Guardians of the Dafeng (2024)

Refreshing and Must Watch 2025

I found this drama to be different from the others. When it premiered on December 28, 2024, I was so excited, and sure enough, from the very first episode, it had me laughing out loud. Dylan, as Xu Qi An, nailed the role, and I believe this role was made for him. Some scenes where they were laughing felt so natural and real, almost as if they weren’t acting at all. Every day, I eagerly look forward to each new episode of this drama.

As the episodes progress, the storyline becomes increasingly intricate and thrilling. The CGI, along with several scenes set in the mountains and deserts, showcases breathtakingly real landscapes, not CGI, and they’re stunning. This drama truly has outstanding visuals, making it feel like watching a movie. The opening song is also a perfect match, even though it’s the first time a Chinese drama in the Wuxia genre uses a rap-style opening song.

All the cast members are incredible, giving their absolute best. I’m thrilled that Dylan took on a different role and expanded his acting range. He is so natural in the comedy scenes too.

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Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute gem of a drama that has completely captivated me from the very first episode! The blend of humor, action, and a touch of mystery creates an engaging storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Dylan Wang shines as Xu Qi An, bringing charisma and depth to his character. His performance is both relatable and entertaining, making it easy to root for him throughout the series. The chemistry between the characters is electric, adding a delightful layer to the narrative.

The production quality is top-notch, with stunning visuals and well-choreographed action scenes that enhance the viewing experience. The comedic elements are perfectly timed, providing a light-hearted contrast to the more serious moments, making it a well-rounded show.

What I love most is how the series balances fun and excitement with meaningful themes of friendship, loyalty, and justice. Each episode leaves you wanting more, and the cliffhangers are expertly crafted to keep you hooked.

Overall, "Guardians of the Dafeng" is a must-watch! It’s a delightful escape into a world of adventure and camaraderie, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or just looking for something entertaining, this show deserves a solid 10/10! 🎉✨

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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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1000/10: Dylan Wang's Xu Qi An is Pure Perfection.

My far most favourite of 2025!
(I will die for a Season 2 of this drama T_T )

Heart-Touching in its Authenticity:

To be honest, here are no cardboard heroes or villains. The characters are flawed, complex, and utterly believable. We see their internal struggles, their agonizing choices, and the heavy weight of responsibility they shoulder. The relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic, are rendered with such exquisite sensitivity that you feel every pang of heartbreak, every surge of joy, every moment of shared vulnerability. The quiet moments, the unspoken glances, often speak louder than any grand declaration, drawing you into their world with an almost painful intimacy. You'll find yourself deeply invested in their fates, weeping with their sorrows and cheering their victories. I personally loved the scene when Xu Qi An' was fuming with revenge when the Commissioner of Chuzhou was murdered so cruelly. But instead of using the "Take things slow" strategy of Wei Yuan, Qi An' turned his grief into a massive sense of justice and executed the Commander and Duke on spot. I was literally screaming until my neighbour started knocking my door.

Truthful in its Depiction of Power and Sacrifice:

It's a gritty exploration of the corrupting nature of power and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition. The series doesn't shy away from the ugly truths of political maneuvering, showing the sacrifices, both personal and collective, that individuals must make to survive and perhaps, just perhaps, bring about change. Apart from the notable heroes, it's also about the ordinary people, often marginalized and overlooked, who find the strength to stand against injustice even when the odds are stacked against them. The sacrifices they make, both big and small, are genuinely heart-wrenching, and their quiet bravery is all the more impactful for its lack of fanfare. Tears ran down my eyes when I saw the bloodshed scene: it was so realistic that I couldn't hold any longer.

Detailed in its World-Building and Character Arcs:

From the bustling streets of the capital to the remote villages on the fringes of society, every location feels lived-in and authentic. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold organically and never feeling rushed. The acting is phenomenal across the board, with each performance radiating a raw emotional honesty that draws you in. The series beautifully captures the essence of the period and the specific struggles of the characters, yet it transcends the confines of genre, speaking to universal themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope.
The costumes, the sets, the subtle details – they all contribute to creating a rich and immersive experience. But what truly shines is the character development. We witness them grow, evolve, and grapple with their own demons. The subtle nuances in their expressions, the quiet shifts in their behavior, are all meticulously portrayed, adding layers of depth and complexity. The arc of the leading characters is particularly compelling, showcasing a spectrum of human emotions and vulnerabilities that resonate deeply.

I personally loved the way how the Xu Family was portrayed ---- notably Xu Xinnian's chaotic parents. Loved the character of Caiwei (a total foodie) , the absurd and awkward romance between Simu and Xinnian. Expected a little bit more of Qi An' and Princess Lin'an's romance. But let's save it for Season 2.
Precaution: Be emotionally prepared for Episode 39 and 40 if you are midway / just started / plan to watch.

Conclusion:
Overall, "Guardians of Dafeng" isn’t just a historical drama; it’s an emotional voyage that invites you to reflect on your own life's battles. It teaches us that heroes often arise from unexpected places and that the bonds we share are worth protecting at all costs. With its heart-touching storytelling, it's a must-watch for anyone seeking drama that lingers long after the final credits roll. I wholeheartedly recommend diving into this spellbinding tale—you won't regret it!

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Dylan aka Xu Qian carried the show!

