Guardians of the Dafeng

What in the Dafeng?

(Last review of a 2024 show) A man transmigrates from the modern world into a fantasy game where using modern techniques he unravels mysteries and solves cases. He goes from a bumbling, arrogant hot blooded doofus though with smarts to a powerful, super intelligent man with the love of/and for family, amazing friends, boss, sidekicks, and even a tactless princess. Though he appeared lucky, the dark side was always lurking around him and at the end of what we hope to be season one the dark evil took all that away from him in a very well written cliffhanger (there's a scene after the ending credits folks, don't miss it!), leaving everyone going what in the Dafeng?

Pros: I have only ever seen Dylan in a very poorly written modern drama, so wanted to see him in something with a good storyline and characterization. Glad I stuck around even when the beginning was driving me batty. This was one of the those few dramas where it actually got better as the episodes progressed. Dylan as XQA knew just how how to blend emotions and thoughts (albeit I still wished he didn't have to do the over dramatic ones), like comedy, intelligence, being one or two steps ahead of just about everyone but Lord Wei and of course the Supervisor. His love for his super extra family was evident. His best acting was in the final arc of Chuzhu city and the atrocities done there and then what happened with Mr. Zheng. The emotions of sadness, rage, injustice that he felt, just melted from the screen and you became him. You wanted revenge in the worst possible way and he got it. Very impressive.

My other favorite characters were LW as he did such a great job as a protagonist this time. I was used to him playing antagonists all the time so this was quite refreshing and he did a wonderful job as the surrogate father and boss to XQA. His death saddened me at the end but I hope he can come back to life in season 2 (again please let there be a season 2, with the same cast and not in 5 years)! The entire Xu family though could be very extra in the over dramatic sense, loved XQA very much and had his back as much as possible. The Scooby gang as I called his friends/sidekicks at the bureau, realm, and guardian places were the best. Those 4 guys especially were indispensable to him and they were a part of him as much as the realm sect folks were. I liked the supervisor as well. He saved people, didn't murder them and he was quite upset by what happened in the last arc and Mr. Zheng's torture and death. Even the monk in XQA was of great help.

I don't believe for one moment anything that came out of dark robe dude's aka XQA's biological father's (Luke, I am your father moment) mouth about the supervisor being the one who wanted the destiny inside XQA because if that was the case, he would have taken it for himself 12 years ago instead of the dark robe dude stealing it and implanting it into his own child while he himself killed hundreds of thousands and aligned with smaller villains (like the asswipe emperor, his brother, having a corrupt court) to play a constant game of chess with the supervisor. If he was such a good guy, he wouldn't have erased everyone's memories of XQA leaving him truly alone in the world (though apparently the supervisor knew since he was also the creator of the game in the real world). XQA figured it out and I don't think he will side with the evil monster just because of that and the secret of the destiny. For all that, he is a good antagonist and I hope he loses miserably in season 2.

Originally, I had thought that I was going to be very depressed when everyone forgot about XQA, but when looking from a writer's standpoint, it actually wasn't that bad. Sad yes, but it was part of what a cliffhanger ending is about. You leave parts unfinished to make sure people don't forget what they watched and want more. Just like the scene after the credits; it's to leave us wanting more and fast. But most loose ends were tied which is also rare in dramas unless they are to be continued.

Costumes, OSTs (especially the opening hip hop one, I never missed), sets, and fight scenes with magic were all great. My sincere hope for season 2 is that, XQA upon knowing the whole truth still doesn't team up with his bastard father, but sticks with the supervisor, everyone gets their memories back, bring back LW, and are able to fight the forces or force of evil together. That would be ideal. I guess we'll see if and when it happens.

Cons: I'm sure many are wondering why I didn't put FL in the pros and that's because I didn't like her very much (the character not the actress); I felt romance here was quite unnecessary. Thankfully, that genre wasn't all that important and we saw only bits and pieces of it. She did grow on me towards the end a bit but I think that part could have been just left alone. There were just too many moving pieces and things going on that didn't require her at all. Though I will say that the two kisses the characters had were well done.

