Chinese Drama Titles

The Guardians (守护者们 / Shou Hu Zhe Men

Michelle Topham September 21, 2025

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:
Original Work:

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.