An anime opening or intro could either build or break a show’s momentum and viewer’s impressions. These songs and their accompanying animation sequences transport us into a trance moment within the anime itself, where one could feel ambiguous excitement, epic emotional clashes, and the overflowing ambiance of the anime’s plot. We all get transported into something surreal, an experience that we feel when we finally get caught by an enormous force, so addicting that you don’t have any option but to dive into the story.
Such is the case when watching anime series, and different shows have various approaches to building their plots. An awesome anime opening is now a necessity. It is sometimes a deciding factor whether one should continue watching a show or not; it is typically the front end of an anime show.
With the massive growth in the popularity and demand for Chinese anime (Donghua), the industry is now consistently delivering high-quality visual and auditory experiences. We proudly present the best Chinese anime openings, ranked according to your specific preferences, that deserve to gain solid attention from anime viewers.
Turn on your headphones now and get ready to be enthralled and dive into the world of Chinese anime music!
The Top 10 Best Chinese Anime Opening Themes (Ranked by Preference)
This curated list features a phenomenal mix of rock anthems, iconic Wuxia ballads, and viral modern hits, creating a perfect blend of high energy and emotional depth.
1. Link Click (时光代理人) Season 2: “VORTEX”
Artist: Baisha JAWS (白鲨JAWS)
“VORTEX” is a masterclass in psychological rock, utilizing heavy bass lines, driving percussion, and complex, layered synthesizers to create an atmosphere of dread and high-stakes tension. Released for the show’s highly-anticipated second season, the theme perfectly mirrors the darker, more intricate, and more personal conflicts faced by the main characters. Its cinematic quality and sheer sonic force immediately place the viewer on edge, setting the stage for a dramatic viewing experience.
2. Spare Me, Great Lord! (大王饶命) Season 1: “Bu Hao Re” (不好惹)
Artist: Aza (阿萨)
This track is pure, unadulterated chaotic fun. “Bu Hao Re” (which translates roughly to “Not To Be Messed With”) became an instant viral hit for its blend of high-energy modern rap and hip-hop beats with quirky, traditional Chinese flair. The song’s irreverent and catchy nature, coupled with the opening animation’s fantastic color palette and frenetic pacing, perfectly encapsulates the protagonist Lu Shu’s sarcastic attitude and the series’ unique blend of comedy and cultivation action.
3. Link Click (时光代理人) Season 1: “Dive Back In Time”
Artist: Bai Sha JAWS (白鲨JAWS)
Establishing the iconic sound of the entire franchise, “Dive Back In Time” is a haunting and introspective rock theme. Its polished production, English lyrics, and atmospheric guitar riffs create a cinematic and mysterious backdrop, perfectly reflecting the core concepts of time, photography, and regret. This song is lauded for its sophisticated musical arrangement that elevated the standard for modern Donghua OPs, proving that Chinese animation themes can have global rock appeal.
4. The King’s Avatar (全职高手) Season 1: “Xin Yang” (信仰)
Artist: Zhang Jie (张杰)
Titled “Xin Yang” (Faith/Belief), this phenomenal opening theme is a high-energy, motivational rock anthem that captures the spirit of eSports competition. Its significance is doubled by the fact that it is performed by singer Zhang Jie, who also provides the voice acting for the legendary protagonist, Ye Xiu. The theme’s powerful vocals and driving tempo embody the struggle, passion, and competitive “Glory” that define the series, cementing its place as an overwhelming pillar in Chinese anime growth.
5. Spare Me, Great Lord! (大王饶命) Season 2: “Dui Dui Dui (对对对)”
Artist: Polyblue x 鱼椒盐 Yu Jiao Yan
The opening theme for Season 2 pivots to an anthemic, fast-paced pop-rock sound while maintaining the signature rebellious energy of the series. Literally meaning “Yes, yes, yes,” the song is a fun, energetic track that encourages the main character’s defiance and comedic chaos.
