As Donghua moves toward (shows like Swallowed Star or Perfect World ), the rabbit is evolving. The modern Donghua rabbit is no longer a mythic creature; it is frequently a bio-engineered weapon. In upcoming 2025–2026 releases, there is a trend of "Cultivation Rabbits"—rabbits that sit silently beside the protagonist for 40 episodes, only to reveal at the climax that they are the sealed true form of the villain's master.

). This show uses cute, anthropomorphic animals to represent different nations and retell modern Chinese history, with a white rabbit (the "Hare") representing China. Series Review: Year Hare Affair

Western studios have tried to copy the Donghua rabbit. The issue is one of cultural "weight." In the West, a magic rabbit might be a trickster (Br'er Rabbit, Buster Baxter). In China, the rabbit is a chemist and a guardian of lunar time.

from Perfect World . Depending on which "rabbit" you're looking for, Popular Rabbit Characters in Donghua Tuye (Lord Rabbit) - Fabulous Beasts (You Shou Yan)

While Na Tu established the rabbit as a symbol of national grit, other series have utilized the creature for pure fantasy storytelling.

If you want to dive deep into this trope, start with these episodes and films: