Top Ancient China Anime Recommendations

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries.

Studio: OLM , TOHO animation STUDIO
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Mystery

Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!



Tags: Female Protagonist , Medicine , Drugs , Historical , Ancient China , Detective , Conspiracy , Foreign , Politics , Work , Royal Affairs , Primarily Adult Cast , Adoption , Heterosexual , Seinen , Alchemy , Maids , Unrequited Love , Tragedy , Go , Aromantic , Pregnancy , Episodic , Food , Asexual , Slavery , Makeup , Chibi

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.

Studio: TOHO animation STUDIO , OLM
Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery

The second season of Kusuriya no Hitorigoto.

Maomao and Jinshi face palace intrigue as a pregnant concubine's safety and a looming conspiracy collide.



Tags: Medicine , Female Protagonist , Historical , Royal Affairs , Politics , Ancient China , Class Struggle , Primarily Adult Cast , Foreign , Work , Asexual , Pregnancy , Maids , Heterosexual , Seinen , Chibi , Primarily Female Cast , Animals , Crossdressing , Primarily Male Cast

Paripi Koumei

Also known as Ya Boy Kongming!.

Studio: P.A.WORKS
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Drama , Music , Supernatural

Fate and reincarnation deliver brilliant military strategist, Kongming, from warring, ancient China to Japan’s modern party hot spot in Shibuya City, Tokyo. After a lifetime of battles and military skirmishes, Kongming wished with his last breath to be reborn in a world of peace and prosperity. It’s nearly two millennia later and he’s finding his way in a very different world than that of his past life. When he meets Eiko, an amateur musician with big dreams, the unlikely duo strikes up an even unlikelier friendship. Eiko has street smarts to help Kongming navigate this strange new world, and Kongming will use his strategic mind to help Eiko achieve stardom!



An advanced online screening of the first episode was held on March 31, 2022, but the weekly TV release began on April 5, 2022.

Tags: Reincarnation , Urban , Band , Primarily Adult Cast , Anachronism , Idol , Hip-hop Music , Historical , Ensemble Cast , Female Protagonist , Bar , Male Protagonist , Work , Seinen , Rock Music , Military , Dancing , Classic Literature , Ancient China , Fugitive

Kingdom

Also known as Kingdom.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama

When low-born servant boys Piao and Xin set out to become the world’s greatest war generals, they quickly find themselves caught up in a violent struggle between two noblemen plotting to overthrow the King. After Piao is killed protecting the rightful ruler of the kingdom of Qin, Xin sets out on a campaign for revenge that leads him straight into the fire of war.

Now, with a target on his back and an army of enemies standing in his way, it will be up to a boy with no name and a young king without a throne to return order to their war-torn country in this historical action-drama based on the Tezuka Award-winning manga, Kingdom.



Note: The first episode aired with a runtime of 50 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute runtime.

Tags: War , Military , CGI , Historical , Foreign , Primarily Male Cast , Politics , Swordplay , Ancient China , Coming of Age , Royal Affairs , Male Protagonist , Seinen

Koukyuu no Karasu

Also known as Raven of the Inner Palace.

Studio: Bandai Namco Pictures
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Fantasy , Mystery , Supernatural

Deep within the inner palace lives a special consort who does not serve the emperor despite her position as a consort. She is known as the Raven Consort. People who have seen her say she looks like an old woman, while others say she looks like a young girl. Stories tell of her use of mysterious arts, and how she can take on any request, be it death curses or finding lost things. Koushun, the current emperor, goes to visit the Raven Consort with that intention. Without knowing that their fated meeting will become a taboo that will overturn history.



Tags: Female Protagonist , Foreign , Historical , Primarily Adult Cast , Detective , Kuudere , Mythology , Magic , Episodic , Necromancy , Shoujo , Conspiracy , Politics , Ghost , Suicide , Tsundere , Heterosexual , Maids , Ojou-sama , Body Horror , Orphan , Ancient China ,

Kingdom 2nd Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 2.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The second season of Kingdom.

A year after the devastating battle against the formidable Zhao, the State of Qin has returned its focus to pursuing King Ying Zheng's ambition of conquering the other six states and unifying China. Their next target is Wei, a smaller state which stands as a geographic stepping stone for the sake of conquest.

Xin, now a three hundred man commander of the swiftly rising Fei Xin Unit, continues to seek out lofty achievements in order to garner recognition for himself and his soldiers, motivated by those previously lost in battle. In the preliminary battles ahead of Qin's invasion of Wei, Xin finds competition in other young commanders who are of a higher social status than him. Back in Qin, the royal palace faces turmoil as opposing factions begin to make their move against Ying Zheng's regime.

With their hands full both abroad and at home, Zheng and Xin must lead the way in this era of unending war, resolved to etch their names in history by creating a unified China.



