Think you know all the anime characters out there? Think again! In this post, we’re diving into 25 anime Chinese characters you didn’t know were Chinese. Prepare for some surprising revelations that might just make you rethink your anime knowledge—and maybe even your next cosplay!
Our Favorite Anime Chinese Characters
Melissa Mao (Full Metal Panic!)
Melissa Mao from Full Metal Panic! is a total badass and a real force to be reckoned with. This half-Chinese, half-American beauty combines her sharp tactical mind with a tough, no-nonsense attitude, making her a standout in the team. Rocking a practical military look and always ready to dive into action, Melissa’s fierce loyalty and leadership make her an unforgettable character.
Ten Ten (Naruto)
Tenten from Naruto is such an underrated gem! With her Chinese-inspired buns and expertise in weaponry, she’s a kunoichi who can handle any battle with style and precision. Her determination to master her skills and her practical, straightforward attitude make her an essential and inspiring member of Team Guy.
Bu-Ling Huang (Tokyo Mew Mew)
Bu-Ling Huang from Tokyo Mew Mew is an absolute bundle of joy and chaos! This adorable Chinese acrobat, with her cute monkey ears and tail, brings endless energy and laughter to the team. Her playful spirit and infectious smile, combined with her mad martial arts skills, make Bu-Ling a lovable and dynamic character who always keeps things interesting.
Neji Hyuga (Naruto)
Neji Hyuga from Naruto is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. With his traditional Chinese-inspired look and those intense Byakugan eyes, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the ninja world. Though he starts off a bit stiff and serious, Neji’s journey from rigid destiny believer to a more open-hearted teammate is one of the most satisfying transformations in the series.
Count D (Pet Shop of Horrors)
Count D from Pet Shop of Horrors is such a fascinating and mysterious character! With his elegant Chinese-inspired aesthetic, complete with that stylish long coat and mesmerizing eyes, he really knows how to make an entrance. He’s got this playful yet enigmatic vibe, always ready to dish out a mix of charm and danger while selling exotic pets with some seriously twisted backstories.
Wang Liu Mei (Mobile Suit Gundam 00)
Wang Liu Mei from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 is a total scene-stealer! With her sleek style and a flair that perfectly blends her Chinese heritage, she’s got this sophisticated yet sly attitude that keeps you guessing. As a cunning strategist and businesswoman, she knows how to play the game, often adding a bit of drama and intrigue to the mix—plus, she always looks fabulous while doing it!
Tao Bai Bai (Dragonball)
Tao Bai Bai from Dragon Ball is a wild mix of menace and comedy! With his slick hair, sharp outfit, and that crazy assassin vibe, he definitely stands out, not to mention his hilarious attempts to take on Goku. His Chinese heritage shines through in his martial arts skills, and honestly, his over-the-top antics and epic failures make him both intimidating and oddly entertaining at the same time!
Fon (Reborn)
Fon from Reborn! is such a cool character with a mix of charm and badassery! With his sleek, stylish look and that Chinese heritage reflected in his martial arts skills, he’s got the whole mysterious vibe down perfectly. Plus, his laid-back attitude and the way he can switch from calm to serious in an instant make him a fun and interesting character to watch!
Lan Fan (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Lan Fan from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an absolute badass with a heart of gold! With her sleek, traditional Chinese warrior aesthetic and that cool mechanical arm, she’s not just stylish but also fiercely loyal to her family. Her serious demeanor is often balanced by her determination to protect Ling, and honestly, watching her kick butt while maintaining her honor is just so inspiring!
Rebecca Lee (Black Lagoon)
Rebecca Lee from Black Lagoon is such a firecracker! With her badass attitude and that tough-as-nails aesthetic, she embodies the fierce spirit of her Chinese heritage. Whether she’s taking down enemies with her skills or delivering witty one-liners, her sharp personality and no-nonsense approach make her an unforgettable part of the gang—and you can’t help but love her chaotic energy!
Sha Gojyo (Saiyuki)
Sha Gojyo from Saiyuki is such a fun and laid-back character! With his striking red hair and that carefree, flirtatious attitude, he definitely knows how to lighten the mood, even in the craziest situations. His Chinese heritage adds depth to his backstory, and watching him balance his playful nature with his serious side makes him a standout in the group—plus, who doesn’t love a guy with a sharp wit and a soft spot for his friends?
Chang Wufei (Gundam Wing)
Chang Wufei from Gundam Wing is the ultimate brooding hero with a heart of gold! With his sleek hairstyle and that cool Chinese-inspired aesthetic, he brings a serious vibe to the team, but you can’t help but laugh at his intense determination to uphold his sense of honor. His constant struggle between pride and teamwork adds a fun layer to his character, and watching him grow while still being a bit of a lone wolf is just so satisfying!
Syaoran (Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle)
Syaoran from Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle is such a determined and brave character! With his classic Chinese-inspired look and that serious demeanor, you can really feel his dedication to saving Sakura. He’s got this endearing mix of toughness and vulnerability, and watching him navigate all those wild adventures while staying loyal to his friends makes him totally relatable—and let’s be real, his epic battles are just so much fun to watch!
Syaoran Li (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Syaoran Li from Cardcaptor Sakura is such a charming mix of fierce and adorable! With his traditional Chinese outfit and that determined look in his eyes, he’s always ready to step up and face any challenge, especially when it comes to capturing those Clow Cards. His rivalry with Sakura starts off rocky, but you can’t help but love how their relationship blossoms, plus his grumpy yet caring attitude adds a hilarious twist to their adventures!