This show is a lighter version of Joy of Life and Sword Snow Stride mixed together, with a whole lot of laughs, drama and nice fight scenes. It has politics, lessons on cultivation, the justice prevails over all else theme and a bit of romance here and there.
Dylan Wang with his cute family and gang of bronze, silver and Gold Gongs won over my heart. I also like that the underlying theme of the drama is consistent throughout the show, also the writers take on what it truly means to live your life. The part where Xu Qian has to defeat the Heaven sect avatar and when he is stuck in the formation with never-ending cycle of his sad life and stuck in hospital, that part was great, also those were the scenes that I laughed at the most. I'm pretty sure it was Dylan more then Xu Qian character throwing questions at the Heaven sect guy and making him so confused that his Avatar was split in half lol.
Even though the show is focused on Dylan, there were some great side character growth arcs. Xu Qian relationship with his teacher/ master was shown really well, the genuine love between Mr Wei and his naughty disciple and the teacher saving Xu Qian arse everytime the Majesty/King tried to take his head 😆
I did skip some of the romantice bits cause I was way too invested in the part about the mysterious robe guy and Mr Jiang having a fight of their own, and the last reveal!
Fingers crossed we get a Season 2 soon!!

Rewatch value - 10/10 !

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Awesome till the end!

This went so HARD!!!!! From beginning to end, the story, the actors, the action...it all gave 300%. I laughed, I cried, I sat in wonder at such a well-crafted drama. It's not a drama where you have to "think" to ponder the character's emotions, because you can feel them immediately. The portrayals are so raw, you will have this visceral reaction to the good, the bad, and the evil in this drama. And hats off to Dylan Wang for his great acting in making Qi'an a character we all understood and all wanted to win by keeping him relatable and utterly human, yet heroic in the face of adversity...in a story that gave him superhuman, ultimate, level-up powers. He wasn't perfect, he was just decent and kind, and that kept us wanting him to win through each battle. It was lovely to not watch people be mistreated for 40 episodes with no recourse or hope until the very end. It was lovely to see intelligent, strong women and soft, protected women in the same show characterized appropriately. They weren't just props and we got to watch them all either be active participants or learn and grow. It was lovely to see how camaraderie and family could not only be built, but made stronger. Liu Yi Jun...was a powerhouse. I could go on forever because truthfully, this entire cast embodied the characters they played so well. I could write a dissertation on all the good things in this drama, and not because it was deep, philosophical, or thought provoking, but simply because it was a great story with amazing actors, and I had a great time watching it. I have already started re-watching it! This is a 10 out of 10 and a banging way to start off the new year!

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This needs to have season 2

The first few episodes were a bore, but fortunately the story started picking up it's phase on the succeeding episodes. There were a lot of hilarious scenes and they made me howl with laughter. Dylan is really improving in his acting, I'd have to give him that, even with comedy. Tian Xi Wei is ok for me, but I wish the scriptwriter didn't overdo her playfulness. I liked the guardian yamen peeps, they provided much of the story's meat, specially Gold Gong Yang Yan. He's my fave, and kinda like your campus crush who excelled in everything but surprisingly loyal. The Realm sect, kudos as well to these guys , as they pretty much provided Xu Qi An all the help they can give.

The emotional rollercoaster on the last few episodes caught me off-guard, and it was touching at some degree. Though I felt robbed when the final battle with Emperor Jing Yuan was cut short and he had to be erased in everyone's memories. Gawd I hated it. The county governor's story arc was the most heartbreaking of all. When he was killed in prison, all hell broke loose. Xu Qi An was unstoppable, he had to avenge the poor old man. Even the guardians were ready to defend him to death. The way the imperial guards turned their backs and let Ning Yan beat the shit out of the two villains in league with the emperor. How the judiciary minister deliberately pretended to close the gate with the other court officials and listened in content while the two was beaten outside. It was damn satisfying.

Biggest plot twist, mystery man was Xu Qi An's dad. The friggin' 2nd rank sorcerer who made everyone forget Ning Yan. And the bureau supervisor who could be the real villain in the story. Cliff-hanger hinting on a season 2, I just hope they keep the original cast.

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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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refreshing and entertaining series

"Guardians of the Dafeng" is an absolute gem that deserves a solid 10/10! From the moment I started watching, I was hooked by its unique blend of humor, action, and drama. Here’s why this drama stands out:

### Engaging Storyline
The narrative follows Xu Qi'an, played brilliantly by Dylan Wang, who navigates a world filled with demons, magic, and treachery. The plot is a delightful mix of classic adventure and witty humor, reminiscent of the best slapstick comedies. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it a refreshing watch. Each episode is packed with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.

### Humor and Light-heartedness
One of the highlights of "Guardians of the Dafeng" is its light-hearted, manga-style humor. The slapstick comedy is reminiscent of Stephen Chow’s classic films, and while it may not hit every mark for everyone, it certainly brings a smile to my face. The comedic timing is spot-on, and the interactions between characters are often hilarious, making it a joy to watch.

### Strong Character Development
The characters are well-developed and relatable. Xu Qi'an, as the crafty salesman with a power fantasy, is both charming and flawed, making him a character you can root for. The supporting cast, including Huai Qing, adds depth to the story, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. Their camaraderie and banter bring an extra layer of enjoyment to the show.

### Stunning Visuals and Production Quality
The production quality is impressive, with beautiful cinematography that brings the fantastical world to life. The costumes and set designs are vibrant and detailed, immersing viewers in the rich lore of the series. The action scenes are well-choreographed, providing a good balance between humor and intensity.

### Emotional Depth
Beyond the humor and action, "Guardians of the Dafeng" also explores deeper themes of loyalty, friendship, and the struggle against adversity. There are moments that tug at your heartstrings, reminding us of the importance of standing by your friends and facing challenges together.

### Conclusion
In a world where many dramas can feel formulaic, "Guardians of the Dafeng" stands out as a refreshing and entertaining series. It perfectly balances humor, action, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch. Whether you’re in the mood for a good laugh or an exciting adventure, this drama has it all. I can’t recommend it enough—definitely a 10/10! 🌟

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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.

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