This review may contain spoilers
I Just Don't Get It
I may just not be the target audience for this drama. Maybe you need to have read the novel or be a fan of the gaming genre to appreciate this series. I found it confusing and boring and skipped through a lot.The Good:
- Actors all did a good job for their roles, even the support cast did well, that's why I gave the series more stars just for the acting alone.
- Master Wei Yuan - loved his character. He is a veteran actor, he absolutely crushes every single role he plays whether it be good or villain role
- The dysfunctional but loving and loyal family dynamic with Xu Qi An's family was endearing
- High production quality and fight scenes
The Bad:
- Pacing was all over the place. Started out ok, then was boring and slow from episode 15-36. Then suddenly gets exciting in the last 3-4 episodes
- Confusing storyline at times. So many plot holes and unresolved character stories/endings. So what happened to the Emperor? So did Xu Qi An never exist or why/how did he get erased from everyone's lives? Why was the Celestial group there and how were they all related? And why did they not know what each other looked like? And why at the end did they introduce the Consort Princess the most beautiful woman in the world - but why? Her character served no purpose.
- Zero chemistry between the lead couple, but it seems their relationship and romance was a very minor subplot to the overall plot of the story
- The over the top slap stick comedy was not my favorite. It made it hard to take more emotional/deep scenes seriously. For example the Xu Qi An's cousin Xu Xin Nian - some parts they make him out to be disregarded as an utterly weak fool, but then some scenes they want you to believe that he's a well respected puppet master scholar that played an integral role in taking down the evil regime.
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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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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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Dylan Wang’s best performance
"Guardians of the Dafeng" is a captivating drama that masterfully blends historical fiction, fantasy, and comedy. Dylan Wang delivers a phenomenal performance, embodying Xu Qi'an with charm and relatability. The supporting cast, including Tian Xiwei as Princess Lin'an and Liu Yijun as Wei Yuan, enrich the story with their dynamic portrayals, creating a compelling ensemble that keeps viewers engaged. The series is lauded for its sharp and witty writing, seamlessly intertwining humor with intense plot developments. The dialogue is clever, providing a perfect balance between comedic and serious moments. Visually, the show is stunning, with cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of the setting. The production quality is evident in every scene, from thrilling action sequences to intricate scenes. The visual effects has elevated the series to cinematic standards, captivating audiences worldwide.In conclusion, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch series that offers a perfect blend of humor, action, and emotional depth. Its engaging plot, stellar performances, and high production values make it a standout in modern television dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
Money, fame, I want it all
I have seem mixed review for this, for me it gets a good score and I would recommend.Guardians of Dafeng is a comedy drama, and that is something that I didn't know going in. I was pleasantly surprised though. As to say the least I have seen a lot of wuxia dramas that take a more serious and tragic turn. Dylan Wang's last drama I have seen, Unchained Love, had a problem with the tone. As that drama was comedy, but incredibly dark at the beginning. Here right away it is full comedy, and quite loud about it.
The cast knows how to work with each other, and because of that the comedy works most of the time. A little parts are tone deaf, but overall it is funny enough that I watch because I don't want to miss any jokes. The story may suffer, but I don't think this drama is super deep into any politics so in the end I am taking it for what it is. Dylan Wang is the main character, playing Xu Qi An. I love how he gets to be charistmat and over the top with the comedy.. he is incredibly handsome while he does it also.
I must say, the scene stealers for me are his Uncle. That man is hilarious, and the writing I have got to commend for making it so. The chemistry between the leads, and for everyone is a mixed bag of comedy and joy. What I haven't had a chance to see yet is a blossoming romance between the princess and Xu Qi An. Since it is so comical I can't take it very seriously after all. I don't get the criticism of the princess that Tian Xi Wei plays being really stupid, she isn't as bad as people are commenting. She is a schemer, and is charismatic as well. I wonder if the toning will suffer because it is just so funny. I can't see any deep storyline happening and hope it just stays the slice of life.
It is like watching the day in the life of an office worker, but the office worker is Dylan Wang and it is a wuxia. There are loads of work put onto him, he has to please his superiors, and it is all fun to watch thus far. The choreography and the money put into this is clearly doing this drama a service, I know it is trying to be the next big thing. I think it's a pretty great drama, with an easy to watch story and fun characters.
I wouldn't watch this for a serious story or romantic wuxia though, as the FL is barely a main lead. Dylan Wang is the star of this drama and you can tell he is aware of that, having fun and unafraid to be funny. I like the details of his character that he brings to life; like how he finds silver and is known to be lucky, or how he isn't overpowered and intelligent at all. It is funny because in the modern world he was charismatic, but not special. In this world he is special by bringing his modern knowledge to the world he is in to simply live a successful life. What is the definition of success though? Wait for episode 32 to find out lol..