Li Xingke (Code Geass)
Li Xingke from Code Geass is such a cool character with a mix of charisma and strategy! With his sleek, regal aesthetic and that suave demeanor, he really embodies his Chinese heritage while navigating the complex political landscape. His sharp wit and clever tactics make him a formidable ally, and watching him balance his loyalty to his friends with his ambitious goals adds a fun layer of depth to his character!
Lau (Black Butler)
Lau from Black Butler is such a delightful mix of charm and mischief! With his slick hair, sharp outfit, and that cool Chinese vibe, he definitely stands out in the series. His laid-back attitude and knack for getting into trouble, paired with his serious connections to the underground, make him both entertaining and unpredictable—plus, you can’t help but love his playful banter with others!
Chinmi (Kung Fu Boy)
Chinmi from Kung Fu Boy is an absolute gem of a character! With his scrappy style and that classic Chinese martial arts vibe, he’s always ready to take on any challenge with a mix of determination and humor. His goofy antics and relentless spirit make him super relatable, and watching him grow from a rookie to a kung fu master is both inspiring and hilarious!
Jun Tao (Shaman King)
Jun Tao from Shaman King is such a fierce and captivating character! With her traditional Chinese attire and that confident, no-nonsense attitude, she really commands attention. Her mix of strong will and mystical abilities makes her a powerhouse in the series, and you can’t help but love her sassy comebacks and loyalty to her brother—she’s definitely not someone you want to mess with!
Hei (Darker than Black)
Hei from Darker than Black is such a mysterious and badass character! With his sleek black attire and that cool, enigmatic vibe, he definitely knows how to make an entrance. His Chinese heritage adds depth to his backstory, and watching him juggle his assassin life with his softer side makes him super intriguing—plus, his sarcastic humor is a perfect balance to all the dark drama!
Yang Wen-Li (Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
Yang Wen-Li from Legend of the Galactic Heroes is such a brilliant and relatable character! With his slightly disheveled hair and laid-back demeanor, he’s like the ultimate anti-hero who just wants to sip tea and enjoy history while somehow managing to save the galaxy. His Chinese heritage adds a rich layer to his character, and watching him navigate the political chaos with a mix of wit and strategy makes him both inspiring and totally down-to-earth!
Guang Hong Ji (Yuri!!! On Ice)
Guang Hong Ji from Yuri!!! On Ice is just the sweetest and most talented young skater! Representing China, he’s got this gentle and humble attitude that makes him super likable, plus his routines often have that beautiful, graceful touch inspired by his heritage. With his cute and youthful look, Guang Hong’s dedication and passion for figure skating shine through every performance.
Pao Lin Huang (Tiger & Bunny)
Pao-Lin Huang, aka Dragon Kid from Tiger & Bunny, is such a fun and fierce character! She’s got this awesome Chinese kung fu vibe and wields a staff with electric powers, all while rocking her traditional Chinese-inspired superhero outfit. Despite her tomboyish attitude and often feeling out of place among her peers, Pao-Lin’s loyalty and bravery make her a real standout in the hero world.
Zhuge Kongming (Ya Boy Kongming)
Zhuge Kongming from Ya Boy Kongming is an absolute legend! This guy, straight out of ancient China, gets reincarnated in modern Tokyo and uses his brilliant strategies and wisdom to navigate the music industry. With his traditional Chinese robes and fan, plus his chill and super clever demeanor, Kongming brings a unique and hilarious twist to modern life while helping out those around him.
Rock Lee (Naruto)
Rock Lee from Naruto is such a powerhouse of determination and energy! His character, inspired by Chinese martial arts, is all about hard work and never giving up, even though he can’t use ninjutsu or genjutsu. With his signature bowl-cut hair and bushy eyebrows, Rock Lee’s dedication to taijutsu and his unwavering spirit make him one of the most inspiring characters in the series.
Balsa (Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit)
Balsa from Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is such a fierce and admirable character! With her warrior aesthetic and that flowing hair, she embodies strength and grace, proving that a strong woman can protect those she loves without losing her compassion. Her Chinese heritage shines through in her martial arts skills and cultural depth, and honestly, watching her navigate challenges while caring for the prince is both inspiring and downright entertaining!
Are you interested in anime Chinese characters and their unique traits? Then you might also be interested in our article about anime German characters, muscular anime character or anime characters with moustaches! What are your favorite anime Chinese characters? Let us know in the comments!
FAQ – Anime Chinese Characters
Are there any Chinese characters in anime?
Yes, there are many Chinese characters in anime! Notable examples include Syaoran Li from Cardcaptor Sakura, Balsa from Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, and Ling Yao from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. These characters showcase rich cultural backgrounds and add diversity to their respective stories.
What are Chinese anime called?
Chinese anime is commonly referred to as “donghua.” These animated series and films are produced in China and cover various genres, often showcasing unique storytelling styles and cultural elements. Donghua has gained popularity both domestically and internationally, with many fans appreciating their distinct art and narratives.
Are Japanese characters the same as Chinese?
No, Japanese characters (kanji) share similarities with Chinese characters (hanzi) but are not the same. Kanji originated from Chinese characters but have evolved differently in terms of pronunciation, usage, and meaning over time. Both languages also use unique phonetic scripts (hiragana/katakana in Japanese, pinyin in Chinese).
Is anime big in China?
Yes, anime is quite popular in China! The country has a thriving anime community, with many fans enjoying both Japanese anime and domestic productions known as donghua. Online streaming platforms and conventions have contributed to its growth, making anime a significant part of youth culture in China.
