Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Guardians of the Dafeng, which became one of the most captivating Chinese fantasy dramas of late 2024 and early 2025. This innovative series proves that mixing modern detective skills with ancient mystical worlds creates the perfect recipe for binge-worthy entertainment.
The series started airing on CCTV-8 and streaming platform Tencent Video on December 28, 2024, and is also available internationally on WeTV, Viu, and Disney+ (Taiwan). Directed by Deng Ke and adapted from the popular web novel by Mai Bao Xiao Lang Jun, this historical adventure fantasy series spans 40 episodes with rich storytelling that blends mystery, fantasy, and romance. The show stars Dylan Wang and Tian Xiwei in lead roles, creating a compelling narrative about a modern police academy graduate who must use his contemporary knowledge to solve ancient mysteries in a world filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and warlocks.
A modern office worker,
Yang Ling, a modern office worker, is transported to the Da Feng Dynasty, where he becomes Xu Qi An, a “copper gong” night watchman. The story follows Xu Qi’an, a recent police academy graduate who awakens in a strange world filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and warlocks. Facing imminent exile to a remote frontier town, he seizes the chance to change his fate by joining a powerful organization of guardians. Using his modern knowledge, scientific understanding, and reasoning skills, he successfully cracks one bizarre case after another, gradually earning recognition and changing his destiny in this mystical realm.
Xu Qi’an: The Modern Detective in Ancient Times
Dylan Wang delivers an exceptional performance as Xu Qi’an, masterfully balancing the character’s modern sensibilities with his need to adapt to ancient customs and supernatural elements. His portrayal captures the frustration and ingenuity of someone trying to apply 21st-century logic to a world governed by mystical forces and ancient traditions. The character’s journey from a confused modern man to a respected guardian showcases Wang’s versatility as an actor, particularly in scenes where he must solve cases using forensic knowledge that seems like magic to his ancient counterparts.
The Female Lead: Princess and Partner
Tian Xiwei brings depth and grace to her role as the female lead, creating a character who serves as both romantic interest and intellectual equal to Xu Qi’an. Her performance balances the character’s royal background with her growing respect for the unconventional methods of the time-traveling detective. The chemistry between Dylan Wang and Tian Xiwei creates authentic romantic tension that develops naturally alongside the mystery-solving adventures, making their relationship feel earned rather than forced.
Ancient Mysteries and Modern Solutions
The series reaches its peak when Xu Qi’an must use all his accumulated knowledge, both modern and ancient, to solve the most complex case yet. The climax brilliantly brings together the supernatural elements, political intrigue, and personal relationships that have been building throughout the series. The resolution demonstrates how the protagonist has evolved from someone relying solely on modern knowledge to someone who has learned to integrate both worlds, creating solutions that neither purely ancient nor purely modern approaches could achieve.
Supporting Characters: A Rich Fantasy World
The series features Liu Yijun and Yan Zidong in supporting roles that add layers of complexity to the guardian organization and the mystical world. Each character represents different aspects of the Da Feng Dynasty’s supernatural society, from scholars versed in ancient wisdom to practitioners of various mystical arts. Their interactions with Xu Qi’an highlight the cultural clash between modern and ancient worldviews while enriching the overall narrative tapestry.
Success on WeTV
Guardians of the Dafeng has garnered significant attention as one of the latest Chinese dramas to capture international audiences, with its unique blend of time travel, detective work, and fantasy elements resonating with viewers across different platforms. The series’ availability on multiple international streaming services including WeTV, Viu, and Disney+ demonstrates its broad appeal and the growing global market for Chinese fantasy content. The show’s success lies in its ability to make ancient Chinese culture accessible to modern audiences while maintaining the mystical and romantic elements that make fantasy dramas so compelling.
If you love stories about time travel, detective mysteries, and the clash between modern logic and ancient magic, Guardians of the Dafeng is the perfect series to binge on WeTV. It’s an innovative take on the fantasy genre that combines the best of both worlds in the most entertaining way possible.
Guardians of the Dafeng brilliantly combines modern detective work with ancient mystical elements, creating a unique fantasy experience that proves 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