Money, to live without worry, that is what he's going for. I like how the message is that it is ok to live a mundane life, as each life has purpose. That hit close to home.. as I am going to graduate and have to get a job I worry about my success a lot. Thank you Dylan Wang for that message.. I am glad my life amounts to something haha!
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Definitely a must watch TV series of the year.
I would rate this 100% 10/10 if only there are more action or fighting scenes of Qi'an, I felt like it was too short. Nevertheless, the plot, the cast, the acting, the CGI, were all amazing. I enjoyed the Xu family a lot, very good family relationship, there's a bit of romance too, but what I love the most here is our hero Xu Qi'an, he cannot stand injustice, and was fighting for it till the end. His relationships with everyone is one of a kind. His bonding with Lord Wei was so sweet, I love these two a lot, they were like a real father and son. While the uncle XU was super hilarious. Wang He Di did a great job portraying Qi'an.I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys to laugh. Don't expect a CP here or a full romance, because it wasn't like that at all, even if you read the novel, it's not romance. It's a journey of Xu Ningyan, with the people around him, how he seek justice and unravel the truth.
Among all Dylan Wang's drama, I enjoy this one the most. No annoying Female Lead, no annoying antagonist, it's PROPER BALANCE. Very enjoyable to watch, I laughed, I cried, I got excited, I was inspired. Well Done to all the cast/write/director of GOTD. What a great way to start 2025 and an awesome way of ending 2024.
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I literally opened my account just to rate this drama 10/10. Over the past few years, very few dramas have kept me as engaged as this one. When I first saw the negative reviews, I thought maybe GOTD wasn’t their cup of tea and that I was blindly loving it because I’m a huge fan of Dylan. But after today’s ending, I can proudly say that GOTD is an amazingly well-done drama, even if the genre isn’t your type!
The story, the acting—everything is a solid 10/10. It’s one of the very few dramas that kept getting better all the way to the end!
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Fresh with comedy story, never getting bored
I just finished watched GOTD. As beginner of chinese drama watcher, i thought it was amazing drama with good actors and actresses. Especially for Dylan Wang (ML) , he has a good acting and talkative 👍. About costume really match with wuxia genre, not too much but looks comfortable. And overall for a storyline good enough, even for ending part full of sadness🥲. I hope that there will be season 2 with happy ending as soon as possible 😄.Was this review helpful to you?
Empire Needs Saving, But First, Let’s Strike a Pose
Guardians of the Dafeng is an ambitious historical drama that takes viewers on an action-packed journey filled with loyalty, courage, and mystery. Dylan Wang shines in his role, bringing charisma and a strong screen presence that kept me engaged throughout the series. His portrayal of the lead character carried an emotional depth that resonated, especially during the pivotal moments of the story.The production quality is stunning, with detailed costumes and beautifully crafted sets that immerse you in the historical era. The action sequences are well-executed, and the story weaves together intrigue, political scheming, and heartfelt relationships seamlessly. The chemistry between the leads is one of the highlights, offering moments of warmth amidst the drama’s intense narrative.
While some parts of the plot felt a little rushed, the overall storytelling kept me hooked. The blend of suspense, romance, and action makes Guardians of the Dafeng a gripping watch. Fans of historical dramas will appreciate the effort put into creating a visually impressive and emotionally engaging series.
It’s clear that the cast and crew worked hard to deliver a drama that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you enjoy stories of heroism, resilience, and intrigue, Guardians of the Dafeng is a series worth watching!
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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1"Guardians of Dafeng": A Masterpiece of Chaos, Justice, and Unforgettable Characters
If you’re looking for a drama that will make you laugh, cry, scream, and cheer—all while keeping you on the edge of your seat—then Guardians of Dafeng is your next must-watch. This isn’t just another historical Wuxia drama; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with humor, heart, and jaw-dropping twists. Let me break it down for you, because this show deserves ALL the hype.1. A Story That Keeps You Hooked: "What in the Dafeng?!"
From the very first episode, Guardians of Dafeng grabs you and doesn’t let go. The plot follows Xu Qi An, a modern-day office worker who gets transported into the Dafeng Dynasty, where he uses his wit, intelligence, and modern knowledge to solve mysteries and fight for justice. But don’t let the “transmigration” trope fool you—this isn’t your typical time-travel story.
The narrative is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and action. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, the drama throws in a curveball that leaves you gasping. The pacing is impeccable, with each episode building on the last, leading to a finale that’s equal parts satisfying and heart-wrenching. And let’s not forget the cliffhanger ending—complete with a post-credits scene that will have you begging for Season 2.
