Top 10 Best Chinese Anime of 2018

Hey guys, this is the last batch of our year-end post for the best anime of 2018. This time, we will tackle about the Chinese anime shows that brought us to a new level of adventure, fantasy and entertainment value. For our long-time readers, you may had noticed that we took the path of focusing on Chinese animation and tried our best to bring it to the limelight and spread the words hwo awesome these so called “DONGHUA — Chinese animation” are.

Now, we are proud to present the 10 of the best Chinese anime of 2018 as chosen by our team. Some of big anime titles among the Chinese animation industry which had been adapted from popular web novels and light novels which were original net animation (ONA) and a lone original gem also sit along these epic set of action-adventure fantasy anime.

We also included the highest-rated Chinese anime shows from MyAnimeList.net after our list to complete our discussion about the cliche of Chinese anime 2018.

Let’s begin the list with the 10th spot…

Stellar Transformations or also known as the Legend of Immortal is the anime adaptation of the novel written by the popular Chinese Xianxia (fantasy/kung fu) writer I Eat Tomatoes. This is a show that we could call generic by Chinese anime standard which plot is a cliche among today’s web novels in China. However, what’s stunning about Stellar Transformations is the animation quality which is really done with utmost care and decent pacing. The story is something that I could compare with Battle Through the Heavens but the anime definitely surpassed it when it comes to animation quality.

Synopsis: In a galaxy far away, there is a kid without innate ability to practice internal techniques. So, in order to gain the respect of his father, he resolutely chooses to follow the more difficult and painful path of practicing external techniques. As the years go by, he grows up, but what really changes his life is a mysterious meteoric crystal stone — the Meteoric Tear. This stone fuses with the young man’s body unnoticed, and he seems to undergo drastic transformations as a result. After that, everything is changed. Eventually his father knows that the son for whom he hasn’t really shown a lot of consideration possesses astonishing abilities. And there’s a lot more to come. (Source: Novel Updates)

Also known as Fighter of Destiny, Way of Choices have its 4th season aired on 2018 and it’s nothing spectacular at all aside from giving us a very decent story. The animation is pretty generic but not that bad, however this Chinese anime thrives in how glorious its story is and the anime adaptation executed the story-telling in an effective way. The character designs and graphics for the visuals were good though the action scenes were quite passable.

Synopsis: At the beginning of time, a mystical meteor came crashing down from outer space and scattered all over the world. A piece of it landed in the Eastern Continent. There were mysterious totems carved upon the meteor, and people gathered around it wanting to discover its usage. They discovered the Way, and established The Tradition. Several thousand years later, the fourteen years old orphan Chen Chang Shang left his master to cure his illness and change his fate. He brought a piece of marriage vow with him to the capital, thus began the journey of a rising hero. (Source: Binggo&Corp)

Spiritpact II Key Visual

The 2nd season of Spiritpact will definitely not missed a spot in our list as it is among those few shounen-ai anime with actual plot out there. Though the first season may had some awkward moments and might fell against our expectation, the story progress excellently in the later part and it continues until the 2nd season. For anime viewers who enjoy a good drama, supernatural cliche, and of course boys-love, then Spiritpact is for you.

Synopsis:In this new season, we will discover the backstory of Tanmoki and who will learn through his memories who was his ancestor Rakugetsu. (Source: ANN)

Nie Li | Tales of Demons and Gods

Once again, this is another anime with pretty good story and a mediocre animation. Though the fault with the animation could be overlook due to how stunning and boundless the story and the world-setting are.

Synopsis: Killed by a Sage Emperor and reborn as his 13 year old self, Nie Li was given a second chance at life. A second chance to change everything and save his loved ones and his beloved city. He shall once again battle with the Sage Emperor to avenge his death and those of his beloved . With the vast knowledge of hundred years of life he accumulated in his previous life, wielding the strongest demon spirits, he shall reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts. Enmities of the past will be settled in this new lifetime. “Since I’m back, then in this lifetime, I shall become the King of the Gods that dominate everything. Let everything else tremble beneath my feet!” (Source: Novel Updates)

This anime have all the elements of a good survival island plot, it may be sound so typical but at the same time fresh. It had been a fun ride filled with suspense, action, thrill and psychological-infectious craving of wanting for more. Yes, the anime ended on a major cliffhanger and I think that’s the biggest downfall of Uncharted Walker. Nonetheless, it will give you anything that you’re looking for from a thriller-suspense survival anime.

Synopsis: A magician, a female doctor, a gangster, an archaeology professor, a policewoman, a drug dealer, a businessman… Such a random group of people find themselves trapped on a desolate island when they wake up from sleep one day. They are surrounded by primitive tribes, mutant viruses, and countless life and death situations on this mysterious island. What will they do to survive and escape?

Xiao Yan & Yi Xian | Battle through the Heavens

Alright, if you’re an avid reader of Yu Alexius Anime Portal, then Battle through the Heavens shall not be foreign for you. We’d been writing random stuffs about the anime and its source material which is a novel written by Heavenly Silkworm Potato. I believed that Battle through the Heaveans season 2 had been a great leapt from the average animation of the season 1. The animation quality had improved and the story is written better this time, though I think its flaws falls on its pacing. The original novel is seriously long and I thought that production team might made so many scenes cut-out in the run of the story for both the first and second season. Nonetheless, this is a great fantasy-adventure to follow for anime viewers who enjoyed a Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings antics.

