6 Chinese Anime to Learn Mandarin
Want to practice Mandarin while watching something you'd actually enjoy? These six Chinese animated series, known as 国漫 (guómàn), offer comedy, mystery, gaming, fantasy, and science fiction.
1. 刺客伍六七 Cìkè Wǔliùqī | Scissor Seven
Level: Intermediate
Where to watch: Netflix (subscription). Set the audio to Mandarin.
A comedy-action series about an unlikely assassin with a mysterious past. Funny, fast-paced, and full of modern conversational Mandarin, it's a great starting point for exploring Chinese animation.
2. 李熊猫 Lǐ Xióngmāo | Raised by Demons: Panda Li
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Where to watch: Free on iQIYI (with ads)
A fantasy adventure that blends martial arts, demons, and science fiction. With an imaginative world, supernatural conflicts, and action-packed storytelling, it’s a great choice for viewers who enjoy Chinese fantasy animation.
3. 时光代理人 Shíguāng Dàilǐrén | Link Click
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Where to watch: Crunchyroll (subscription)
Two friends run a small photo studio with a secret: they can jump into a photo and relive the moment it was taken. This time-travel mystery is set in modern China and full of natural, everyday dialogue. The plot is tightly woven, so rewatching scenes pays off.
4. 罗小黑战记 Luó Xiǎohēi Zhànjì | The Legend of Luo Xiaohei
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Where to watch: Free on iQIYI (with ads)
A beautifully animated fantasy about spirits, humans, and the natural world. Beneath its cute visual style is a thoughtful story about identity, friendship, and coexistence. The episodes are short, which makes them easy to rewatch, and the visual storytelling keeps you engaged even when some dialogue is challenging.
5. 仙王的日常生活 Xiān Wáng de Rìcháng Shēnghuó | The Daily Life of the Immortal King
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Where to watch: Free on Bilibili's official YouTube channel (English subtitles)
A powerful young cultivation prodigy tries to live an ordinary high school life, but supernatural threats and unexpected adventures keep getting in his way. Combining comedy, fantasy, and action, this popular Chinese animated series offers a glimpse into modern Chinese humor alongside traditional cultivation themes.
6. 全职高手 Quánzhí Gāoshǒu | The King's Avatar
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Where to watch: Prime Video, through the Crunchyroll channel (subscription)
A professional gamer starts over after leaving his team and fights his way back to the top. Ideal for fans of gaming, competition, and contemporary Chinese internet culture. Expect some specialized gaming vocabulary alongside modern Mandarin dialogue.
How to Learn Mandarin While Watching
You don't need to understand every word to benefit from watching in Mandarin. Try these simple strategies:
Watch with Chinese subtitles. Connect the spoken language with the characters.
Choose a short scene. Rewatch one to three minutes instead of tackling a whole episode.
Write down useful expressions. Focus on phrases you could use in real conversations.
Repeat lines aloud. Copy the pronunciation, tones, and rhythm of the speakers.
Rewatch without subtitles. See how much more you can understand the second time.
Start with a series you genuinely enjoy. Consistent listening is more valuable than choosing a show that feels like homework. Even 10–15 minutes a day can help you become more familiar with spoken Mandarin.