2. Xu Qi An: The Chaotic Hero We All Need
Dylan Wang as Xu Qi An is a revelation. If you thought he was great in Love Between Fairy and Devil, just wait until you see him here. Xu Qi An is sharp, resourceful, and hilariously chaotic. His comedic timing is flawless, but it’s his emotional depth that truly shines. Whether he’s cracking jokes or delivering a fiery speech about justice, Dylan brings so much authenticity to the role.
One of the most gripping moments is when Xu Qi An confronts the corruption in Chuzhou. The raw emotion he displays—grief, rage, and an unyielding sense of justice—is nothing short of breathtaking. You’ll find yourself cheering for him, crying with him, and maybe even screaming at your screen (I know I did).
3. A Cast of Characters You’ll Fall in Love With
The supporting cast is just as phenomenal. From Xu Qi An’s hilariously chaotic family to the loyal Guardians (affectionately dubbed the “Scooby gang”), every character feels real and relatable.
Lord Wei: The surrogate father figure who balances wisdom with a dry sense of humor. His bond with Xu Qi An is one of the most touching aspects of the show.
Princess Lin’an: While the romance subplot isn’t the main focus, her chemistry with Xu Qi An is sweet and organic. Plus, her character growth is a joy to watch.
The Xu Family: They’re loud, dramatic, and utterly endearing. Their love for Xu Qi An is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Even the antagonists are layered and compelling. The “dark robe dude” (Xu Qi An’s biological father) is a villain you’ll love to hate, and his complex motivations add depth to the story.
4. Themes That Hit Hard: Justice, Loyalty, and Sacrifice
At its core, Guardians of Dafeng is a story about standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of power and corruption, but it also celebrates the quiet bravery of ordinary people.
The sacrifices made by characters like Mr. Zheng are genuinely heart-wrenching, and the show’s exploration of loyalty and camaraderie is deeply moving. As Xu Qi An says, “You’re paid as a court official, you live off the people's resources, but you can’t fool the heavens.” These moments of moral clarity are what make the drama so impactful.
5. Stunning Visuals and Production Quality
The cinematography is breathtaking. From the bustling streets of the capital to the serene mountain landscapes, every scene feels like a painting come to life. The costumes and sets are meticulously detailed, adding to the immersive experience.
And let’s talk about the CGI—it’s some of the best I’ve seen in recent dramas. The fight scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending magic and martial arts in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Plus, the opening rap song is a bold and refreshing choice that perfectly sets the tone for the series.
6. Humor That Hits the Mark
One of the standout features of Guardians of Dafeng is its humor. The comedy never feels forced or out of place. Whether it’s Xu Qi An’s witty one-liners, the Xu family’s over-the-top antics, or the Guardians’ bumbling misadventures, the laughs come naturally.
But what’s even more impressive is how the show balances humor with emotional depth. One moment you’re laughing at Xu Qi An’s zombie impersonation, and the next you’re tearing up over a heartfelt sacrifice. It’s this perfect blend of light and dark that makes the drama so compelling.
7. The Ending: A Cliffhanger That Leaves You Wanting More
Without giving too much away, the finale is a masterclass in storytelling. It ties up loose ends while leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep you hooked for Season 2. The emotional weight of the final episodes—especially the heart-wrenching memory loss twist—will leave you reeling.
And that post-credits scene? Pure genius. It’s the perfect tease for what’s to come, and I’m already counting down the days until we get more of this incredible world.
Final Thoughts: Why You NEED to Watch This Drama
Guardians of Dafeng is more than just a drama—it’s an experience. It’s a story about love, loss, justice, and the enduring power of hope. It’s about flawed, relatable characters who feel like real people. And it’s about laughing through the chaos and finding strength in the face of adversity.
If you’re a fan of Wuxia, mystery, or just great storytelling in general, this is a must-watch. It’s a show that will stay with you long after the final credits roll. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be blown away. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Rating: 10/10
Verdict: A masterpiece that slays in every way possible. Don’t miss it! 🎉✨
Inspired from @Jojo
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This review may contain spoilers
Laughing i, Laughing, be excited , and then laughing again
This is a story about fiction world. I just started To watch because of Dylan. But I find myself to watch every second.**
**
First two or three episodes I thought princess is annoying. She acted like a child. And I thought how their relationship could be. It can’t be work.
Buut I was wrong. After she found her friend die she is so brave. Also I can feel her sadness. FL can show us to real emotion. I almost cried
Their relation is very nature . They didn’t make big action. Just fallen love. He thought she is cute and brave and then loved her.
