Sweet and often humorous
Okay, the story has a predictable sort of story to it, but I have enjoyed almost everything about it. Sets are lovely, and the male players have good costumes (which is mainly how I got into Chinese Historical dramas).I laugh a lot, and have gotten quite touched by the male lead's family, and their honest love of each other.... and I enjoy the fantastical, as... after all? Our young man is in a game, for goodnesssakes.
So: Within this predictable sorta tale, there is a sweetness and a few surprises!
I'm a big fan of Ni Hong Jie. Her acting feels so sincere.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
His master
The bond between Wei Yuan and Shu Qian is so strong that it moves me deeply. The way Wei Yuan protected Shu Qian, and Shu Qian's honest and playful nature, is truly charming.The courage to stand up and fight anyone just to correct a mistake is truly admirable. The way wei yuan protected and cared for his comrade was just like a father would. In the end, though, it's heartbreaking. The story feels incomplete. The ending is unexpected. It's one of the most beautiful dramas I’ve ever watched.
Was this review helpful to you?
It's Not a Cliffhanger—It's Like Everyone Just Left the Set
My relatively low score reflects my disappointment when I realized I'd watched 40 episodes and the drama just abruptly stopped without wrapping anything up. If season 2 comes out while I'm still alive, I'll revisit my rating and likely award more stars. At the moment, I'm disgruntled to have invested so much time to have been given an incomplete story.Slapstick isn't my thing, but I gave an extra half star for Dylan Wang. He's a natural at comedy, and his smile adds to the fun. FL has a cute smile, too, with her winking dimple.
Was this review helpful to you?
Wonderful, Dylan nailed it
Overall it was a wonderful surprise that I was not expecting to enjoy. Dylan really nailed the acting: the humor and the serious parts. The characters were all wonderful and felt like they had more depth than what could be expected for this genre. The brotherhood, friendships, and family bonds were really touching. I can't wait for Season 2I'm mainly lowering my rating because there were parts that were rushed and glossed over: I feel like there were parts such as the introduction of Lin'an and that whole fiasco that could have been drastically cut in favor of fleshing out some of the later parts.
Was this review helpful to you?
This is the first time I have given such a high score to a drama with poor logic
This drama deserves to be seen by more peopleAdvantages of this drama:
1. Many laugh-out-loud moments
2. There are some quite impressive scenes with emotional fluctuations
Disadvantages:
Logicality requires viewing without thinking。
。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Funny, fresh and entertaining
This was one series I could not stop watching! It was funny, creative, and best of all—Dylan Wang was the star of the show!Ever since Devil and Fairy, Dylan has continuously impressed me with his acting. This series felt more lighthearted and super entertaining with minimal love line, which I do not mind!!! The summary posted by MDL is pretty accurate, so I am not going to mention what it's about.
Things I loved about the series:
• The side characters – This is what I love about wuxia! You meet so many characters and you end up falling in love with some of them along the way. I was screaming and shouting when the Bronze Brothers were back together with Brother Yang!!!
• The slapstick comedy – The humor in this show is amazing, and Dylan nailed his character so well! It felt so natural that I honestly think this is just how he is in real life.
• The family relationships and the teams he forms – By the end, you just know he’s a beloved guy. Everyone felt he was worth saving, even turning a blind eye to what he took to carry out the righteous “revenge” for Mr. Zheng
Why I knocked off a few stars:
• The build-up was a bit slow for me. It also took me a while to get used to the idea that he was from a different timeline and universe. But once I said "Screw it, let’s just enjoy the show for what it is without judgment" I started loving it even more. I highly recommend keeping an open mind—don’t try to make it make sense, just enjoy it!
• The ending!! I was screaming, not even realizing I had reached the last episode. It was that good… but it ended on a note I did not expect. I demand a Season 2 or a super long movie to conclude a happy ending!!!
Overall, I highly recommend watching it if you’re a big fan of Dylan and enjoy wuxia. There are some sad parts, but you’ll find yourself laughing, shouting in joy, and feeling like you’re on the same journey as the cast.
8/10
Rewatch value: 8/10
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
left me muddle-headed
It’s a me thing. I think the drama is quite a good one for sure. It started off as interesting.However, I am quite confused by what is happening thus far. To me, there are too many things going on at once and I can’t figure things out. A lot of CG and stuff like magic (?) …? I really want to find out what will happen but my patience to decipher ran out. I think Dylan Wang is a handsome chap and I have been wanting to watch a drama of his but… I think I have to drop it and find another.
Was this review helpful to you?
Great show with promising storyline
This is the second show i saw with Dylan Wang, the first had been Evernight, which he didnt disappoint. Despite the criticism that I read for his role in Evernight, i thought he did a good job in accordance to the novel.The show is about ML who got immersed in a game that he was playing with his friends in modern time. When he started playing, he went right into the game, playing the ML Xu Qi An, a somewhat low rank policeman in Dafeng. He rose through the rank and martial skills as he met with numerous significant people along the way, captivating them with his poetry, investigative skill and no nonsense persona.
I must say this ML is quite a character. I especially love his handphone-like gadget (complete with earbud 😂) when he got involved in the heavenly-something guild. I particularly love the relationship he had with his family, which didnt sound good before but improved after he got into the game. Love how they built his working relationships too, progressing from hateful superiors to loyal ones who would jump in to save him in a blink of an eye.
