Are you looking for an effective yet fun way to learn Chinese? Watching Chinese animations is a natural and enjoyable method to immerse yourself in the language. In this article, Ni Hao Ma will introduce you to 10 carefully selected Chinese animated series perfect for beginners, helping you learn the language in the most natural and engaging way.
What is Chinese animation?
In Chinese, animation is called 动画片 (dònghuà piàn) or simply 动画 (dònghuà).
Breaking down the characters:
- 动 (dòng) = movement
- 画 (huà) = drawing or picture
- 片 (piàn) = film or clip
Learning Chinese through animation is a form of context-based learning that combines entertainment with natural language acquisition. This method is especially suitable for beginners since animations are often aimed at children, featuring short dialogues, slow pronunciation, and simple vocabulary, making it easy to follow along. Additionally, the combination of sound and visuals helps learners remember words better compared to rote memorization.
The best apps to watch Chinese animation
Chinese animation is becoming increasingly popular not only among children but also learners of all ages. To fully enjoy these captivating shows and learn the language effectively, choosing the right streaming app is essential. Let’s explore some of the highest-rated apps for watching Chinese animation today!
1. Bilibili (哔哩哔哩)
Known as the “YouTube of China,” Bilibili is a massive video platform with an extensive library of animations and an active community. Besides a wide range of Chinese animation and anime, it’s famous for its “danmu” feature—real-time scrolling comments on the screen—that creates a lively and interactive viewing experience.
Many shows support multilingual subtitles, including Chinese, English, and Vietnamese, making it easier for learners to understand new vocabulary. Beyond animations, Bilibili offers music, gaming, vlogs, and more, perfect for those who want to learn Chinese through diverse topics and engage with a community.
2. Tencent Video (腾讯视频)
Tencent Video (or WeTV) is one of China’s largest streaming platforms, renowned for exclusive, high-budget productions. It supports Chinese subtitles and often features professional dubbing, making it ideal for beginners wanting to practice listening and understanding context. With top-notch video and audio quality, this app provides a visually stunning experience. It’s a perfect choice for fans of cultivation, fantasy genres, and spectacular 3D Chinese animation.
3. iQIYI (爱奇艺)
Alongside Tencent Video, iQIYI is another giant in China’s online media landscape, offering a rich content library ranging from dramas and movies to animation. Its user-friendly interface and smooth experience make it easy to find and watch shows. iQIYI features a wide variety of donghua genres, from gentle romance to action-packed adventures. One notable advantage is that new animations often release almost simultaneously with China’s broadcast schedule, allowing you to stay updated with the latest hits.
4. Youku (优酷)
Youku is another major Chinese video platform hosting many popular Chinese animations suitable for all ages. It frequently updates with new content, including animations, dramas, and entertainment shows. Like other platforms, Youku offers exclusive titles that add diversity and uniqueness to its library. With high-quality video and audio, Youku ensures a smooth and immersive viewing experience. The platform also curates themed playlists to help learners easily choose shows that match their interests.
Top 10 Chinese animation for beginners
Learning Chinese doesn’t have to be boring or limited to textbooks and grammar drills. Instead, you can entertain yourself while improving your language skills through lively animations. Next, Ni Hao Ma will recommend the top 10 most popular and beginner-friendly Chinese animations to kickstart your learning journey!
1. The Founder of Diabolism (魔道祖师 – Mo Dao Zu Shi)
Mo Dao Zu Shi follows Wei Wuxian, the legendary “Demonic Grandmaster” who died in battle and was mysteriously resurrected 13 years later. Together with Lan Wangji, a righteous cultivator, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his death and the hidden secrets of the cultivation world. Although the dialogue can sometimes sound classical, the compelling plot and stunning visuals keep viewers engaged. Being one of the most popular Chinese animations, it also offers plenty of supplementary learning materials for language learners.
2. Battle Through the Heavens (斗破苍穹 – Dou Po Cang Qiong)
This 3D Chinese animation centers on Xiao Yan, a cultivation genius who loses his powers and suffers humiliation. With the help of the alchemist Yao Lao, he trains relentlessly to reclaim his honor and strength. The story features familiar cultivation themes with an exciting plot and clear dialogue, making it ideal for beginners practicing basic Chinese listening skills.
3. Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf (喜羊羊与灰太狼 – Xǐ Yáng Yáng Yǔ Huī Tài Láng)
This animated series follows a clever group of goats led by Pleasant Goat as they outwit the clumsy yet persistent Big Big Wolf. Episodes are short, humorous, and feature repetitive, clear conversations which are great for memorizing new words. The show highlights friendship, intelligence, and perseverance while offering practical daily expressions.
