Diving into the mysteries of donghua

A hit Chinese animation based on a popular web fantasy novel, blending Victorian intrigue with Chinese spirit, enchants audiences across continents, Wang Ru reports.

A Chinese animation adapted from one of the country's most popular web novels, is finding fans around the world.

Based on an online fantasy that drew millions of readers, Lord of Mysteries ran its first season on the Chinese online video platform Tencent Video from June to August and on overseas platforms in more than 190 countries and regions.

It has garnered 4.8 points out of 5 on the popular global anime platform Crunchyroll, rated by more than 50,000 people and achieving one of the highest ratings among this summer's releases. It's also a highlight on Crunchyroll's summer 2025 anime lineup, says Cui Chao, deputy general manager of the animation content production department of Tencent Online Video, who is the chief planner of the project.

Set in a world reminiscent of the Victorian era where humans can gain supernatural abilities, the story follows Zhou Mingrui, a young man who, after a mysterious death and rebirth, wakes up in the body of Klein Moretti and discovers a world filled with secret organizations, mystical powers, and ancient gods. As he ventures into this enigmatic realm, he embarks on a journey to uncover hidden truths, navigate complex conspiracies, and ascend through a hierarchy of mystical pathways.

"This donghua (animation) blows my mind with its visuals, story, and 'mysteries'. It's not something that you can watch while playing with your phone. Miss a line and you'll be lost later," comments popular movie database IMDb user EllieQ-5.

Xiong Ke, director of the production, says he is excited that some overseas viewers are using the word donghua to describe the show, as it signifies that Chinese animation is developing its own recognizable identity.

Cui attributes its cross-border success to universal themes. It tells a story that people everywhere can relate to, he says.

Yuan Ye, also known as Ai Qianshui De Wuzei (cuttlefish that loves diving) online, the original writer of the novel, says that, at the heart of the work are human emotions and bonds, including friendship, family love, romantic love and companionship in face of dangerous moments. These are values people everywhere can relate to.

Moreover, it is set in the Victorian era, which is familiar to many people overseas, making it easier for them to grasp the storyline.

But Cui also stresses that, under the Western exterior, it carries a core that is typically Chinese.

"This animation tells the story of how ordinary people, after getting magical powers accidentally, choose to shoulder responsibility," he says.

"They use their abilities to help others. This demonstrates the traditional concept of Chinese literati that, 'In poverty, one should still hold himself to a high standard; in prosperity, one should contribute to the well-being of all'," he adds.

That perspective shapes the protagonist's journey. Liu Xing, the playwright, explains, "The hero's way of thinking, his methods of problem-solving, and his motivations are all Chinese. When these collide with a Western-style fantasy setting, the result is both fresh and compelling."

Cui says the series also comes at a time when Chinese animation, gaming, and storytelling are making strong inroads abroad.

"In recent years, we have seen the huge success of Chinese ACGN — animation, comics, games, and novels — in the global market, including Black Myth: Wukong, an action role-playing video game rooted in Chinese mythology, and Ne Zha 2, a Chinese animated film," he says.

"Our animation production is already at a high level, and our stories are strong," says Cui. "Now is the time to step onto the international stage. Chinese animation has the potential to amaze the world," he says.

Producer Yan Yameng confirms that a second season and a special episode are already in production. That news is likely to please international fans eager for more of Zhou Mingrui's journey through conspiracies, gods, and shifting allegiances.