Shijian Qiutu

Shijian Qiutu, known in English as Time Agents or The Time Agents, is a web-based original net animation (ONA) produced by the Chinese streaming platform Youku. Released as part of the platform's push into serialized, high-production-value animation, the series explores themes of temporal manipulation through a narrative lens common in modern Chinese fantasy and science fiction dramas. It was created to capitalize on the growing domestic appetite for episodic storytelling that blends supernatural elements with grounded emotional stakes.

The series reflects a contemporary shift in Chinese animation toward more complex, character-driven scripts and refined visual aesthetics. By prioritizing intricate character designs and stylized action sequences, the production team aimed to distinguish the project from more traditional wuxia-inspired works. Upon its release, it was noted by audiences for its thematic focus on the weight of memory and the consequences of altering past events, cementing its place as a recognizable title within Youku’s expanding catalog of streaming content.