Synopsis: In a land where no magic is present. A land where the strong make the rules and weak have to obey. A land filled with alluring treasures and beauty, yet also filled with unforeseen danger. Three years ago, Xiao Yan, who had shown talents none had seen in decades, suddenly lost everything. His powers, his reputation, and his promise to his mother. What sorcery has caused him to lose all of his powers? And why has his fiancee suddenly shown up? (Source: Wuxiaworld)

The sole original anime in this list and also a refreshing one as it’s the only romance anime from China that we truly adore in 2018. If you’re looking for a fun ride filled with drama, music and generic romance cliche, then I’m Joybo is for you as long as you’re ready for so many unpredictable twists that will caught you offguard as the story progress. Yes, the animation is pretty basic for a CGI but the graphics for the visuals is extremely beautiful. However, I believed that I’m Joybo’s strongest points is its plottwist and the catchy soundtrack that will both make you heart ponder for the happy days and some some that will give you a heart-wrenching narration of its story.

Synopsis: Jiang Xiaobai starts his first ever job as an editor. His new work partner, writer Tong Li, however, continually gives him a hard time. Then one day, he learns that Tong Li is a long-lost friend from his childhood. Gradually, their past is revealed.

Tang San | Soul Land

Also known as Combat Continent, this Chinese anime had truly captured my attention due to its stunning animation, especially the fight scenes. I felt like I’m not watching a 3-D animation but a real live-action one. The story is also written neatly with interesting characters to follow and each of the have stories to tell. Though I wish we could also get a glimpse on the background of other characters other than Tang San (not hating this guy, he is an awesome MC). So far, we are also enjoying the 2nd season of Sou Land which recently aired on December 1.

Synopsis: Tang San spent his life in the Tang Outer Sect, dedicated to the creation and mastery of hidden weapons. Once he stole the secret lore of the Inner Sect to reach the pinnacle of his art, his only way out was death. But after throwing himself off the deadly Hell’s Peak he was reborn in a different world, the world of Douluo Dalu, a world where every person has a spirit of their own, and those with powerful spirits can practice their spirit power to rise and become Spirit Masters. The spirit that awakens within Tang San is Blue Silver Grass, a useless spirit. Can he overcome the difficulties to reach the high ranks of Spirit Masters and bring the glory of the Tang Sect into this new world?

The anime adaptation of the Glory’s Professional Alliance season 8 All-star competition from The King’s Avatar novel by author Butterfly Blue. The franchise is considered as one of the biggest Chinese anime of the decade and I believed that it’s undisputable knowing that The King’s Avatar had brought a new wave of popularity for the Chinese anime industry abroad. The ONA had given us a fresher look at the series as it is made by a different studio that made The King’s Avatar season one. Nonetheless, the fun and action were there and it’s even more exciting as the story is written just like how it is from the novel. A great addition to this anime’s charm is the opening theme “Resurgence” sang by Jiro Wang which is really lively and resonates the action that the series brought to us while partnered by an adorable ending theme titled “Heart for Tomorrow” by AZA featuring the animated fan arts of our favorite characters from the series.

Lan Wangji & Wei Wuxian | Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation

If you’re looking for quality, then you’ve found it people. Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation is our team’s best Chinese anime of 2018 and it is also follow behind My Hero Academia season 3 as the best anime series of 2018. The animation is top-notched and the only anime that I could compare on its quality from last year is Violet Evergarden. The story is well-written with heavy dosage of humor, action, and adventure based from the web novel of the same title written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.

Synopsis: As the grandmaster who founded the Demonic Sect, Wei Wuxian roamed the world in his wanton ways, hated by millions for the chaos he created. In the end, he was backstabbed by his dearest shidi and killed by powerful clans that combined to overpower him. He incarnates into the body of a lunatic who was abandoned by his clan and is later, unwillingly, taken away by a famous cultivator among the clans — Lan Wangji, his archenemy. This marks the start of a thrilling yet hilarious journey of attacking monsters, solving mysteries, and raising children. From the mutual flirtation along the way, Wei Wuxian slowly realizes that Lan Wangji, a seemingly haughty and indifferent poker-face, holds more feelings for Wei Wuxian than he is letting on. (Source: Exiled Rebels Scanlations)

That ends our list of best Chinese anime of 2018 according to the standard of Yu Alexius Anime Portal’s team. However, we are also giving you the chart of the top-rated Chinese anime on MyAnimeList (as of Jan. 3, 2019) for a better recommendations.

Best Chinese Anime 2018 (MyAnimeList Rating)

As we are now entering a new season this 2019, it’s great to know that we had an amazing 2018 due to his set of anime series. If I may ask you guys, which Chinese anime caught your interest and made you fell for it on 2018?

Originally published at www.yualexius.com on January 3, 2019.