Tags: Foreign , War , Military , Politics , Historical , Swordplay , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Seinen , Primarily Adult Cast , Coming of Age , Royal Affairs , Ancient China , Ensemble Cast , CGI

Kingdom 3rd Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 3.

Studio: Studio Signpost , Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The third season of Kingdom.

Following the successful Sanyou campaign, the Qin army, including 1,000-Man Commander Xin, inches ever closer to fulfilling King Ying Zheng's dream of unifying China. With a major geographical foothold in the state of Wei now under its control, Qin sets its sights eastward toward the remaining warring states.

Meanwhile Li Mu—an unparalleled strategist and the newly appointed prime minister of the state of Zhao—has taken advantage of Zhao's temporary truce with Qin to negotiate with the other states without interruption. Seemingly without warning, Ying Zheng receives news that armies from the states of Chu, Zhao, Wei, Han, Yan, and Qi have crossed into Qin territory. Realizing too late the purpose behind Li Mu's truce with Qin, Zheng quickly gathers his advisors to devise a plan to address the six-state coalition army on their doorstep. For the first time in history, the state of Qin faces complete destruction and must use every resource and strategy at their disposal to prevent themselves from being wiped off the map.



Tags: War , Historical , Military , Male Protagonist , Politics , Foreign , Seinen , Swordplay , Primarily Male Cast , Royal Affairs , Primarily Adult Cast , Ancient China , CGI

Fushigi Yuugi

Also known as Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

While visiting the National Library, junior-high students Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo are transported into the world of a mysterious book set in ancient China, “The Universe of The Four Gods.” Miaka suddenly finds herself with the responsibility of being the priestess of Suzaku, and must find all of her celestial warriors for the purpose of summoning Suzaku for three wishes. However, the enemy nation of the god Seiryuu has manipulated Yui into becoming the priestess of Seiryuu. As enemies, the former best friends begin their long struggle to summon their respective gods and obtain their wishes…

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tags: Female Protagonist , Shoujo , Isekai , Magic , Historical , Heterosexual , Foreign , Mythology , Coming of Age , Travel , Gods , War , Super Power , Male Harem , Tragedy , Ancient China , Love Triangle , Crime , Martial Arts , Revenge , Nudity , Dragons , Reincarnation , Crossdressing , Twins , Suicide , Demons

Wu Shan Wu Xing: Zhuo Yuan Shen Huo

Studio: Samsara Studio
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy

A legend tells that a long time ago, monsters could give the ability to master the five elements to certain elected officials. But for that, you have to go through the dangerous foggy mountains...

We follow the adventures of one of these elected officials.

Tags: Martial Arts , Gods , Foreign , Tragedy , Super Power , Ancient China , Demons , Shapeshifting , Rural , Amnesia

Saiunkoku Monogatari

Also known as The Story of Saiunkoku.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Saiunkoku is a world of eight provinces or houses, each named after a different colour. The new Emperor, Shi Ryuuki, has gained a reputation for being uninterested in courtly matters and for flaunting his love for men. Shuurei, although born of the important Kou family, has difficulty making ends meet. She easily accepts an invitation to be the Emperor's concubine in order to turn him into a good ruler. The mysterious Seiran, a young man who was adopted by her father, goes with her as Ryuuki's bodyguard. Entering the imperial palace revives Shuurei's dream of being a court official, and, together with the many companions she meets along the way, continues moving bravely forward while trying to fend off the Emperor's advances.



Tags: Female Protagonist , Politics , Historical , Shoujo , Foreign , Coming of Age , Ensemble Cast , Philosophy , Work , Mythology , Urban , Royal Affairs , Unrequited Love , Ancient China , Kingdom Management , Bisexual , Swordplay , Bullying , Family Life , Assassins , Primarily Adult Cast , Travel , Ghost , Arranged Marriage , Primarily Male Cast , Male Harem , War , Heterosexual , Crime , Dissociative Identities , Found Family , Marriage

Tongling Fei

Also known as Psychic Princess.

Studio: Haoliners Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance , Supernatural

Qian Yunxi, the oldest daughter of the prime minister was born with a special ability. Because of this she was deemed 'abnormal' and was raised at Mt. Lin Yun. Upon turning 16, she took her younger sister's place to marry into the royal family of Ye. Rumours say Ye Youming is strange, cold and cruel. Just how will Qian Yunxi's fate play out?

Tags: Female Protagonist , Ghost , Historical , Demons , Wuxia , Cultivation , Heterosexual , Reincarnation , Chibi , Ancient China , Royal Affairs , Bullying , Assassins , Crossdressing

Kingdom 4th Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 4.

Studio: Studio Pierrot , Studio Signpost
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The fourth season of Kingdom.