6. Fog Hill of Five Elements (雾山五行) Season 1: “No Fear of the Deep Ocean”
Artist: Lin Hun (林魂)
This opening theme is an artistic and raw masterpiece, as revolutionary as the series’ groundbreaking ink-wash animation style. Director Lin Hun personally sings the track, which fuses traditional Chinese chanting, sweeping orchestral elements, and hard-hitting rock guitars. The result is a martial, spiritual, and powerful anthem that feels like a warrior’s rallying cry, perfectly reflecting the show’s elegant, high-impact combat sequences and unique commitment to 2D animation excellence.
7. Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) Season 1: “Zui Meng Qian Chen” (醉梦前尘)
Artist: Terry Lin (林志炫)
“Zui Meng Qian Chen” (Drunken Dream of the Past) is a cornerstone of modern Xianxia music. Performed by the exceptional vocalist Terry Lin, this song is defined by its stunning elegance, gorgeous flute melodies, and soaring, melancholic vocals that perfectly capture the tragic yet beautiful core of the story. Its sophisticated traditional instrumentation and dramatic arrangement set an extremely high artistic bar for all subsequent Chinese fantasy drama themes.
8. Heaven Official’s Blessing Season 1: “Wú Bié” (无别)
Artist: Jeff Chang (张信哲)
Meaning “No Separation,” this theme is a tragically beautiful ballad that showcases incredible emotional depth. Performed by singer Jeff Chang, “Wú Bié” utilizes a magnificent orchestral backdrop and powerful, heartfelt vocals to express themes of longing, regret, and inseparable fate central to the narrative. It became an instant fan-favorite for its dramatic weight and the sheer vocal talent on display, confirming the franchise’s melancholic and drama-driven storytelling.
9. Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师) Season 3: “Rú Xǔ” (如许 / As Promised)
Artist: Lin Zhixuan
Concluding the trilogy of iconic themes is “Rú Xǔ,” a grand, regal, and highly polished duet delivered by two vocal powerhouses. The theme signifies the emotional and political culmination of the series, featuring impeccable harmonies and a sweeping orchestral arrangement that elevates the series’ dramatic climax. Its sophistication makes it a fitting farewell and one of the most musically mature pieces in all of Donghua.
10. The Legend of Qin (秦时明月): “Moonlight” (月光)
Artist: Anson Hu (胡彦斌)
If there’s anything that could be more beautiful, mystical, poetic, and magical than this song, we wonder what it would be? “Moonlight” by Anson Hu is the iconic theme that established the standard for 3D Chinese animation over a decade ago. Its sweeping orchestra, emotional depth, and poetic lyrics capture the historical drama and Wuxia elegance of the show. The song was used several times throughout the whole run of the donghua, paired with different, mesmerizing animation sequences in every season, making it a foundational anthem.
The Phenomenal Rise of Donghua Music
An anime opening or intros could either build or break a show’s momentum and viewer’s impressions. These songs and their animation sequence could transport us into a trance moment within the anime itself where one could feel ambiguous excitement, epic emotional clashes, and overflowing ambiance of the anime’s plot. We all get transported into something surreal, an experience that we feel when we finally get caught by an enormous force, so addicting that you don’t have any option but to dive into the story.
Such is the case when watching anime series, and different shows have various approaches to building their plots. An awesome anime opening is now a necessity. It is sometimes a deciding factor whether one should continue watching a show or not; it is typically the front end of an anime show.
We had previously shared the list of the most epic anime opening ever featuring the best opening animation sequence of different Japanese anime ranging from giant franchises into award-winning anime titles.
Now, with the rise of the popularity and demand of Chinese anime (Donghua), we proudly present the best Chinese anime opening that we thought deserves to gain solid attention from anime viewers; especially those audiences who fell in love with donghua series or Chinese animation.
