Arsenal Military Academy
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Television series |
| Parent | Huanyu Film Company, iQiyi, Tencent Pictures |
Arsenal Military Academy () is a 2019 Chinese streaming television drama helmed by director Hue Kaidong, starring Bai Lu, Xu Kai, Li Chengbin, and Wu Jiayi. The narrative centers on Xie Xiang, who assumes her brother’s identity to enroll as a male cadet at a military academy. Jointly produced by Huanyu Film Company, iQiyi, and Tencent Pictures, the series was broadcast on iQiyi from August 6 through September 6, 2019, comprising 48 episodes. Blending elements of military, action thriller, wartime drama, and romance, it appeals to viewers seeking intense storytelling paired with compelling character arcs.
Synopsis
Disguised as a man under her late brother’s name, Xie Xiang (Bai Lu) joins the Arsenal Military Academy in Shunyuan, with only her close friend Tan Xiaojun (Zhang Xin) aware of her true identity. Upon arrival, she clashes frequently with her impulsive roommate Gu Yanzheng (Xu Kai).
Within the academy walls, Xie Xiang establishes friendships with Huang Song (Liu Sibo) and Shen Junsan (Li Chengbin). Despite her diminutive frame and fragile health, she evolves into a skilled soldier respected by her peers. Concurrently, the cadets uncover a covert scheme involving Japanese invaders, Chinese resistance fighters, and descendants of the fallen Qing dynasty. Together, they strive to uphold justice for their nation.
Main Cast
- Bai Lu as Xie Xiang / Xie Liangchen
- Xu Kai as Gu Yanzhen
- Li Chengbin as Shen Junshan
- Wu Jiayi as Qu Manting
Academy Faculty
- Liu Runnan as Li Wenzhong
- A rebellious cadet often at odds with Xie Xiang.
- Wang Yizhe as Ji Jin
- Close companion of Shen Junshan; frequently reacts to Gu Yanzhen’s behavior and shows interest in Xie Xiang.
- Liu Sibo as Huang Song
- A devoted and spirited countryside cadet who befriends Xie Xiang.
- Meng En as Zhu Yanlin
- Cadet distinguished by a strong moral compass.
- Shao Bing as Guo Shuting
- Deputy Director and tactics instructor; serves as Xie Xiang’s mentor while grappling with unresolved romantic feelings.
- Lin Yo-wei as Lu Zhongyu
- Chief Instructor responsible for maintaining discipline amid political turmoil.
- Nan Fulong as Instructor Song
- Dalai Harihu as Academy Deputy Director
Nan Shan Bar
- Liu Min as Huo Xiao Yu
- Proprietor of Nan Shan Bar and close ally of Guo Shu Ting; former Qing Dynasty opera performer who now runs a well-connected establishment in Shunyuan.
- Zhang Xin as Tan Xiaojun
- Waitress and bartender at Nan Shan Bar; Xie Xiang’s closest confidante who often joins Academy cadets during outings with Qu Manting.
- Zheng Long as Xiao Liu
- Assistant to Huo Xiaoyu.
- Chang Cheng as Xiao Dai
- Assistant to Huo Xiaoyu.
- Ma Wen Chao as Zha Meng
- Assistant to Huo Xiaoyu.
Paramo Cabaret
- Zhang Nan as Yuan Pingting
- An emerging actress whose fame rises alongside Qu Manting’s fading prominence.
- Sun Tao as Manager Huang
- Butler to the Shen family and manager of Paramo Cabaret.
- An An as Xiao Yang
- Fei Li Qi as Xiao Tao
Residents of Shunyuan
- An Yuexi portraying An Wen
- Owner of a flower shop in Shunyuan who experiences anterograde amnesia.
- Liu Feng Gang as Director of News Agency
- Liu Yin Jun in the role of Zhang Hao Ran
- Son of the editor-in-chief of a newspaper.
- Gong Zheng Nan as Director Sheng
- Feng Wu Sheng playing Jiang Hao / Jiang Han Nian
- Notorious criminal figure.
Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce
- Hong Yao as Shen Tingbai
- Prominent head of the Shunyuan Chamber of Commerce; formerly engaged to Qu Manting and quietly offers her support. Elder sibling to Shen Junshan.
- Shen Qi as Benzi
- Assistant to Shen Tingbai.
- Sun Rong as Master Shen
- Father to both Tingbai and Junshan.
Japanese Chamber of Commerce
- Gao Yu'er as Jin Xianrong / Oda Hiroshi
- Strategic business leader heading the Japanese Chamber; initially adopted by Prince Rong’s household, later taken in by Oda Yukihide. Studied in the UK alongside Shen Junshan, with whom she shares a friendship.
- Ma Ang as Fujiwara Ichiro
- Jin Xianrong’s aide and bodyguard, torn over schemes concerning Shen Junshan.
- Liu Enshang as Sato Kazuo
- Former chairman of the chamber, replaced by Jin Xianrong.
- Wang Kan as Lieutenant General Miyazawa
Qing Dynasty Royal Family
- Yin Zheng as Cheng Rui, Third Rank Prince
- The son of Prince Rong and the last royal descendant of the Qing dynasty; adoptive elder brother to Oda Xianrong.
