2025 marks a pivotal year for Chinese animation, fueled by intense competition among major streaming platforms. Bilibili leads the charge with an ambitious slate of 43 new domestic productions, while Youku counters with its anthology Cat God (猫行东方), and iQiyi focuses strategic efforts on female-oriented animation. This platform war ultimately benefits viewers, delivering an unprecedented wave of high-quality, diverse content that pushes creative boundaries and showcases China's growing animation prowess across genres and storytelling styles.
Audiences can expect a year filled with imaginative worlds, deeper character explorations, and technical achievements rivaling global standards.
1. Yao-Chinese Folktales Season 2 (中国奇谭2)
Scheduled for a summer 2025 release, Yao-Chinese Folktales Season 2 has generated immense anticipation following its phenomenally successful first season. Director Chen Liaoyu (陈廖宇) reveals the new season continues the anthology format, presenting nine distinct shorts rooted in Chinese folklore while delving deeper into themes of modern identity and self-discovery. Early previews highlight a masterful blend of traditional cultural elements with contemporary narratives, demonstrating the enduring power and adaptability of China's mythic heritage.
Beyond showcasing technical brilliance, the series stands as a profound exploration of the Chinese cultural spirit. Each meticulously crafted short serves as a unique portal, transporting viewers through fantastical narratives that resonate with universal human experiences. The seamless integration of ancient motifs with present-day concerns creates stories that feel both timeless and urgently relevant. This thoughtful approach solidifies the series as a benchmark for artistic ambition and cultural depth within the medium.
From its exceptional production values to its rich thematic tapestry, Yao-Chinese Folktales Season 2 promises a rewarding experience for animation enthusiasts and anyone captivated by the depth of Chinese storytelling traditions. Its return signifies not just a popular sequel, but a continued commitment to elevating domestic animation as a vehicle for meaningful cultural expression and sophisticated entertainment.
2. A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传)
Premiering January 18th, the new season of A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality reinforces its status as a cornerstone of Chinese fantasy animation. This powerhouse franchise, boasting over 10 million followers on Bilibili and exceeding 3 billion total views since its 2020 debut, stands as a formidable rival to Tencent Video's annual series. Its success stems from a compelling blend of intricate world-building and deeply nuanced character development.
The series chronicles Han Li's arduous ascent from an ordinary mortal into the perilous realms of immortal cultivation. It masterfully balances high-stakes, visually spectacular combat sequences with profound reflections on perseverance, sacrifice, and the human condition within its meticulously constructed universe. The new season reportedly builds upon this strong foundation, offering narrative advancements and richer character arcs that promise to captivate its massive existing fanbase.
Technical excellence remains a hallmark, with fluid animation, expressive character models, and spellbinding visual effects setting industry standards. The consistent quality evident in every frame, from subtle emotional cues to grand elemental clashes, underscores the production team's dedication. For fans of Xianxia epics seeking immersive worlds and compelling character journeys, this season is an essential viewing experience, showcasing the pinnacle of long-form fantasy adaptation in Chinese animation.
3. Link Click Season 2 (时光代理人 2)
December 2023 saw the return of the acclaimed sci-fi original Link Click Season 2 (时光代理人 2). This series has garnered international praise for its inventive time-travel premise—centered on the ability to inhabit photographs and relive moments—and its deeply resonant emotional core. The second season maintains the high production quality while intensifying the narrative complexity and character-driven drama.
The series excels in weaving existential questions about time, consequence, and human connection into its thrilling sci-fi framework. Each mission reveals intricate, moving human stories, grounding the fantastical concept in relatable emotional truths. Its sophisticated storytelling, coupled with evocative visuals and a powerful musical score, exemplifies the holistic advancements occurring across China's animation industry. Link Click demonstrates that domestic creators can produce genre-defining work with universal appeal.
4. Tales of Herding Gods (牧神记)
Signaling confidence in original IP, Tales of Herding Gods transition into an annual series format after its successful nine-episode run, proving Bilibili's commitment to series development.
5. To Be Hero X (凸变英雄X)
Meanwhile, the wholly original superhero saga To Be Hero X, launching globally in April 2025, represents a bold step onto the international stage. It uniquely fuses Chinese cultural elements with superhero tropes, aiming to captivate worldwide audiences. This synchronized global release strategy highlights a new level of ambition for Chinese animation, aspiring not just for domestic success but to share its distinct cultural vision and narrative innovation with the world. The international reception of To Be Hero X will be closely watched as a potential catalyst for future global ventures.