Following the conclusion of the large-scale coalition campaign, the entirety of China is in a state of economic recovery. The victor of the battle, the state of Qin, is no different. There, the political parties led by Ying Zheng and Buwei Lü continue their inner conflict. Having played the role of king in the coalition battle, Zheng has the trust of the people—but Lü is far from out of the fight. In 18 months, he plans to interrupt Zheng's coming-of-age ceremony.

Meanwhile, a Zhao army numbering 20,000 troops has set out toward Qin. In the royal court, due to the lack of generals capable of responding to the incoming threat, Lü slyly suggests that Zheng take command. However, Cheng Jiao, Zheng's half-brother, volunteers instead. As they grew to trust each other during the coalition battle, Zheng now accepts Jiao as his replacement.

However, the Zhao forces retreat a mere half-day after clashing with Jiao's army. With trouble quickly brewing in the shadows, the internal struggle of Qin is only complicated further. There are only two men Zheng feels he can rely on: Bi, a general who commands 30,000 men; and Xin, the leader of the Fei Xin force.



Tags: War , Historical , Male Protagonist , Swordplay , Seinen , Foreign , Royal Affairs , Ensemble Cast , Ancient China , Politics , Military , Tragedy

Kingdom 5th Season

Also known as Kingdom Season 5.

Studio: Studio Pierrot , Studio Signpost
Status: Finished
Genres: Action

The fifth season of Kingdom.

Tags: War , Historical , Military , Seinen , Ancient China , Foreign , Ensemble Cast , Male Protagonist , Politics , CGI , Assassins , Body Horror , Torture , Archery , Tragedy , Gore

Wu Shan Wu Xing: Xi Chuan Huan Zi Lin

Studio: Samsara Studio
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Drama , Fantasy

Tags: Ancient China , Martial Arts , Demons , War , Male Protagonist

Saiunkoku Monogatari 2nd Season

Also known as The Story of Saiunkoku Second Series.

Studio: MADHOUSE
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Comedy , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Shuurei needs to deal with more obstacles in the new series. More danger comes her way but at the same time meeting friends who will help her with her work as an official.



Tags: Historical , Politics , Foreign , Shoujo , Philosophy , Mythology , Unrequited Love , Royal Affairs , Ancient China , Kingdom Management , Work , Female Protagonist , Male Harem

Fushigi Yuugi OVA 2

Also known as Mysterious Play OVA 2.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Drama , Fantasy , Romance

Miaka and Taka (Tamahome's reborn out-of-the-book self) return to the Universe of the Four Gods to try and restore Tamahome's memories to Taka. This is not as easy as it sounds, however, when the evil Tenkou shows up to rain on their parade. He manages to thwart most of their attempts at getting Taka's memories back, and uses his newfound power to summon the Gods outside the book.



Tags: Shoujo , Female Protagonist , Historical , Urban Fantasy , Demons , Magic , Ancient China , Isekai

Fushigi Yuugi: Eikoden

Also known as Mysterious Play: Eikoden.

Studio: Studio Pierrot
Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure , Fantasy , Romance

Taka (technically Tamahome) and Miaka are now happily married and only six months before their new family would be born, but an obessed girl named Mayo would do anything to make Taka hers. She enters the world of the Four Gods, determined to win Taka's heart and be the new priestess.

Tags: Shoujo , Female Protagonist , Heterosexual , Isekai , Historical , Ancient China , Reincarnation , Pregnancy , Dragons , Gods , CGI

Maomao no Hitorigoto

Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy

Chibi shorts to Kusuriya no Hitorigoto released on the TOHO animation YouTube channel and the Nippon television channel.

Tags: Medicine , Chibi , Drugs , Ancient China , Educational , Meta

Dali Si Rizhi

Studio: Nice Boat Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Fantasy

We follow the daily life of Shi Chen, a young man looking for his brother. In order to find him, he goes to the Dali Court. One thing leads to another and he eventually becomes an officer working under Bing Li, a senior official with the appearance of a white cat.

Tags: Work , Ancient China , Historical , Orphan , Primarily Adult Cast , Ensemble Cast , Anthropomorphism , Matriarchy , Conspiracy , Crime , Cult

Yokoyama Mitsuteru Sangokushi

Status: Finished
Genres: Adventure

Around 1800 years ago in China, the ruling power of the Han dynasty became weakened and the flames of war spread throughout the land.

Liu Bei was a young, poor straw-mat seller from the countryside of Hebai Hsing. After pledging eternal brotherhood with the two heroes, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu began building his idea of a righteous kingdom that would aid citizens who suffered from persecution.



Tags: Historical , Classic Literature , War , Male Protagonist , Primarily Male Cast , Primarily Adult Cast , Politics , Foreign , Ancient China