- Shen Baoping as Prince Rong
- Li Qinqin as Fujin (Prince Consort) Rong
- Huai Yuan as Pei Shun
Gu Estate
- Ren Shan as Gu Zong Tang
- Recently appointed Vice Governor of Feng'an; father to Gu Yanzhen and Gu Qiqi.
- Zhang Yixi as Gu Qiqi
- Stepsister to Yanzhen, harboring feelings for Xie Xiang (who is disguised as Xie Liangchen).
- Zheng Sheng Li as Butler Zu
- Yue Chun Yu as Mr. Zhao
Xie Household
- Dong Li as Xie Liangchen
- Elder brother of Xie Xiang who died after enrolling at the Academy; Xie Xiang assumes his identity to pursue his aspirations.
- Zhang Gong as Professor Xie Zhipei
- Father to Xie Xiang and Xie Liangchen, teaching in Beijing.
- Lu Ling as Mrs. Xie
- Mother of both Xie siblings.
Qu Family
- Li Jie as Mr. Qu
- Head of the Qu family and father to Manting and Manshu; opposes Manting.
- He Jiayi as Mrs. Qu
- Wife of Mr. Qu, mother to Manting and Manshu, and sister to Pei Nianqing.
- Sun Anke portraying Qu Manshu
- Younger sister of Manting.
- Zuo Xiaoqing as Pei Nianqing
- Friend to Xiaoyu and love interest of Guo Shuting, appearing before the series timeline begins.
- Yang Yu Lan as Mrs. He
- The Qu family’s housekeeper.
Government Officials and Military Personnel
- Yang Hongwu as Mayor Bai
- Chen Bao Guo playing Mr. Zhou
- Xiao Rong Sheng as Commander Zhang Si Ling
- Sun Di portraying Captain He
- Police Captain in Shunyuan.
- Zhao Yong Zhan as Wang Bo Xun
- Chief of Police in Shunyuan.
Daughters from Official Families in Shunyuan
- Xuan Lu as Bai Biyun
- Daughter of Mayor Bai.
- Wang Ruo Xue in the role of Miss Du
- Cousin to Shen Tingbai and Shen Junshan; holds disdain for Manting due to her occupation.
- Han Le Yao portraying Zhao Qianqian
- Cousin to Gu Yanzhen.
- Zhang Jialin as Dong Xiaowan
- Former fiancée of Gu Yanzhen.
Cast from Peking (Beijing)
- Li Jun Yi portraying Lin Xian Wei
- Hua Cheng in the role of Chen Rong
- Fan Xishi as Song Mao Gong
- Chief of Beijing Police
Music
| Song Title | Lyricist | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soldier (战士): Opening Theme | Yu Zheng | Lu Hu | Lu Hu |
| Enter a Dream (入梦) | Wang Yaoguang | Ai Qing and Zhaho Se | Bai Lu and Xu Kai |
| Raging Fire (烈火): Closing Theme | Yu Zheng | Wang Yaoguang | Dong Li |
| Moonlight Tango (月光探戈) | Wang Yaoguang | Wang Yaoguang | Wu Jiayi |
| Poison (毒药) | Yu Zheng | Wang Yaoguang | Wang Yizhe |
Production Details
Shooting commenced on 26 March 2018 at Hengdian Studios and locations within Zhejiang Province, wrapping up on 6 August 2018 before transitioning into post-production.
Broadcast Information
The drama was initially released on iQiyi, with two episodes broadcast each day from Tuesday through Friday at 20:00, spanning from 6 August to 6 September 2019. Additionally, it was accessible via Viki Rakuten Global TV.
Awards and Recognitions
| Award | Category | Work Nominated | Outcome | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Entertainment Industry Summit (Golden Pufferfish Awards) |
Best Drama | Arsenal Military Academy | Template:Nom | |
| Golden Bud - The Fourth Network Film And Television Festival | Best Web Series | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Actor | Xu Kai | Template:Nom | ||
| Best Actress | Bai Lu | Template:Nom | ||
| 6th Hengdian Film and TV Festival of China (Wenrong Awards) | Best Actor | Xu Kai | Template:Won | |
| 6th The Actors of China Award | Best Actor (Web series) | Xu Kai | Template:Won | |
| Best Actress (Web series) | Bai Lu | Template:Nom | ||
| StarHub Night of Stars 2019 | Best Actor (China) | Xu Kai | Template:Won | |
| Most Promising Actress | Bai Lu | Template:Won | ||
| 8th iQiyi All-Star Carnival | Most Popular Actor | Xu Kai | Template:Won | |
| Most Popular Actress | Bai Lu | Template:Won |
External Links
- Chinese historical television series
- Chinese espionage television series
- Chinese romance television series
- 2019 Chinese television series debuts
- 2019 Chinese television series endings
- Television series by Huanyu Film
- Mandarin-language television shows
- Chinese web series
- IQIYI original programming
- Television series by Tencent Pictures
- Television series set in the Republic of China (1912–1949)