When a drama series builds its entire premise around disguised identities, military discipline, and turbulent early 20th-century politics, the character dynamics make or break the show. Released in 2019 and directed by Hue Kaidong, the hit streaming series Arsenal Military Academy stands out because its ensemble cast delivers genuine chemistry, sharp wit, and emotional depth. If you're trying to keep track of the cadets, instructors, and socialites who drive the plot, this guide breaks down the primary and supporting players.
The story follows Xie Xiang, a young woman who cuts her hair, takes on her late brother's name (Xie Liangchen), and enters a notoriously strict military academy where women are barred. Surrounded by elite peers and demanding instructors, she has to survive rigorous training while hiding her secret. Beyond the central romance and cross-dressing tropes, the series succeeds because each actor brings distinct motivations and quirks to their role. Let's look at the principal actors and the characters they bring to life.
The Main Cast and Central Cadets
The core of the series revolves around the new recruits and cadets who form uneasy friendships, fierce rivalries, and complex loyalties within the academy walls.
Bai Lu as Xie Xiang / Xie Liangchen
Bai Lu stars as the determined protagonist, Xie Xiang. To honor her fallen older brother, she assumes his identity to enlist in the military academy. Unlike typical romantic leads who need constant rescuing, Xie Xiang relies on her sharp observation skills, physical grit, and unwavering moral compass to keep up with the male cadets. Bai Lu handles the physical demands of the role with believable posture changes, restraint, and grit, making her transition from civilian to soldier convincing.
Xu Kai as Gu Yanzhen
Xu Kai plays Gu Yanzhen, the rebellious, arrogant, and extremely wealthy son of a high-ranking government official. Sent to the academy as punishment for his wild lifestyle, Gu Yanzhen initially seems like an uncooperative troublemaker. However, his character arc shifts dramatically once he discovers Xie Xiang's secret. His persistent attempts to protect her—often wrapped in playful teasing and childish pranks—provide much of the show's comedic relief while anchoring its emotional core.
Li Chengbin as Shen Junshan
Li Chengbin portrays Shen Junshan, a calm, intelligent, and observant cadet from a powerful local family. Unlike Gu Yanzhen's loud, impulsive energy, Shen Junshan is reserved and analytical. He notices inconsistencies in Xie Xiang's behavior long before others do, which leads to a quiet, tense dynamic as he tries to figure out her true identity while managing his own growing feelings and family expectations.
Wu Jiayi as Qu Manting
Wu Jiayi plays Qu Manting, a glamorous, headstrong, and famous actress in Shunyuan. She acts as a vibrant counterweight to the rigid military setting. When she crosses paths with Gu Yanzhen and the other cadets, her theatrical confidence hides a fiercely loyal heart. Her interactions with the academy members inject humor and high-society drama into the narrative.
The Academy Faculty and Supporting Cadets
No military academy story works without stern instructors and memorable squadmates who round out the daily life of the barracks.
Liu Sibo as Huang Song
Huang Song is a simple, earnest cadet from the countryside who befriends Xie Xiang on their very first day. He lacks wealth and connections, relying entirely on raw effort and genuine kindness. His loyalty to Xie Xiang makes him one of the most endearing characters in the ensemble, anchoring the human stakes of the military environment.
Wang Yizhe as Ji Jin
Ji Jin is a sharp-witted cadet and close friend of Shen Junshan. He frequently notices Gu Yanzhen's suspicious behavior and eccentric gestures toward Xie Xiang. His observational skills add a layer of playful tension among the student body.
Liu Runnan as Li Wenzhong
Li Wenzhong starts as an antagonistic cadet who frequently causes trouble and targets Xie Xiang out of suspicion and jealousy. His character undergoes a complex redemption arc as external threats force the cadets to look past their petty internal rivalries and unite.
Shao Bing as Guo Shuting
Shao Bing plays the Deputy Director and tactics instructor of the academy. Often seen drinking to cope with the memory of a past tragedy, he serves as a demanding mentor. He recognizes Xie Xiang's potential and quietly looks out for her, acting as a crucial ally.
Key Relationships and Dynamics
The driving force of the narrative isn't just the tactical training; it's how these disparate personalities rub against one another.
The triangle between Xie Xiang, Gu Yanzhen, and Shen Junshan avoids standard melodrama by grounding itself in mutual respect. Gu Yanzhen's protective instincts clash with Shen Junshan's quiet observation, creating high-stakes tension whenever Xie Xiang's secret is nearly exposed. At the same time, the camaraderie among the student squad—building trust through brutal obstacle courses and shared danger—gives the academy scenes weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Arsenal Military Academy?
The series consists of 48 episodes, each running for approximately 45 minutes, broadcast originally via iQIYI.
Does anyone discover Xie Xiang's secret?
Yes. Several main characters, most notably Gu Yanzhen and Shen Junshan, figure out her true identity early on, leading to a mix of protective cover-ups and high-tension moments throughout the run.
Where was Arsenal Military Academy filmed?
Production took place primarily at the Hengdian World Studios located in Zhejiang, China, which provided the sprawling early 20th-century republican-era sets.
Is Arsenal Military Academy based on a book?
The series was written by the prominent writer Xiao Xiang Dong Er, known for creating intricate historical and dramatic narrative arcs that blend romance with political intrigue.