Diving Deeper into the Music
- Link Click’s Musical Identity: Both “VORTEX” and “Dive Back In Time” from the Link Click series showcase a deep understanding of mood setting. While the Season 1 theme is introspective, “VORTEX” ratchets up the intensity and psychological tension. It uses a heavier bassline and darker synths, perfectly reflecting the shift to the complex, dangerous, and high-stakes plot of the second season.
- The Mo Dao Zu Shi Trilogy: Having two different themes—“Zui Meng Qian Chen,” and “Rú Xǔ”—on this list is a testament to the series’ consistently high musical standards. Each theme beautifully utilizes traditional instruments to set a grand, tragic, and sophisticated tone that defines the Xianxia genre.
- The Modern Anthem: “Bu Hao Re” from Spare Me, Great Lord! represent the modern side of Donghua music. They are high-energy, contemporary tracks that successfully appeal to younger audiences while perfectly capturing the speed, comedy, and competitiveness of their respective genres (comedy/action and eSports).
Honorable Mentions: The Pillars of Xianxia & Cultivation Music
While the top 10 list focuses on themes that achieved breakout status for their musical quality and impact, the Cultivation (Xianxia) and Wuxia genres are responsible for the vast majority of fantastic Donghua music.
Here are some absolute must-listen honorable mentions, which often feature powerful singers, epic orchestral scores, and a heavy use of traditional Chinese instruments:
Cultivation Classics and Action Epics
- A Will Eternal (一念永恒) OP: A lively, inspiring anthem that perfectly matches the main character’s comedic yet ambitious journey toward immortality. It’s instantly memorable and full of youthful vigor.
- Renegade Immortal (仙逆) OP: This theme embodies the epic struggle and defiance inherent in the xianxia genre. It’s dramatic, heavy on orchestral might, and conveys the weight of a powerful figure challenging fate.
- Soul Land (Douluo Dalu) OPs: Known for consistently delivering high-energy tracks. The theme “The Land Of Warriors” by Jam Hsiao is a staple, defined by its powerful rock vocals and rhythmic drive. But it also has big names such as Angela Zhang and Coco Lee sung for their 3rd and 4th OPs, and they are even more epic.
- Battle Through The Heavens (斗破苍穹) OPs: Consistently praised for their fiery energy, massive scale, and epic feel, befitting a high-stakes power fantasy with powerful orchestral hits.
- A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality (凡人修仙传) OPs: The music is often subtle, elegant, and escalating in emotional intensity during key moments, heavily utilizing traditional Chinese strings and flutes to capture the main character’s cautious journey.
- Swallowed Star (吞噬星空) OPs: Reflecting its sci-fi Xianxia setting, the music innovatively blends rock and orchestral drama with a futuristic, metallic edge, emphasizing the vast, action-packed cosmic battles.
Foundational & Ensemble Gems
- Fairies Albums (Yāo Jīng Míng Zé / Spirtpact) OPs: Known for their beautifully rendered, fantastical settings, the openings feature music that is ethereal, poetic, and steeped in ancient Chinese mythology and folklore.
- Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens (天行九歌) OP: The soundtrack for this is called 心之逆鳞 (Xīn Zhī Nì Lín). While it may not be your cup of tea, it’s definitely mystical, beautiful, fascinating, and beautifully animated. The song is truly something that could’ve been made in heaven, isn’t it?
- Lu’s Time Opening (Lù Shēn Zhi Shì) – “Exceeding the Limits”: This is just purely insane and lit. It’s a catchy, strong, and energetic track that perfectly pulls viewers into its unique narrative.
- Martial Universe (Wǔ Dòng Qián Kūn) OPs: This anime is quite notorious for having some of the best soundtracks heard from a Chinese anime series. Almost everything about Martial Universe and its music is just epic AF.
That’s our definitive list of the best Chinese anime openings. While the genre is constantly expanding, one thing is certain: the Chinese animation industry is brimming with so much potential, and the music industry behind it, providing these absolutely great songs, deserves a big round of applause and global recognition.
Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Yu Alexius
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