Guardians of the Dafeng

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

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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?

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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.

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A great drama with a low ending

So i just finished Guardians of the Dafeng and i dont know what to thing honestly.

I very enjoyed this drama despite some slow pacing in the plot, the production is very good and it's probably one the best Dylan Wang drama. That said, I feel that Tian Xi Wei's screen time isn't substantial enough. Even though this isn't a drama where romance takes center stage, the character she portrays is very interesting and could have been explored much more.

I didnt liked the ending, its the second drama in one week with a false ending and a "to be continued" and it's boring me, the ending itself is too fast, lack of details and it's too rushed.

Overall it's a great drama is you want something like Joy of Life in term of humor, it's a great action/fantasy drama too.

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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

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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

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The peony is mightier than the sword

I'd often start a review with "this show starts promisingly". It is not so straightforward here.

The issue with this series is multifaceted. Firstly, I can't escape a comparison with the Joy of Life series. The cocky ML and his modus operandi are uncanny. There are differences but the subplots regarding famous poems, and the spy master mentor are too close to ignore.

Secondly, the tone of this show is inconsistent. It starts off light and breezy. It even lean towards slapsticks at time. This makes it harder to change things up. For instance, the ML is sentenced to death in ep.15 but within minutes, the tone shifted again. How serious is serious? We are always expecting a get-out-of-jail card.

Thirdly, the ML's sudden appearance in ancient time was never explained (at least by ep.20). He has no problem assimilating into his new life and gains new skills in the blink of an eye. Granted, he is charismatic and a smooth operator. Everyone is fawning over him. It just feels contrived.

We are told he is a police academy graduate, so he is presented as some kind of Chinese Sherlock. The problem is that we don't see much real police work at all. He would "review" a case and just pronounce "the butler did it!". To tell you the truth, that was one aspect that I was most looking forward to. I was hoping to see some scientific approach to crime solving but alas, it was not to be.

Needless to say, the writer is holding all the cards and we are drip-fed information. It is all designed to show the ML in the best light, but at the cost of narrative logic.

Fourthly, we are sold a strong romantic line regarding our leads. Unfortunately, the chemistry is weak (up to EP.20). It is obvious from the start that they are the OTP but I don't get the feels. This is partly due to the way the FL role's is written. The FL plays a ditzy princess who is constantly competing with her royal siblings but not in the deadly game of thrones way, more like petty squabbles. Her schemes are borderline childish. It really throws shades on her intelligence. I'm sure the writer will right that ship in due course but at this juncture, she is just another tropey character. This drama is well populated with such standard characters.

Lastly (for now), there is no rhyme or reason why the ML should suddenly wake up in ancient Dafeng after a staff dinner (see next paragraph). The show goes hard on its own lore but we are none the wiser unless you have read the web novel.

It is full-on xianxia. Monsters, wizards, warlocks, flying heroes, the works. Everyone is cultivating, just not peonies. ;) This means we are running to catch up with who’s who and what’s what. Sects and agencies, both official and secret, are everywhere. They all slot in somehow but there doesn't seem to be a prime directive other than lore, petty jealousy and powerplay.

Of course, all that pales when they played the Ancient Evil card. Yes, it spices things up and pushes a lot of the filler subplots aside. May be there will be some clarity at long last. My money is on the ML being the Chosen One™. Old tropes but good tropes, I suppose.

None of what I listed are deal breaking but when you add them up, I am foundering and losing heart.

This is where the scheduling god played a cruel joke. In the middle of its run, Flourished Peony starts airing. This shines a harsh light on our Guardians. Once I sampled FP, it became an one-horse race. I'm shelving this series until I finish FP. I'll give it another go then. Peace.

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I've kept this drama on my pocket for almost a year and damn, i blame myself, WHY DID I NOT WATCH IT EARLYY!!! I was never and never got bored watching, each episode was super entertaining. All my life, I've always skippped episodes, sped up to 2x and would keep forwarding. But this series, i never did any of those, and thats how entertaining the drama is. I had a good laugh in the first episodes (even the later episodes, but not really since it has become more serious, and i love the balance.) And I'm the type of person that likes a historical drama that doesn't have a heavy romance, so this drama was extremely tea for me

Overall, definitely worth it to watch and rewatch. Will never get bored watching this over and over again (except for the last episodes, too traumatized of the angst >,<)

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