Looking for some heartwarming historical Chinese anime for 2026? We’ve handpicked series with solid historical settings that fans have loved for their charm and great stories.
Check out Bai Yao Pu for its peaceful look at daily life mixed with supernatural fun, or Meng Qi Shi Shen for its amazing food scenes and all-around silliness. These shows offer more than just historical backdrops; they’re places you’ll get completely absorbed in.
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1. Bai Yao Pu (Hundred Demon Spectrum)
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | fantasy mystery supernatural |
Bai Yao Pu’s whole deal—a ghost doctor sorting out right from wrong with monsters—gives you these cool, bite-sized peeks into a supernatural world. It’s a winner for historical slice-of-life stuff.
2. Meng Qi Shi Shen (Adorable Food Goddess)
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Completed |
| Genres | comedy fantasy romance |
Meng Qi Shi Shen’s fast-paced start soon settles into this wonderfully charming slice-of-life. What makes it stand out is how it centers on the protagonist’s delightful culinary adventures and her adorable interactions.
3. The Legend of Qin
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action adventure fantasy historical |
Legend of Qin’s been around forever, the longest-running historical donghua set after China’s unification, and it’s such a unique slice-of-life ride against this huge historical backdrop. It really hooks you, following this young boy’s journey, mixing action, humor, and adventure into its complex stories over so many seasons.
4. Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action historical wuxia |
Even though it’s still ongoing and some story bits are up in the air, “Nine Songs of the Moving Heavens” is a standout slice-of-life donghua. It’s got this amazing historical setting in ancient China and characters you really connect with, making it a perfect intro to wuxia.
5. White Cat Legend
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | comedy mystery historical |
Detective Dee’s funny adventures tackling historical mysteries make "White Cat Legend" a real gem for slice-of-life fans who appreciate a good plot hook. Plus, since it’s ongoing, there’s always more intrigue to unravel.
6. The Westward (Xi Xing Ji)
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action adventure fantasy historical |
“The Westward (Xi Xing Ji)” really stands out because it imaginatively keeps going with the Journey to the West story. It’s deeply rooted in Tang Dynasty China, and the 3D art style is just gorgeous.
7. Purple River
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action fantasy historical military |
Purple River, still going strong, does a fantastic job of showing complex historical fantasy and political struggles through the eyes of three brothers defending their clan. If you like a rich story and awesome world-building that somehow feels easy to get into despite its scope, this is a great choice.
8. My Heroic Husband
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | comedy historical strategy |
Okay, so “My Heroic Husband” leans more into economics than martial arts, which might sound a bit odd for a cultivation story at first.
9. Wu Geng Ji
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action fantasy mythology |
Prince Wu Geng’s rebirth as a slave really hooks you, kicking off this donghua’s epic rebellion against divine rule. It’s a great pick if you’re into slice-of-life anime with historical backdrops, thanks to its gritty animation and intense character arcs, especially with its mix of Eastern mythology and dystopian themes.
10. The Apothecary Diaries
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | mystery drama romance slice of life |
“The Apothecary Diaries” really stands out because it mixes fascinating imperial court mysteries with Maomao’s sharp deductions, which is a nice change from typical slice-of-life stories. You can keep following her brilliant work in this ongoing donghua as she handles all the daily drama and scheming inside the palace.
11. Arte
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | drama romance slice of life |
Arte’s all about a female artist’s journey in Renaissance Italy. It’s an ongoing series that really shows her growth, and you’ll get hooked by how well it captures the era and her story of following her passion no matter what.
12. Thermae Romae
| Chapters | 38 |
|---|---|
| Status | Finished |
| Genres | comedy slice of life |
So, “Thermae Romae” only has 38 chapters, which isn’t a ton, but it’s an unforgettable experience. You get this Roman architect, Lucius, who keeps popping into modern Japan to find new ideas for bathhouses.
13. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | drama mystery |
When a young woman who’s oddly good with poisons lands in an imperial court, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto’s complex story and the main character’s sharp mind will hook you right away. This ongoing donghua is a fascinating historical drama, a great pick for anyone who wants a solid mystery with a smart protagonist.
14. Otoyomegatari
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | drama romance slice of life |
Right from the start, Otoyomegatari throws you into the detailed traditions and family life of Central Asia, unlike a lot of historical slice-of-life stories. It keeps you hooked with its ongoing chapters.
15. Fushigi no Kuni no Bird
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | adventure slice of life |
Fushigi no Kuni no Bird is this donghua that’s still going, following a woman as she travels the world. People love it for its calm pace and how it focuses on discovering things in historical places.
16. Sengoku Komachi Kuroutan: Noukou Giga
| Chapters | N/A |
|---|---|
| Status | Ongoing |
| Genres | action drama slice of life supernatural |
Look, the fighting isn’t the main reason you’ll stick around for Sengoku Komachi Kuroutan: Noukou Giga, but the idea of a modern girl totally shaking up Sengoku-era farming? That’s where it shines. You get some really charming slice-of-life moments and watch the characters grow as the story unfolds. Seeing her practical know-how change everyday life in this cool historical period is just a blast.
17. Emma
| Chapters | 72 |
|---|---|
| Status | Finished |
| Genres | romance slice of life |
Emma’s painting of Victorian England is gorgeous, and the love story between a maid and a rich guy is so touching. It’s a great pick if you’re into slice-of-life donghua.
18. Shirley
| Chapters | 16 |
|---|---|
| Status | Releasing |
| Genres | drama slice of life |
What sets “Shirley” apart is how deeply emotional and character-driven it is. It skips the big plot twists for a raw, intimate look at personal struggles within its carefully built historical world, which has 16 chapters out so far.
19. Taishou Otome Otogibanashi
| Chapters | 42 |
|---|---|
| Status | Finished |
| Genres | drama romance slice of life |
Taishou Otome Otogibanashi is a gem, wrapping up at 42 chapters. It’s a beautifully drawn slice of life from Japan’s Taisho era.
20. Tokyo Lastochika
| Chapters | 10 |
|---|---|
| Status | Finished |
| Genres | romance slice of life |
Even though its 10 chapters leave you wanting more, “Tokyo Lastochika” is a real treat if you’re into slice-of-life donghua with historical flair. The romance between the leads is so charming, and it all plays out against a backdrop that’s lovely to look at.
