Fog Hill of Five Elements (雾山五行, Wu Shan Wu Xing) is a Chinese animated series, or donghua, produced by Samsara Studio in collaboration with Nice Boat Animation. Blending ancient mythology with mesmerizing hand-drawn animation, the series stands as one of the most visually stunning and narratively unique titles to emerge from China’s growing animation industry.
Originally announced in 2019 and released in 2020, Fog Hill of Five Elements quickly became a critical darling, earning widespread acclaim for its breathtaking animation, fluid fight choreography, and rich fantasy world rooted in Chinese lore. Though episodes have been released irregularly due to the studio’s small size, the quality has consistently exceeded expectations.
Fog Hill of Five Elements – Official Trailer
What Is Fog Hill of Five Elements About?
The story is inspired by classical Chinese mythology, particularly drawing from the ancient text The Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing). Set in a mystical world where monsters once roamed unchecked, the balance was restored when a powerful Taoist figure granted the Five Elemental Powers—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—to five chosen families. These elemental users built a barrier known as the Aegis to imprison the monsters within the mysterious Fog Hill (also known as Mist Mountain).
However, this delicate balance is disrupted when Wenren Yixuan, the Fire Envoy, breaks the Aegis in a desperate attempt to save his ailing mother. In doing so, he unknowingly releases a sacred beast and draws the attention of malicious demons eager to consume its power. The chaos that follows sets the stage for a narrative filled with betrayal, ancient secrets, supernatural warfare, and a looming threat to the human world.
At the center of this tale is Wenren Yixuan, a warrior burdened by guilt and purpose, who embarks on a perilous journey accompanied by his strange companion—a talking duck named Shuiguan—to set things right.
Is Fog Hill of Five Elements Worth Watching?
Absolutely. For fans of animation, martial arts, mythology, and artistic storytelling, Fog Hill of Five Elements is a must-watch. Its standout qualities include:
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- Exquisite hand-drawn animation reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink painting.
- High-octane action sequences that rival major productions from Japan or the West.
- A rich and mysterious mythological setting, steeped in Eastern philosophy and symbolism.
- Strong thematic undercurrents of duty, legacy, and sacrifice.
Despite its short length and slow release schedule, the quality of each episode makes it a highly rewarding experience.
Fog Hill of Five Elements Watch Order
Here is the chronological release order of all currently available episodes:
Season 1 (2020)
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- Episode 1 – Sacred Flames Renewed (July 26, 2020) – A fateful contact with a sealed demon leads to tragedy. A young man hiding a deadly secret is discovered by chance.
- Episode 2 – The Peacock Demon (August 2, 2020) – Xuan defeats two invading demons, but their leader returns, revealing a dark truth within the village.
- Episode 3 – Illusion Refers to Limits (August 9, 2020) – The lines between illusion and reality begin to blur, as past sins and current dangers converge.
Season 2 (2023)
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- Episode 1 – The Gu Poison Undermining (July 26, 2023) – Poison begins to corrupt both land and mind, with loyalties tested amidst brewing conflict.
- Episode 2 – The Barren Flame Tied Up (August 2, 2023) – Secrets ignite internal struggles as long-lost truths begin to emerge from the ashes.
- Episode 3 – Tracing Back to the Source (August 9, 2023) – Investigations take the protagonists deeper into the mystery of the elemental powers.
- Episode 4 – The Dying Souls in the Purple Forest – An eerie journey through a cursed forest uncovers the tragic toll of forgotten wars.
Note: The series continues to be released in an irregular schedule, with high production values being prioritized over speed.
Fog Hill of Five Elements Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Watch Fog Hill of Five Elements?
The series is available through various anime streaming platforms, including select YouTube channels with English subtitles. Availability may vary based on region and licensing.
Is There an English Dub?
As of now, no official English dub has been released. The series is available with fan-subtitled versions in multiple languages.
Is Season 3 Confirmed?
There has been no official announcement regarding a third season yet, but given the open narrative threads and continued fan interest, it is highly anticipated.
Who Are the Main Characters?
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- Wenren Yixuan – The Fire Elemental Envoy and main protagonist.
- Wenren Jingxuan – A key figure tied to Yixuan’s past.
- Su Xiao’an – A woman drawn into the conflict.
- Shuiguan – Yixuan’s duck companion and comic relief.
- Zeqi – A mysterious warrior from the elemental factions.
Why Are Episodes Released Slowly?
The studio behind the series, Samsara Studio, is relatively small and highly focused on hand-drawn animation quality. This artistic integrity has resulted in longer production times, but the result is animation that rivals, if not surpasses, many large-budget productions.
Conclusion: An Unmissable Gem in Modern Animation
Fog Hill of Five Elements is a stunning blend of visual storytelling, mythological depth, and emotional complexity. While it may not enjoy the global visibility of more mainstream anime series, those who discover it often describe it as a hidden treasure. It is a shining example of the power of Chinese animation (donghua) to deliver high-caliber artistry and narrative sophistication.
Though the wait between episodes may be long, every second on screen is worth it. If you don’t know where to watch this Anime for FREE make sure to contact me via E-mail, or in the comments below. Thank you for reading and make sure to bookmark the site.