Initially, I was thinking that my rating was going to be in the 8s somewhere because of how lackluster and slapstick it started and that's just not for me. Also many plot points were talked through instead of shown and it would have been better if we understood that through seeing it or not having it sped through like the whole duchess abduction thing and rescue; I literally had to rewatch it twice before I understood what happened. Also XQA becoming a silver gong was just explained and several missions were just thrown around through speech. Show us, don't just tell us! We're not reading the book, we're viewers. How the 4 Scooby gang guys were stuck on a boat in the middle of the ocean somewhere and only reunited with XQA for a short time at the end. At least their experience was shown in form of a puppet play.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. What brought the score up to a 9 was when things turned serious and comedy landed properly and that entire ending arc with Dylan's wonderful portrayal. This is a show no one knew how it would do but boy did they show everyone. Season 2 is an absolute must with the same cast. Definitely one I'm glad I kept watching.

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Qian-tastically unpredictable !! Where modern wit meets ancient chaos!

This drama takes you on a ride with Xu Qian who is unexpectedly thrown from his modern life into the Defang Dynasty. What really makes this stand out is the focus on the characters. Qian's journey is the heart of the show and his interactions with those in meets in this new mysterious world are what drive the plot forward.

Since this is a character-centric drama, my review will also focus on people who stood with Qian in his journey. Whether it was through subtle bonds, conflicts or silly realizations, somehow everyone has a significant role to play. I have kept it as general as possible avoiding spoilers or any major events that might take away the firsthand joy.

✨ Character Sketch of Xu Qian:

Xu Qian, the sharp-witted and resourceful modern-day office worker, was unexpectedly transported to this fantastical place, the Dafeng dynasty. Despite his initial shock, he adapts to his new reality quickly and soon joins the guardians.

Qian is exceptionally intelligent and worked through with his modern mindset. He is not just book smart but a person who quickly thinks on his feet, applying science, logic and modern problem-solving techniques even in the most bizarre cases.

Though intelligence is his greatest asset, it is paired with quick wit and certain cunning making him unpredictable and endearing at the same time. He definitely had the knack of getting out of tight situations with a well-timed quip and a sly smile.
Xu Qian's comedic timing was impeccable. It does feel like it was a coping mechanism for him to adjust to this new world than just a simple defense mechanism.

Despite his occasional trickery and playful demeanor, he is deeply committed to justice. His sense of morality drives him to fight for common people. While his methods may seem unconventional, sometimes bending the rules too but his heart is always in the right place.

✨ Xu Qian's relationships with people around him:

▶️ The Xu Family: This family is the embodiment of chaotic love. With the loud, unpredictable dynamics, each member brings their own brand of energy that somehow always ends in laughter. They argue over the pettiest things but are always standing up for each other when it matters. The humor is deeply rooted in their interactions whether it's a miscommunication or over-the-top emotional meltdowns. Their ability to somehow find humor in near-death situations too gave that extra edge to the drama.

▶️ The Guardians (Gold, Silver & Bronze Gongs): Another entertaining dynamic that I enjoyed overall was Qian's friendship with everyone. He was Defang's favourite! The equation with each of them was different but all of them stood up in unison with him in times of need. They did not fight just for power but for one another.
His friendship with all the gongs transcends mere loyalty. It's built on mutual respect no matter what the rank is, shared battles and moments of stupidity together. The guardians’ unwavering belief in Xu Qian is a major part of the reason for his success.

▶️ Lord Wei: Their interactions initially were strictly professional but soon carried an undercurrent of mutual care, understanding and pride. Lord Wei watches over Qian with a deep sense of protective affection feeling a fatherly pride in his accomplishments. Their bond slowly wasn't defined by roles or traditional hierarchies but by an unshakeable familial connection.

