Arsenal Military Academy

Set during the unsettled years of early 20th century China, Arsenal Military Academy follows Xie Xiang, a nineteen year old who hides her gender to enroll in a prestigious military academy that trains young cadets. She quickly forms ties with her fellow recruits, sharing grueling drills, cramped bunks, and the rough humor that comes with life in uniform. Under the watchful eye of demanding instructors, she earns respect not by loud bravado but through steady skill and quiet resolve. As the shadows of war grow closer, external danger arrives in the form of Imperial Japan, thrusting the class into a maze of conspiracies and peril. The group learns that loyalty must be earned anew every day, even when the odds stack against them.

Directed by Hui Kaidong and Guo Hao, the 2019 Chinese series stars Bai Lu as Xie Xiang and Xu Kai as Gu Yanzhen, weaving historical tension with hard nosed training, close camaraderie, and political intrigue.

Across audiences it earned a solid if modest reception, boasting a vote average of 7.9 out of 10 from 24 votes. Critics and fans note the show blends student camaraderie with the pressures of war era politics, exploring how personal resolve and teamwork shape a nation under threat.

The casting of Bai Lu and Xu Kai helped lift the show's visibility, drawing fans of contemporary romance and action to a period piece. The premise of a female cadet disguising herself to train with male peers sparked discussions about gender roles in historical narratives and added to a wave of cross gender stories in Chinese drama, resonating with viewers seeking feisty, capable leads.

No major awards or nominations are publicly listed for Arsenal Military Academy. While the series drew attention for its cast and its ambitious blend of war drama and character driven storytelling, it did not secure prominent accolades within the major award circuits.