Guardians of the Dafeng plot summary
Guardians of the Dafeng (original title: 大奉打更人) is a Chinese costume drama that mixes swordplay, investigation, comedy and mystery. Its hero, Xu Qi’an, has only just completed his police academy training when he finds himself in an unfamiliar world. This new world operates by different rules. Confucian scholars, Taoists and Buddhists share it with demons and warlocks, and each group has its own kind of power.
Xu Qi’an soon learns that he is about to be banished to a distant town on the frontier. Rather than accept that fate, he finds a way out: a place among an influential order of guardians. That choice launches a hero’s journey. The young outsider has to rely on the reasoning skills of a trained investigator while learning to survive among swords, sorcery and court intrigue.
The set-up offers a fish-out-of-water story with a detective’s eye. Cases and mysteries drive much of the action, and the series balances them with lighter comedic moments and a romantic thread.
Guardians of the Dafeng review: what makes it notable
- Cast: Dylan Wang leads as Xu Qi’an. The ensemble includes:
- Tian Xiwei as Lin’an
- Liu Yijun as Wei Yuan
- Yan Zidong as Xu Xinnian
- Yue Yang as Xu Pingzhi
- Zhang Xiaochen as Chu Yuanzhen
- Mao Xiaohui as Huaiqing
- Fan Shuaiqi as Nangong Qianrou
- Liu Meihan as Chu Caiwei
- Zhang Miaoyi as Xu Lingyue
- Behind the camera: Deng Ke created and directed the series. Yang Yuchen wrote the screenplay.
- Broadcasters: The drama aired on CCTV-8 and streamed on Tencent Video.
- Source material: The series is based on a web novel.
- Format: There is one season of 40 episodes, each running around 45 minutes. The drama premiered on 26 February 2025, and the series has since completed its run.
- Genre blend: The series combines drama, action and adventure, comedy and mystery in a historical-fantasy setting.
Who will enjoy it
- Fans of Chinese costume dramas with fantasy and martial arts elements
- Viewers who like investigation and mystery plots built around solving cases
- Anyone who enjoys a transported-to-another-world hero’s journey
- Those looking for action balanced with comedy and a touch of romance
- Followers of Dylan Wang’s work
Where to watch Guardians of the Dafeng in the US
In the United States, Guardians of the Dafeng is listed on these official platforms:
- WeTV: included with a subscription
- Rakuten Viki: free with ads
- Amazon Video: available to buy
Availability of individual episodes can vary by platform, so check each service for its current offering.
Trailer
Cast
Dylan Wangas Xu Qi'an40 episodesSee credits →
Tian Xiweias Lin'an40 episodesSee credits →
Liu Yijunas Wei Yuan40 episodes
Yan Zidongas Xu Xinnian40 episodes
Yue Yangas Xu Pingzhi40 episodes
Zhang Xiaochenas Chu Yuanzhen40 episodes
Mao Xiaohuias Huaiqing40 episodes
Fan Shuaiqias Nangong Qianrou40 episodes
Photo: TMDB
Episode guide
| Season | Episode | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Aired | |
| 1 | 2 | Aired | |
| 1 | 3 | Aired | |
| 1 | 4 | Aired | |
| 1 | 5 | Aired | |
| 1 | 6 | Aired | |
| 1 | 7 | Aired | |
| 1 | 8 | Aired | |
| 1 | 9 | Aired | |
| 1 | 10 | Aired | |
| 1 | 11 | Aired | |
| 1 | 12 | Aired | |
| 1 | 13 | Aired | |
| 1 | 14 | Aired | |
| 1 | 15 | Aired | |
| 1 | 16 | Aired | |
| 1 | 17 | Aired | |
| 1 | 18 | Aired | |
| 1 | 19 | Aired | |
| 1 | 20 | Aired | |
| 1 | 21 | Aired | |
| 1 | 22 | Aired | |
| 1 | 23 | Aired | |
| 1 | 24 | Aired | |
| 1 | 25 | Aired | |
| 1 | 26 | Aired | |
| 1 | 27 | Aired | |
| 1 | 28 | Aired | |
| 1 | 29 | Aired | |
| 1 | 30 | Aired | |
| 1 | 31 | Aired | |
| 1 | 32 | Aired | |
| 1 | 33 | Aired | |
| 1 | 34 | Aired | |
| 1 | 35 | Aired | |
| 1 | 36 | Aired | |
| 1 | 37 | Aired | |
| 1 | 38 | Aired | |
| 1 | 39 | Aired | |
| 1 | 40 | Aired |
Dates are original broadcast dates in the country of origin (Korea/China). Official streaming platforms in your country may add episodes the same day or later.
FAQ
- How many episodes does Guardians of the Dafeng have?
- Guardians of the Dafeng has one season of 40 episodes, each running about 45 minutes.
- When was Guardians of the Dafeng released?
- The series premiered on 26 February 2025 on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video. Its run has since ended.
- Who is in the cast of Guardians of the Dafeng?
- Dylan Wang stars as Xu Qi'an. He is joined by Tian Xiwei as Lin'an, Liu Yijun as Wei Yuan, Yan Zidong as Xu Xinnian, Yue Yang as Xu Pingzhi and Zhang Xiaochen as Chu Yuanzhen. The ensemble also includes Mao Xiaohui as Huaiqing, Fan Shuaiqi as Nangong Qianrou, Liu Meihan as Chu Caiwei and Zhang Miaoyi as Xu Lingyue.
- Where can I watch Guardians of the Dafeng legally in the US?
- In the US, it is listed on WeTV (subscription), Rakuten Viki (free with ads) and Amazon Video (to buy).
- What genre is Guardians of the Dafeng?
- It is a Chinese costume drama that blends action and adventure, comedy, mystery and investigation with swordplay and fantasy elements. It is based on a web novel.
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