▶️ Princess LinAn: Their relationship might have not been the central focus of the drama but as a subplot, it felt very organic without overshadowing the main plot. At first, the princess comes across as silly, naive and somewhat unreasonable but as the story progresses, she has a really good character development. The kisses are done very tastefully and made me feel a thing or two!

There are other characters too who have a significant impact on Xu Qian's journey and the whole drama but I believe mentioning them would be considered spoilers. I would prefer to experience them firsthand when watching the show.

✨ Acting: The acting across the board was truly impressive with everyone almost delivering exactly what was given and required of them.
Dylan as Xu Qian stood out for me. In my humble opinion, this is his best acting performance yet. (Yes, LBFAD was great and I considered that as his best performance before GODF). He really played to his strengths from dubbing in his own voice for his character to effortlessly mocking his own accent with that quick-witted comedic timing.

✨ Cinematography / Costumes / CGI: The cinematography was pretty especially the wide shots of natural landscapes.
The costumes and sets looked pretty detailed whether it was a grand palace or a simpler setting. The wide shots of natural landscapes were beautiful though.
My only gripe was the jaw protector on Qian! We DID NOT need to hide his jawline! (This sounds like my personal problem xD)
CGI was not the best I have seen but all of it definitely did a great job of enhancing the storyline without stealing the spotlight from the plot.

✨ Ending (No spoilers): The ending didn't feel open-ended to me. It tied up all the loose ends very satisfyingly but also left just enough room hinting towards season 2. I hope we get some sort of confirmation soon.

This drama has been my happy place for the past few weeks. I have laughed, cried, gotten frustrated and been completely hooked by twists and mystery, all while never losing my interest. It's one of those shows that has a perfect balance of drama and humor, where the comedy feels natural and not forced and a storyline where romance isn't the main focus. I would definitely recommend this.

Thank you for reading my review! <3
*Patiently wait for Season 2*

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BRO YALL ARE MISSING THIS ONE!

A masterpiece of action, left me breathless. From the breathtaking fight choreography to the intricate plot twists, it was a non-stop thrill ride. The actors, every single one of them, delivered powerhouse performances, bringing their characters to life with incredible depth and nuance. The production value was top-notch, with stunning visuals and a captivating score.
The ending, however, was a cruel cliffhanger leaving me desperate for a second season to unravel the mysteries and see the consequences of the final battle. This drama deserves far more recognition, especially considering its focus on action and intrigue rather than solely on romance. While the romantic subplots were subtle and beautifully woven into the narrative, the real stars of the show were the exhilarating fight scenes and the complex political maneuvering.
Xu Qi'an and Princess Lin An's chemistry, though understated was undeniable. Their interactions were electric, adding a layer of emotional depth to the already captivating story. If you're tired of the same old romance-driven dramas, this action-packed gem is an absolute must-watch.

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This one is for the Anime girlies!!!

Listen, listen...I get that this show is rated low in China and I get WHY, however as an anime fan and because I'm still a 15-yo immature girl in a 37-yo woman body 🤭🫣, I loved every single second!!

The story itself is amazing and a breath of fresh air. I know that there are many "realm switch" fantasy stories (i.e, real world characters traveling into a different reality/realm via a book or a game) out there. However, this is the first time I have seen this genre do this level of world building and have such a different take on the genre.

People may find these stories corny, but not me lol. I love when the story itself is presented like a High Fantasy epic with lots of humor. And that show did just that.

There are so many things I loved about that show!

1. For starters, the central point of the story is less about "making a way back home or solving a case in the new timeline so the ML can fix his own timeline" but more about finding meaning in his life by living the type of life he never had the opportunity to live in the other realm. This then demanded that the main characters to be fully integrated into the story instead of being time or realm "travelers." The ML is not "solving cases", "fighting monsters, witches and wizards, or other villains" with some type of hidden agenda or any other reason then the fact that it's who he is as a person. There are no "deep secret" that he needs to uproot to make sense of his world or why he got there. He just got there and decided to just "do". What you see is exactly what you get. He is not some type of deep strategist. He is just a dork trying to survive.

