My children love watching Chinese cartoons. Primarily from the eighties (for better or worse). I have listed the top Chinese cartoons from post-Mao times in this post. Also with a critical note as a parent from a newer era.
If you’re learning Chinese or just fascinated by Chinese pop culture, diving into 1980s Chinese animation is like opening a dusty, sometimes weird, always fascinating time capsule. The reform era had begun, TV sets were becoming household staples, and animation studios were figuring out what a “socialist cartoon” should even look like.
Here are some of the best (and most ethically questionable) cartoons from China in the 1980s -entertaining, educational (sort of), and perfect for learners who want retro vocab, slow dialogue, and – most of all – a peek into post-Mao childhoods.
1. 《葫芦兄弟》 / Hulu Xiongdi (Calabash Brothers, 1986)
The plot: Seven magical brothers, each with a superpower (fire, invisibility, etc.) and a calabash on their heads, fight two evil snake (and scorpion) spirits who are not to be underestimated (especially the snake demon who is pure evil).
Why it’s iconic: The stop-motion clay animation. The hysteric background music. The over-the-top powers. And the theme song is burned into every 80s kid’s brain.
Ethical note: Watching it now, it’s oddly violent for a children’s show, but then again, this is Chinese mythology with evil spirits – if you don’t destroy them, they’ll destroy you. People get crushed, melted, frozen, poisoned and magically imprisoned. Also, the final message is… don’t rescue your brothers alone or you’ll fail the revolution?
Language learner tip: The dialogue is slow, deliberate, and with some classical-sounding phrasing here and there – great for listening practice.
2. 《黑猫警长》 / Heimao Jingzhang (Black Cat Detective, 1984–87)
The plot: A heroic black cat detective protects the forest from criminal animals – rats, wolves, evil birds. Think Zootopia, if it were written by someone suspicious of everyone.
Why it’s iconic: The animation was smooth by 80s standards, and Black Cat was an early example of a Chinese superhero who feared nothing and always knew to do the right thing. The theme song is still a banger, although I prefer the simplicity of the huluwa song.
Ethical note: This show is wildly violent. Criminals get gunned down. There’s a weirdly moralistic vibe about obeying authority – but also no trial, no mercy. Law and order, CCP-style.
Language learner tip: Simple dialogues, lots of animal names, and clear enunciation. And yes, they really do say “打倒老鼠!” (“Down with the rats!”).
3. 《舒克和贝塔》 / Shuke he Beita (Shuke and Beita, 1989)
The plot: Two mice – Shuke, who flies a helicopter, and Beita, who drives a tank – decide to stop stealing and help humans instead. They become military mercenaries for good.
Why it’s iconic: Adapted from Zheng Yuanjie’s beloved story, this is one of the few Chinese cartoons from the era with heart, humor, and a real sense of personality.
Ethical note: The transition from thief to tank-driving hero is never fully explained. Also, their “heroism” involves using heavy machinery without a license.
Language learner tip: Good everyday vocabulary and sentence structure. Also, a nice peek into 80s-style moral messaging: don’t steal, do pilot your own aircraft.
4. 《天书奇谭》 / Tianshu Qitan (The Legend of the Sealed Book, 1983)
The plot: A celestial being steals a heavenly book that teaches peasants how to make salt, cure diseases, and farm. The authorities freak out.
Why it’s iconic: It’s visually stunning, borrowing from classical Chinese painting. It was ahead of its time and didn’t talk down to kids.
Ethical note: The moral is sort of… ambiguous? The hero breaks the rules to help humanity, but also gets punished. Is this anti-bureaucracy? Or pro-rebellion? Either way, it’s complicated.
Language learner tip: Lots of fantasy vocabulary, moral dilemmas, and big “Journey to the West” energy.
5. 《哪吒闹海》 / Nezha Nao Hai (Nezha Conquers the Dragon King, 1979–80)
The plot: Nezha, a rebellious child-god, battles the tyrannical Dragon King. It’s based on Chinese mythology with heavy Daoist and Buddhist undertones. I recommend watching this version before checking the more recent animations that may have had bigger budgets but lack charm.
Why it’s iconic: It’s technically late-70s, but it aired widely in the 80s. The animation is beautiful. Nezha’s defiance inspired generations of Chinese kids to… rebel against aquatic despots?
Ethical note: Nezha literally dismembers himself in a gesture of filial piety. Yes, it’s beautiful. No, I don’t recommend it.
Language learner tip: Classical speech patterns and poetic narration. Challenging, but worth the effort if you’re into mythology.
Final thoughts: great for language, bizarre for morals
These cartoons are perfect for intermediate Chinese learners:
The language is slower and more articulate than modern shows.
You’ll pick up lots of useful vocabulary (and weirdly specific terms like “demonic snake spirit”).
They give cultural context that textbooks won’t touch. The Chinese generation that grew up during the 80’s are typically familiar with these cartoons. That’s why it’s great conversation topic.
But let’s be real: the ethics in these shows are… mixed. There’s a lot of “might makes right,” authoritarian undertones, and questionable role models. That said, they’re charming (except for 黑猫警长, the fascist cat), creative, and deeply nostalgic for many Chinese speakers today.
BONUS: 《小蝌蚪找妈妈》 / Tadpoles Look for Mother (1960)
The plot: A group of tadpoles are born and go searching for their mother, meeting various aquatic creatures along the way.
Why it’s iconic: Often called China’s first truly artistic animated short. It’s only about 15 minutes long, but its ink-painting animation style remains unmatched.
Ethical note: Gentle and sweet, but there’s an undercurrent of existential confusion. The tadpoles never really understand their identity until the very end. A subtle metaphor? Social constructivism? Maybe. But probably just biology.
Language tip: Very simple and slow – perfect for beginners, even if you only know a few hundred words.
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