I laugh every second to family scenes. they are so funny. also friendship is amazing. not just a bromance they also show man-woman friendship. so cute. His cousin is really drama queen. I watch him just like Qi An. Dylan’s character is so funny and speak very well. He adapted to world easily. it was amazing. I can’t wait to watch.
**
But now I am watching episode 33 and little bit angry. Because ML and FL don’t have screen time. We can’t watch our girl. They don’t see each other properly last 10 episode together. I’m getting annoyed. Where is she? She is in the dark. I thought after her friend died she will have her own story. But she just left. I hope they have more screen time.
And no screen time in this episode too. Why they said Female lead, she is just support character
**
Episode 34
This ship scene is so silly. If he miss her why he didn’t go to see her. Why he has to swim . -_-
It just a little little idea… he has a strong intense with Nangong. I don’t want to accept this but if she will be FL maybe we can find more romantic stories. Because princess disappear again.
I lost the story. Who is this women with white hat. What happened….
***
I back to story again. I finished now and I love it. I am really confused Dylan’s best role is this one or Love Between Fairy and Devil. I can’t choose now. maybe I should watch Devil again. but for romance Devil is the best. I saw the rumor about season 2. I hope so .
I really want to see a man who didn’t show his face. It was very funny.
I also love women in the story. You can’t see weak women. All of them is strong even Princess.
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All alone in a foreign land, I am twice as homesick on this day. / Fear not the lack...
... of friends as you go along! There cannot be a connoisseur not loving your songThese verses are all about the protagonist, Yang Ling, a salesman with great social skills, playful, funny and imperfect, but possessing a deep sense of justice and care for the people around him, projected (via video-game) in the isekai-fantasy Dafeng world, with a new identity: Xu Qi'an, a low constable and nephew of a middle-poor commoner Xu family, destined to progressively become the greatest hero of that empire. He has no time to dwell upon the new environment because he immediately finds himself in danger, imprisoned, facing the task to detect the truth behind the accusation of silver robbery with death sentence pending upon his uncle. A strong start (with excellent camera-work) for a highly engaging plot which will gradully depict the Dafeng, the relevant characters, build up relations (friendship, camaraderie, love and attachments...) and branch out interesting twists and subplots, while keeping you constantly at the edge of your seat or loughing like crazy.
The Dafeng world resembles the parallel universe of Joy of Life: Guardians of GotD and Overwatch Department from JOL have similar tasks and objectives (intelligence, investigation, keeping in check power undercurrents...). Its head Wei Gong develops a strong attachment with XQ, similar to Chen Pingping's towards Fan Xian. Although the genres of two dramas slightly differ (being GoD more isekai, more comedy and less angsty than JoL), Xu Qian and FX both basically "rise up the ranks" through merits/tasks they've accomplished. Heroic vibe is also highly similar (relaxed, not taken too seriously, with a lot of comedy). XQ and FX are both righteous (well, that's why they are heroes) but they also both possess certain "rebel" traits, because of their intollerance towards injustice. Finally, both heroes smartly use Chinese classical poetry, though this use serves also to strongly differentiate one from another: while Fan Xian is a poetry nerd, capable of reciting hundreds of them in just one night, XQ barely remembers two verses of each (as most of the people do, I assume), mixes them up (as he mixed the verses in the title: the melancholic Wang Wei's "Nostalgia for My Brothers on the Double Ninth Day" with encouraging Gao Shi's couplet from “Farewell to Dong Da” - wherever one goes, he/she will always find friends and people able to appreciate his/her value), flows that make this streetsmart, thoughtful, practical, perserverant and competitive character even more relatable.
The scriptwriting is excellent both on plot-development and characters-building side, and it skillfully interweave comic moments, deeper thoughts on human relations, magic and subplots into a (gradually, more) complex tapestry story. There are no dull moments and a viewer feels various pieces of the puzzle dropping at the right moment in the right place, hinting towards the shape of a "bigger picture". It isn't a 10, only because the last third of the drama feels slightly rushed (but this is due to the 40-episodes limit for C-productions) with a few things happening off-screen. Deng Ke's direction is a full 10 and many moments, actions and thoughts ("equivalent exchange", "take it slowly"...) will remain deeply impressed in your memory, inviting you to rewatch them (as well as wishing a S2!). The comprehensive aesthetics and (non invasive) music are also well chosen. All the actors deliver perfectly their characters with a few of them having a chance to stand out brilliantly, not only delivering but becoming the character they were performing.
I invite you also to rate this drama positively after watching it, if not for other reasons... as a (minimum) equivalent exchange for the wonder and lols it provided you. It will make you Dafengers and when you'll hear: "Do no wrong!", you'll be tempted to reply: "And fear no Guardians!"
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