2. I know a few people are going to point out the similarities with Joy of Life, I would like to argue that although on the surface they may appear to be, but contextually and thematically they are very diferent. For one, Guardians is very light-hearted and manga style slapstick humor type of narrative. Where Joy of life, for example, takes it itself very seriously (maybe except for the main character) and present the story as a true palace intrigue style of drama. I get that some people found the anime humor a little too much, and honestly it was BUT I liked it. Also, to me the fail wasn't because of the actors per se or in the story but a flaw in execution that made the anime slaptick humor badly translated to live action. For example, the anime Naruto style of running would have been so funny had it been done in another scene before. Something like the ML realizing that running that way actually gives him more speed in an earlier scene, but then try to use it on the guy who never shows his face and it didn't work just because that guys was so steadfast on being "cool" that it gave him super speed or something. Just little things like that if given another pass by the scriptwriter or the director would have worked. Im not gonna lie, I get why this drama doesn't work for some people, but again if you're into anime you can complement what's missing with the imagination.

3. Guardians presents itself is more as a fun little adventure of a "boy wonder" who fell into a weird world and is just going with it, than it is "palace intrigue". For the main character "the joy in his life" is not in being this big sought after guy who is in the middle of the palace and political intrigue but its in the mundane shit. The fact he is recognized and valued for his hard work, and have this awesome family now brings him so much joy. He gets to be an "enforcer of justice" and help the little guy in the most mundane way possible. He understands and thrive in that world not because he is some "genius" or some omnipotent traveller but because in his past life he had to grovel in a thankless corporation and please his superiors no matter how asinine their bullshit was. That's literally "his super power", it's the fact that he had to survive an elitist, capitalist world and corporations before so he learned how to navigate difficult situations. It's very clear that what makes the ML such a "genius" is his basic knowledge of random shit in his previous realm (A++ gor middle school science books lol) and because he wanted to be a detective in his past life. And indeed the Guardian Yamen is a corporation where they are all vying for the next promotion or title and cultivation. It has all of the traps of current worklives: nepotism, worplace politics, grumpy and jealous supervisors, and strict managers with weird quirks. It's all so very mundane and quite frankly meaningless in a sense because he knows this is not his real world. However, like he said, it doesn't matter because he gives it meaning so it's meaningful to him. Very Albert Camus if you ask me.

4. It wasn't dub!!! I don't care what y'all chinese viewers say, no dub is the only way (joking joking 😅, I'm just a visitor in this space. So, Im not gonna overstep my boundarie lol). But for real though, I know Chinese viewers hate the different accents and it takes them out of the shows...but can International fans have the raw voice versions, pretty please?!!! 🥺. Because , y'all the dubbing is killing my vibes, yo!! So many actors have the same voices that 99% I still think I'm watching Ye Hua and Bai Qian's love story. That voice aftor is everywhere lol.

5. I loved that cast. They had such good chemistry. And I don't care what they are saying on Chinese internet, in my living room, Wang Hedi deserves all of the applause 😁. It's not his fault that the script wasn't 10/10. If you replace him with another better actor, it would still be the same thing. The structual flaws in the script is not gonna magically be a better because of another actor. These people knew that the show was a 40 episodes they should have been ready to compact the story in a way that it still delivered as stellarly as they envisioned it. Because again, this is not a bad show...it just need more editing and more episodes to be fleshed out properly. More TLC in the drafting and scriptwriting side.

