation section, and its international platform makes a selection of Chinese animation available with subtitles and dubbing. Its catalogue includes Raised by Demons: Panda Li, The Fighter of the Destiny, The Demon Hunter, Stellar Transformations, and Swallowed Star, depending on regional availability and current licensing. The platform’s free model is a little more complicated than simply “everything is free.” Some titles or episodes can be watched without a VIP subscription, while others include premium locks.
6. MUSE
MUSE is not like Bilibili or iQIYI, but its official YouTube channels make it one of the easiest places to watch licensed Asian animation for free. The catalogue can change, but MUSE’s wider official distribution network has helped bring Asian animation to international audiences through free, ad-supported YouTube releases. Depending on current availability, viewers may find Chinese animated titles such as Jade Dynasty, The Young Brewmaster’s Adventure, Great Journey of Teenagers, and Immortality through official YouTube uploads and licensed partner channels.
7. YouTube
YouTube is arguably the most accessible option on this list. Tencent Video-ANIMATION, for example, has officially released large batches of Soul Land episodes with English subtitles on YouTube. You can also find titles such as Soul Land, Throne of Seal, Jade Dynasty, The Young Brewmaster’s Adventure, and other Chinese animated series. The important thing is to look for verified or clearly official channels rather than random uploads. The downside is that titles may disappear when licensing agreements change, and some series are uploaded only for limited periods or in selected territories.
Here’s a simple table with some major donghua titles associated with each platform:
NOTE: Availability can vary by country, and some titles may be available only through specific regional channels, with certain episodes or seasons requiring a subscription.
| Platform | Donghua to Check Out |
|---|---|
| Bilibili | Link Click, Heaven Official’s Blessing, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, The Last Summoner, To Be Hero X |
| Crunchyroll | Heaven Official’s Blessing, Link Click, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, The King’s Avatar, Scissor Seven, To Be Hero X |
| WeTV (Tencent Video) | Soul Land, Fights Break Sphere, The Founder of Diabolism, Perfect World, Swallowed Star |
| Viki Rakuten | Heaven Official’s Blessing, The Daily Life of the Immortal King, The King’s Avatar, Scissor Seven |
| iQIYI | Stellar Transformations, Swallowed Star, The Demon Hunter, The Fighter of the Destiny, The Legend of Sky Lord |
| MUSE | Jade Dynasty, The Young Brewmaster’s Adventure, Great Journey of Teenagers, Immortality, The Land of Miracles |
| YouTube | Soul Land, Jade Dynasty, The Young Brewmaster’s Adventure, Great Journey of Teenagers, Swallowed Star |
Which donghua are you watching right now, and where do you stream it? Tell us in the comments below!
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