Chinese Title: 守护者们 ( Shou Hu Zhe Men)
English Title: The Guardians
Also Known As: Shou Hu Zhe Men
Genre: Historical, Political, Action, Crime
Episodes: 35
Director: Vincent Yang
Screenwriters: TBA
Plot Synopsis
In 1939, Shanghai intelligence agent Gu Yangshan (Han Dong Jun) kidnaps Joseph Needham, a blind cryptography expert and his Oxford classmate, forcing him to abandon his work developing codes for the Japanese army.
Ding Yi (Zhang Yi Shan), a minor actor in the Chaosheng Opera Troupe, was originally hired by the fearful Needham to impersonate him, but he is unwittingly drawn into this unexpected situation.
In order to sabotage the development of the cryptographic system, Gu Yangshan has no choice but to continue “hiring” Ding Yi to impersonate “Joseph Needham,” while he himself becomes his assistant.
The two overcome numerous tests and infiltrate a heavily guarded Japanese military facility. During their mission, they constantly teeter on the brink of death, not only having to sabotage the Japanese code system’s development but also having to guard against exposing the fact that Ding Yi is neither blind nor knowledgeable about cryptography.
Main Cast & Characters
Lead Cast
- Zhang Yi Shan as Ding Yi / Li Yue Se / Joseph Lee
- Elvis Han as Gu Yang Shan / Cha Li / Charlie Gu
- Zhang Tian Ai as Shen Bi Yun / Ruan Qing / Xian Bi Yun
Supporting Cast
- Liu Huan as Liang Jing Yuan
- Zhu Gang Ri Yao as Luo Han
- Fan Shi Ran as Meng Jie
- Wang Zi Yun as Ye Yin
- Jiao Gang as Shen Wan Qing
- He Qiang as Lao Wu
- Zhao Zi Qi as Yi Ai Da
- Bao Da Zhi as Cao Yuan Zhong
- Tian Hao as Li Bo Yao
- Ma Yue as Lao Chao
- Li Bao Min as Yi Xiu Yuan
- Zhu Wei Wei as Su Fen
Production Details
Original Work:
Production Company: Youku, Qimeng Pictures, Zhonghui Film and Television and China Mobile Migu
Filming: On August 3rd, 2023, filming began at Hengdian World Studios. On November 13th, filming wrapped up.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 35
- Episode Length: 42 minutes
- First Aired: September 23rd, 2025
- Final Episode: October 9th, 2025
- Original Network / Platform: YOUKU
Where to Watch
China:
- YOUKU
International Platforms:
- YOUKU International
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Critics have called it one of the best C-dramas of 2025.
- Superb acting and writing, and an extremely historically accurate series.
- Wonderful relationship between the two male leads.
- Gorgeous cinematography.
Articles About The Guardians
Zhang Yi Shan’s The Guardians exceeds 1 million reservations as C-drama premieres next week
The Guardians earns 7,000 on heat index – celebrates with poster of Zhang Yi Shan and Zhang Tian Ai
About the Author