4. Ne Zha: The Devil’s Birth (哪吒之魔童降世 – Ne Zha zhī Mótóng Jiàngshì)
Ne Zha is one of the most famous Chinese animations inspired by the folk legend of Ne Zha but tells a fresh story. Born with a “demonic orb” that makes him feared and shunned by his village, Ne Zha fights against fate with determination, the love of his parents, and belief in himself to become a protector of the mortal world. This film blends mythology with inspiring themes of courage and self-discovery.
5. The King’s Avatar (全职高手 – Quan Zhi Gao Shou)
Ye Xiu, a top-tier professional gamer, is forced to quit his team and starts over from scratch as a café worker. He returns to the game world with a new character, facing intense competition and challenges. The animation realistically portrays online gaming culture, drama, and passion, making it perfect for esports enthusiasts and learners interested in gaming vocabulary.
6. Soul Land (斗罗大陆 – Dou Luo Da Lu)
Based on the novel of the same name, the story follows Tang San’s journey of cultivation in a world where people develop “soul spirits” to become powerful fighters. Though a fantasy series, the clear dialogue and formal sentence structures help learners practice listening in a richly imaginative setting. The gripping storyline makes it suitable for learners who want to engage with longer series.
7. Big Fish & Begonia (大鱼海棠 – Dà Yú Hǎi Táng)
This Chinese animated film draws from ancient myths and legends, especially the “Classic of Mountains and Seas.” It tells the story of Chun, a mystical sea creature girl who transforms into a giant dolphin to explore the human world during a rite of passage. After a human boy sacrifices himself to save her, Chun vows to bring him back to life with the help of her lifelong friend, Chu. Beyond romance, it explores themes of choices, responsibility, and sacrifice.
8. The Outcast (一人之下 – Yi Ren Zhi Xia)
Zhang Chulan, a regular university student, becomes involved in the world of “outcasts” after witnessing a mysterious murder at a cemetery. Discovering his unique abilities, he embarks on a quest to uncover his origins alongside other gifted individuals. This series blends supernatural elements with a continuously unfolding mystery that keeps viewers curious.
9. Doraemon (哆啦A梦 – Duō La A Mèng)
A timeless classic, Doraemon is about a robotic cat from the future who helps a young boy, Nobita, navigate everyday life with magical gadgets. The episodes combine humor with meaningful lessons about friendship, family, and growing up. The Chinese dubbed version is great for beginners to pick up simple vocabulary and everyday phrases.
10. Detective Conan (名侦探柯南 – Míng Zhēn Tàn Kē Nán)
The beloved detective anime follows Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective transformed into a child after poisoning. As Conan, he uses his sharp intellect and deduction skills to solve complex cases while protecting his loved ones and searching for a cure. With hundreds of episodes, this series introduces learners to vocabulary related to law, crime, and daily conversation in an engaging way.
Effective Ways to Learn Chinese with Chinese Animation
Among today’s many learning methods, watching Chinese animation not only helps learners relax but is also an excellent way to improve listening comprehension and expand vocabulary. However, to get the most out of this approach, learners need to apply some effective strategies that suit their individual proficiency levels.
Choose Animation Suitable for Your Level
First and foremost, selecting Chinese animations that match your language level is crucial. Beginners should start with animations that use simple language and short dialogues. Intermediate or advanced learners can challenge themselves with animations featuring more complex plots and specialized vocabulary. Choosing the right level prevents feeling overwhelmed and helps maintain long-term motivation.
Watch with Chinese Subtitles
An important tip for learning through Chinese animation is to watch with Chinese subtitles. Seeing the Chinese characters alongside hearing the dialogue supports vocabulary recognition and helps reinforce sentence structures. By simultaneously listening and reading, learners improve both listening and reading skills. Once your listening improves, try watching without subtitles to test your comprehension.
Practice with Short Clips Daily
Watching too many episodes in one sitting may not be very effective. Instead, break down the content into short segments to practice daily. This method allows you to focus on listening carefully, mimic pronunciation and intonation, and memorize more easily. Consistent daily practice will noticeably boost your spoken and listening Chinese in a short time.
Take Notes of New Words and Useful Phrases
Taking notes of new vocabulary and useful sentence patterns from the animations is essential. This habit not only reinforces your vocabulary but also familiarizes you with practical conversational usage. You can use flashcards or a notebook to review regularly, helping you retain and actively use what you learn. This is the key to long-term memory and flexible language use.
Summary
Chinese animations are not only entertaining but also powerful tools that help beginners naturally get familiar with and improve their Chinese skills. We hope the list of 10 Chinese animations from Ni Hao Ma will be your ideal learning companion. Choose your favorite show, stay consistent, and don’t forget to note new words to progress faster!