I didnt really want to mention FL much cuz i thought that her character was absolutely unnecessary. Had she not have that relationship with Princess Pingyang, which provided somewhat backstory information for ML’s investigation, she really doesnt function at all. The romance is totally negligible and unnecessary cuz this show is more to investigative/martial/comedy type. I feel squat spark between them, nada,zero. Honestly speaking, i thought ML has so much stronger chemistry with Cai Wei and consort of Zhenbei, even Princess Huaiqing! Whenever ML and FL got on screen, all i see is sibling vibe rather than a couple. And because FL’s character is so damn annoying in the earlier episodes, i ended up fast forwarding her scenes later on. Although this character progressed for the better towards the end after she discovered the true fate of her best friend Princess Pingyang, i still fastforward all scenes with her especially the romantic ones.
Other supporting characters are all great. All costumes are so nice, the uniforms/armours are smart and cool, and the female costumes are apt and not too flamboyant.
What did i dislike about this show? Well some of the comedic scenes are just over the top and extra. The final showdown was too short and i believe since they plan for season 2 (based on the post credit scene), the cliffhanger is somewhat a downer.
Although this show come close to Joy of Life vibe, it still falls short of it. Still a good show though, and i especially love ML’s powers and upgrades here. Overall it’s an enjoyable show and i hope season 2 wont take 4-5 years like JoL 😭 anyway, im off to read the novel since the series provided no proper ending.
Edit: ive just reached the arc where Xu Qi An beheaded the traitors Que and Cao in the novel, and as expected, novel Xu Qi An isnt as stupid as the series Xu Qi An who easily got duped by the second princess posing as Imperial Princess. Thats the one flaw of the series that doesnt compute with Xu Qi An’s intelligence. It’s impossible that he cannot deduce that Second Princess was an impostor with that many tell-tales shown. Even before reading the novel, I’ve felt that production somehow dumbed down Xu Qi An with that Second Princess. Glad i dont have to read so much of Second Princess in the novel. They shouldnt have changed this character and made her the FL. What a pointless character. Btw I liked the book’s version better than the adaptation cuz there was no memory erasing of Xu Qi An on the population at all. Everyone remembered him as a hero and the despicable Emperor was forced by his ministers to issue self reproach which exonerates Official Zheng and Xu Qi An of any wrongdoing. Wow what a satisfaction to read that part in the novel. I wonder why didnt the show follow the same line. Why make everyone forget XQA? Just for the sake of cliffhanger?
Was this review helpful to you?
A thrilling blend of fantasy and humor
Guardians of the Dafeng is a captivating mix of fantasy, mystery and humor, Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi'an, a modern-day investigator transported to a magical world filled with demons and intrigue.His blend of wit and determination brings the character to life making every case-solving moment engaging. Tian Xiwei as Princess Lin'an adds depth and charm, creating a dynamic duo that elevates the series. The chemistry between them feels natural and their interactions are both heartwarming and entertaining.
The show's production quality is top-notch with stunning visuals that bring the Dafeng Dynasty to life. The blend of traditional and supernatural elements creates a rich, immersive world.
The pacing is well-balanced, with each episode unveiling new mysteries and character developments. While some may find certain plot points predictable, the overall execution and character arcs more than make up for it. I enjoyed the drama from start to finish, and I will definitely rewatch it again.
Was this review helpful to you?
I loved the first half but then the second half kinda dragged on…
I really loved the first half. It was really funny! It was light hearted! It was filled and adventure and comaderie. I liked all the comedy relief the dynamic of the characters brings! Thennnn I felt like they made his character too powerful that it peaked and couldnt help him properly develop. I was having trouble getting into watching the end, but that’s just me….so I stopped at 35/40 (tho more honestly lost my attention at 31/40).I put the rewatch as 5 because it’s a neutral answer maybe in the future I hope to pick it up again with a fresher perspective.
Am I the only one that shipped Caiwei and Xu Qi-An LOL
Was this review helpful to you?
A Breath of Fresh Air — Guardians of Dafeng Is the Genre Revolution C-Drama Needed
I’ve watched Chinese dramas for nearly a decade, and Guardians of Dafeng is the first time I’ve seen a single series combine so many genres so seamlessly — time travel, historical fantasy, mystery investigation, intelligence, emotional and psychological maturity, romance, and comedy — all in one.While many recent Chinese dramas tend to stay within one or two genres, this show dares to do everything — and succeeds. It’s fresh, intelligent, and deeply human. Every episode carries suspense, depth, and a sense of wonder.
Dylan Wang’s portrayal of Xu Qi’an is outstanding. He doesn’t just act; he embodies the character. Watching him evolve through the story — intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically — feels natural and real. That’s the essence of character development, and this drama gets it exactly right.
What I appreciate most is that Guardians of Dafeng doesn’t rely on trends or star power. It’s built on strong storytelling and meaningful growth. Even the minor flaws add charm instead of taking away from the experience.
I’ve noticed some dramas with higher ratings rely heavily on marketing, popularity, or visuals but lack genuine suspense or emotion. Guardians of Dafeng stands out precisely because it stays true to the unique soul of Chinese storytelling — thoughtful pacing, moral depth, and emotional authenticity.
⭐ 10/10 — A masterpiece that blends every element of drama into something rare, intelligent, and unforgettable.
#GuardiansOfDafeng #DylanWang #CDramaReview #ChineseDrama #FantasyMystery #XuQi'an #CDramaFans
Was this review helpful to you?
A must watch
I think this is Dylan Wang’s best work. The acting from main and supporting cast is exceptional, the writing was tight and thrilling, the comedy was hilarious - there were times we had to pause the TV to stop laughing because we couldn’t read the subtitles. I cannot WAIT for season two - please have the same cast and HURRY!!!!Was this review helpful to you?