6. Also this is a minirant inside of a bigger one...but what's with the 40 episodes cap, Chinese politicians? Why are y'all deadset on taking my joy away? Like I get it...some shows don't need to be that long (I'm looking at you the General and I). But come on, y'all have been busting my balls with that 40 episodes cap, maaaaayne! It feels like all of the really good dramas are being punished because people done got greedy. How is that our fault, the audience? And that's why shows quality declined so much in 2024. Like, we will never get another Story of Ming Lan because if this bs. Ugh, I'mso disappointed!! And now this show's second season is probably never gonna see the light of day...or not with the same actors because we all know how that's gonna turn out (looking at you DuolingContinent!!). Somebody is gonna have a tax evasion scandal or some stupid secret dating scandal or two and now they gonna axe everything they were in.

Anyways, in conclusion this is a great show to watch if you like anime style humour and high fantasy series. I ain't gonna hold ya, though, it got a 10 out 10 in my book, but...it's a hit or miss on that one. You either really like it or really hate it. I just so happen to really like it because I grew up on "Robinhood man in tights" 🤣 and I'm extra tired of the formulaic sad love storied where people died at the end that CDrama has been putting out lately. I wish they would give those a rest and make more silly stuff like this one.

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Alone in a foreign land, i'm an exile.. whenever holidays come I miss my kin even more.

From the moment This show was announced, It went straight up my watchlist.Fast forward to now, I’ve watched 28 episodes, and wow, what a ride it’s been! An absolute gem, delivering a perfect mix of emotions, action, and thrills. I am totally hooked and here' why ...

First of all, Dylan Wang. I mean, is there anything this guy can’t do? His charm, acting, and energy are on another level. Every time he’s on screen, it’s impossible to look away, fighting villains, or delivering heartfelt lines, he’s perfect in all .Honestly, he could just stand there, and I’d still be entertained.


2) This drama is literally serving a genre buffet under the sun comedy, romance, crime, action, suspense, thrill, friendship, brotherhood—you name it.

3) The plot flows smoothly with zero dull moments. The events are perfectly assembled, and the writing? Brilliant !!!!! especially the poetic dialogues and comedic sequences.

4) The entire cast is amazing, Not a single weak link. All the actors from his aunt to mentor are nailing their roles, and I especially love the female leads— such talented beauties all having a unique dynamic chemistry with Dylan.


5) The relationships in this drama, whether family, friends, or colleagues, feel so real and meaningful. The way his family goes above and beyond to save him during troubles even when that's not even his biological family , numerous times his uncle took a beating for me ..his aunt who was first so indifferent towards him gradually turned so warm and collected. His friends, always standing by him..~ loyal and unwavering ..and his mentor, willing to destroy the entire sect to avenge his 'death' —pure gold. This drama resonates all the bonds in a person's life so beautifully, making me feel lonely in my own life ❤️


6) Cinematic Action & VFX are dazzling lifelike, each sequence is grand and cinematic, making it a visual feast.Plus the choreography in action scenes ~ Mind-blowing.


7) Attention to Details in the set designing, is a chef’s kiss almost like pulling you right into the world of Dafeng.


8) The intricate styling and lovely costumes .. even when they were not very specially designed but still giving that genuine feudal era vibes and Putting the scenes in harmony with the characters enhancing the overall aesthetic of the drama


9) And the OST—don’t even get me started! I usually don't pay attention to songs but Common Men and Immortal Poet have been on repeat since I heard them.


10) What I love most is the message this drama sends: if you’ve got talent and stay true to yourself, even the most powerful people will come to you.


I am looking forward to the upcoming episodes...

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this series has something for everyone!

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute masterpiece that beautifully blends action, drama, and fantasy, making it a must-watch for any drama lover! The story revolves around the struggles and triumphs of its characters in a richly woven narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The dialogue in the series is sharp and impactful, with moments that resonate deeply with the audience. For instance, when Xu Qian, played by Dylan Wang, says, "In a world where darkness looms, we must be the light that guides others," you can feel the weight of his determination and the hope he embodies.

