The success of any Condor Heroes hinges entirely on the chemistry between Guo Jing and Huang Rong. A miscast here sinks the ship.
Yang Xuwen as Guo Jing: In 2017, Yang Xuwen was a relatively unknown actor. This was a risky bet. Guo Jing is a difficult role to play—his dullness must not become stupidity, and his earnestness must not become boring. Yang Xuwen delivers a masterclass in subtlety. He has the physicality of a steppe warrior (broad shoulders, sincere eyes) but softens into a clumsy, blushing boy whenever Huang Rong teases him. His Guo Jing is slow to speak but quick to act with integrity. This is a hero you root for not because he is cool, but because he is pure of heart.
Li Yitong as Huang Rong: This role is the holy grail of wuxia actresses. Huang Rong is beautiful, devious, playful, and fiercely loyal. Many actresses have played the "smart girl," but Li Yitong redefined the character for a new generation. She captures the mischievous glint in her eye that suggests she is always seven steps ahead of her enemies. Yet, she avoids the trap of making Huang Rong shrill or annoying. Her banter with Guo Jing is sweet, and her moments of vulnerability—particularly in her scenes with her father, Huang Yaoshi—are heartbreaking. Li Yitong’s Rong’er feels like a real teenage genius: brilliant but emotionally immature, savage to foes but tender to her "Jing哥哥."
Together, they create the most natural romantic pair in any Condor Heroes adaptation since 1983. Their love story is not forced; it grows slowly from mutual curiosity to unbreakable partnership.
Yes. Without reservation.
If you are a long-time fan of Jin Yong, The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017 will feel like coming home. You will argue about which adaptation is better, but you will not feel insulted by the changes. If you are a newcomer to wuxia, this is the perfect entry point. The story is timeless: a slow-learner who becomes the greatest hero; a clever girl who saves him with her wit; a world of martial arts, honor, betrayal, and sacrifice.
In the end, this isn't just a review; it is a recommendation. Turn off the lights, turn up the volume for that iconic theme song, and watch Guo Jing ask Huang Rong, "What is a hero?" You won't find a better answer on television than in The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017. the legend of condor heroes 2017
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) Best For: Fans of epic romance, historical fantasy, and tactical martial arts. Skip If: You refuse to watch anything older than 2020 (but trust us, the resolution holds up).
Have you seen The Legend of Condor Heroes 2017? Do you think Yang Xuwen is the best Guo Jing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The Legend of the Condor Heroes (2017) is a wuxia television series based on the classic novel by Jin Yong. It follows the journey of two sons of fallen heroes during the Jin-Song Wars, exploring themes of loyalty, martial arts mastery, and national identity. The Origin: A Pact Between Brothers
The story begins in Ox Family Village during the Southern Song Dynasty. Two sworn brothers, Guo Xiaotian and Yang Tiexin, live peaceful lives with their pregnant wives. After meeting the Taoist priest Qiu Chuji, they name their unborn sons Guo Jing and Yang Kang to commemorate the national shame of the Jinkang incident.
However, tragedy strikes when the Jin prince Wanyan Honglie, infatuated with Yang Tiexin's wife Bao Xiruo, orchestrates an attack on the village. Guo Xiaotian is killed, and Yang Tiexin is seemingly lost. Two Parallel Paths
The two sons grow up in vastly different environments, shaping their contrasting personalities: The success of any Condor Heroes hinges entirely
Guo Jing: Raised in the harsh deserts of Mongolia under the protection of Genghis Khan, he is mentored by the Seven Freaks of Jiangnan. Though slow-witted, he is exceptionally honest, loyal, and righteous.
Yang Kang: Raised as a prince in the Jin Empire by Wanyan Honglie, who he believes is his true father. He is intelligent and charming but becomes scheming and treacherous, ultimately refusing to acknowledge his Han Chinese ancestry. The Legend Begins
Eighteen years later, Guo Jing travels south to fulfill a bet made by his masters to duel Yang Kang. His life changes when he meets Huang Rong, the brilliant and cunning daughter of the "Eastern Heretic" Huang Yaoshi.
Together, they embark on a series of adventures that define the legend:
The Five Greats: They encounter the most powerful martial artists in the world, including the "Northern Beggar" Hong Qigong, who teaches Guo Jing the legendary Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms.
The Nine Yin Manual: Guo Jing inadvertently masters the Nine Yin Manual, the ultimate martial arts scripture sought after by every warrior in the jianghu. Rating: ★★★★☆ (4
Personal Growth: Guo Jing evolves from a "dull" young man into a "Great Hero" who chooses to defend the Song Empire against both the Jin and his former Mongolian allies. The Tragic Climax
In an era of CGI-heavy, melodramatic wuxia adaptations, the 2017 Condor Heroes proves that respect for the source material and strong acting still resonate. It stands as a bridge between old-school wuxia television (1980s-90s) and modern production values.
For new viewers unfamiliar with Jin Yong, this is the most accessible and complete adaptation. For old fans, it’s a loving tribute that reminds us why Guo Jing and Huang Rong remain timeless.
One of the greatest compliments you can pay the 2017 Condor Heroes is that it is the most faithful adaptation for the first 30 episodes.
However, no adaptation is perfect. Hardcore purists note that the final 10 episodes (covering the siege of Xiangyang) feel slightly rushed compared to the novel. The production team reportedly ran out of budget, leading to slightly compressed storytelling. Furthermore, to satisfy a modern audience, the romance between Guo Jing and Huang Rong is slightly "sweeter" and more explicit than in the book, but this is a minor quibble.