Guardians of the Dafeng
Guardians of the Dafeng is a 2024 Chinese television drama adapted from the web novel of the same name by Maibao Xiaolangjun. The historical adventure fantasy series is directed by Deng Ke, and stars Dylan Wang, Tian Xiwei, Liu Yijun and Yan Zidong in the lead roles. The series started airing on CCTV-8 and streaming platform Tencent Video on December 28, 2024. It is also airing internationally on WeTV, Viu and Disney+.
Synopsis
The mixed-genre adventure fantasy drama series tells the story of Xu Qi'an, a young man who gave up his police academy spot to work as a real estate agent. Xu finds himself transported to an unfamiliar alternative historical reality filled with Confucians, Taoists, Buddhists, demons, and sorcerers. Upon waking up, he discovers he's in a prison cell and is set to be exiled to a remote town in three days. His second uncle in this new reality in the Dafeng Dynasty, Xu Pingzhi, is framed for stealing tax money, leading to the imprisonment of the entire Xu family. To save his family, Xu Qi'an uses his knowledge from criminal investigation books and his understanding of mathematics, physics, and chemistry to uncover the truth behind the theft and clear their names.Xu Qi'an catches the attention of the city's law enforcement organization that reports to the emperor and becomes one of their members. He was also recruited into the Realm Society, a secretive group composed of anonymous members from various factions and sects. In the demon and magic-filled world of Dafeng, Xu initially aims only for self-preservation and a leisurely life as a wealthy man. However, his sense of justice propels him to act when his superior attempts to rape the female members of a guilty minister's family during a house search. Although he knows intervening could lead to his death, he draws his sword to uphold justice.
Chief Guardian of the night watch Lord Wei Yuan then tasks Xu Qi'an with investigating the Sangbo Lake explosion case. Xu Qi'an successfully identifies the mastermind, removes corruption from the court, and restores peace. Unbeknownst to him, other forces were behind the Sangbo Lake explosion, and a sealed object from the lake has entered his body. Feeling like a pawn in a larger game, Xu Qi'an resolves to become a player instead, determined to uncover and confront the hidden powers.
Production
Development
The serialized online novel Dafeng Dagenren by author Maibao Xiaolangjun was completed on Qidian in August 2021. Following its conclusion, the audio drama for the novel was released, together with the animation, comic and live-action adaptions set into motion.Filming
Filming for the Tencent Video television series began in July 2023, with New Classics Media helming the production. The majority of the series was shot in Hengdian Studios, with some of the outdoor scenes filmed in Xinjiang.Release
The series premiered in mainland China on Tencent Video starting from 28 December 2024, with early access for members. It also aired on the CCTV-8 drama channel. Besides mainland China, the drama ranked first across several streaming charts in North America, Singapore and Taiwan. The show has been licensed in 13 overseas territories and is available on platforms such as Disney+, YouTube, Rakuten Viki, Viu, Astro, and TVB. It has been translated into 14 languages and has been broadcast in regions including North America, Singapore, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.On 3 November 2025, it was announced that the second season of Guardians of the Dafeng had been greenlit.