Another standout moment is when the fierce and loyal character, played by the talented actress, declares, "We fight not just for ourselves, but for those who cannot fight!" This line perfectly captures the essence of camaraderie and the spirit of sacrifice that runs throughout the series.

The chemistry between the characters is palpable, with witty banter and heartfelt exchanges that bring a smile to your face. One such moment is when Xu Qian teases his companion, saying, "If you keep brooding like that, you’ll scare away all the good fortune!" It’s these light-hearted interactions that balance the intense moments beautifully.

Visually, the series is stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and choreographed fight scenes that leave you in awe. The production quality is top-notch, making every scene a feast for the eyes.

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A Dylan Wang drama So Good, You might regret watching without waiting for second season

First things first , it was a out and out fun ride throughout the 40 ep journey that it takes you on. Plot that is interesting (even though its isekai) about power struggles , fates , destiny , and character development as whole this was a pure entertainment that is well balanced comedy , detective work and character dynamics that also give space to hold a few but impactful emotional moments.

Without any reservations , Dylan Wang absolutely shines has very intelligent but simple honest man Xu Qian. This is one of those roles that are played so good by the og you cant even imagine anyone else in the role. The world that was presented and the characters in it that the main lead interacts everything was done to perfection. The main cusp of the of the story that Xu Qian is part of runs in the background done very engagingly. The pace of the story as it develops is never boring. Sure there some filler eps that include romance or whatever but even they are filled with such good comedy its honestly a good laugh.

Special mention Lord wei absolute gem of a side character and Xu family absolutely legendary group.

This is my first review after watching a close to hundreds of dramas it is that good
i highly recommend.

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DO NO WRONG FEAR NO GUARDIANS!

If you’re looking for a show that blends historical drama, fantasy, and a good dose of comedy, Guardians of the Dafeng might just be your next binge. Based on the web novel Da Feng Da Geng Ren, this Chinese drama is a refreshing mix of clever storytelling, vibrant characters, and a touch of modern wit.

The story kicks off when Xu Qi’an, played by the charismatic Dylan Wang, wakes up in the ancient Dafeng Dynasty. Oh, and he’s in a prison cell. Great start, right? But Xu Qi’an isn’t your average guy—he’s a recent police academy graduate from the modern world. Armed with his contemporary detective skills and a sharp mind, he soon finds himself solving crimes and working alongside the Guardians, a kind of ancient law enforcement group.

What makes this show stand out is how Xu Qi’an uses modern knowledge in a historical setting—it’s like Sherlock Holmes meets time travel. Plus, his growing bond with Princess Lin’an (Tian Xiwei) adds a romantic and emotional layer to the story.

Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi’an. He’s witty, resourceful, and full of modern-day sass, which makes his interactions with the traditionalists of Dafeng both hilarious and intriguing. Tian Xiwei’s Princess Lin’an is equally lovable, bringing both charm and depth to her role. The show’s set in a world where Confucians, Taoists, demons, and sorcerers coexist, making it a rich and magical setting. The production design and costumes are top-notch, pulling you into the Dafeng Dynasty with ease. Beyond the fantasy and humor, Guardians of the Dafeng is also a solid mystery-drama. Each episode builds on the last, keeping you hooked with twists, political intrigue, and Xu Qi’an’s clever problem-solving.

Whether you’re into historical dramas, fantasy, or just looking for a show that makes you laugh while keeping you on the edge of your seat, Guardians of the Dafeng delivers. Its unique mix of genres and engaging storytelling makes it a standout in the 2025 drama lineup.

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This drama motivated me a lot more than i can say. I never write any reviews on any drama but I’ll write on this one.

I love the storyline especially it comes with poems that teaches people to be fair, righteous and find justice for themselves. It’s really makes me feel emotional when Mr. Zheng willing to sacrifice himself for justice.

The casts acting are insane!! They can switch from being funny to be serious just a few minutes.

I listen to every episode of the opening ost. It feels so attached to the story while listening to the ost. Gotta save one!

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