Hey, everyone! What’s up? Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Guardians of the Dafeng, which emerged as one of the most enthralling Chinese fantasy series in late 2024 and early 2025. This creative show demonstrates that fusing modern detective techniques with age-old mystical realms makes for ideal binge-worthy content.
The series premiered on CCTV-8 and the streaming service Tencent Video on December 28, 2024, and is also accessible globally on WeTV, Viu, and Disney+ (Taiwan). Directed by Deng Ke and adapted from the renowned web novel by Mai Bao Xiao Lang Jun, this historical adventure fantasy unfolds over 40 episodes, blending mystery, fantasy, and romance in its storytelling. The drama stars Dylan Wang and Tian Xiwei in leading roles, weaving a captivating tale about a recent police academy graduate who must apply his contemporary insights to unravel ancient enigmas in a world teeming with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and warlocks.
A Modern-Day Worker,
Yang Ling, a present-day office worker, finds himself in the Da Feng Dynasty, transforming into Xu Qi An, a “copper gong” night watchman. The plot tracks Xu Qi’an, a recent police academy graduate awakening in a peculiar realm filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and warlocks. Facing potential banishment to a distant frontier town, he grabs the opportunity to alter his destiny by joining a formidable guardianship group. Leveraging his modern expertise, scientific grasp, and analytical abilities, he efficiently deciphers one odd case after another, gradually earning respect and reshaping his fate in this mystical land.
Xu Qi’an: The Modern Detective in Ancient Times
Dylan Wang delivers an outstanding performance as Xu Qi’an, expertly balancing the character’s contemporary outlook with his need to assimilate ancient traditions and supernatural elements. His portrayal captures the frustration and resourcefulness of someone applying 21st-century reasoning to a realm governed by mystical forces and ancient customs. The character’s evolution from a perplexed modern individual to a respected guardian showcases Wang’s adaptability as an actor, particularly in scenes where he must resolve cases using forensic insights that seem magical to his ancient peers.
The Female Lead: Princess and Partner
Tian Xiwei adds depth and elegance to her role as the female lead, crafting a character who serves as both a romantic interest and an intellectual equal to Xu Qi’an. Her portrayal balances the character’s royal heritage with her growing admiration for the time-traveling detective’s unconventional methods. The chemistry between Dylan Wang and Tian Xiwei creates genuine romantic tension that develops naturally alongside the mystery-solving escapades, making their relationship feel deserved rather than forced.
Ancient Mysteries and Modern Solutions
The series hits its apex when Xu Qi’an must employ all his gathered expertise, both modern and ancient, to unravel the most intricate case yet. The climax masterfully intertwines the supernatural components, political plots, and personal relationships that have been building throughout the series. The resolution illustrates how the protagonist has transformed from relying exclusively on modern knowledge to integrating both worlds, creating solutions that neither purely ancient nor purely modern methods could achieve.
Supporting Characters: A Rich Fantasy World
The series includes Liu Yijun and Yan Zidong in supporting roles that add layers of depth to the guardian organization and the mystical realm. Each character represents various facets of the Da Feng Dynasty’s supernatural society, from scholars well-versed in ancient wisdom to practitioners of assorted mystical arts. Their interactions with Xu Qi’an emphasize the cultural clash between modern and ancient worldviews while enriching the overall narrative tapestry.
Success on WeTV
Guardians of the Dafeng has gained notable attention as one of the latest Chinese dramas to captivate global audiences, with its distinctive mix of time travel, detective work, and fantasy elements resonating with viewers across different platforms. The series’ availability on various international streaming services, including WeTV, Viu, and Disney+, highlights its broad appeal and the growing global interest in Chinese fantasy content. The show’s success lies in its ability to make ancient Chinese culture accessible to modern viewers while retaining the mystical and romantic elements that make fantasy dramas so engaging.
If you’re a fan of stories involving time travel, detective mysteries, and the clash between modern logic and ancient magic, Guardians of the Dafeng is the ideal series to binge on WeTV. It’s an innovative twist on the fantasy genre that merges the best of both worlds in the most entertaining manner.
Guardians of the Dafeng skillfully combines modern detective work with ancient mystical elements, offering a distinctive fantasy experience that demonstrates how intelligence and adaptability can triumph in any era.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 40 Platform: WeTV, Viu, Disney+ (Taiwan), CCTV-8, Tencent Video Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDb) Genre: Historical Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery, Romance Protagonists: Dylan Wang (Xu Qi’an), Tian Xiwei (Female Lead) Antagonist: Corrupt officials, supernatural threats, and the challenge of adapting to an ancient world