Magic City (2017) – Chinese Drama Summary & Details
Magic City, also known as Mo Du Feng Yun (魔都风云), is a Chinese period drama set in Shanghai during the 1920s and 1930s. The series combines drama, romance, action, magic, family conflict, and historical themes. It follows Ye Fei, a talented magician from a famous magic family whose personal quest for revenge eventually develops into a larger struggle against national enemies.
As Shanghai becomes increasingly affected by political conflict and war, Ye Fei and those around him are forced to make difficult choices between family loyalty, personal revenge, love, and the future of their country.
Drama Details
- Title: Magic City
- Original Title: 魔都风云 (Mo Du Feng Yun)
- Also Known As: Mo Du Feng Yun, Fei Yun Sui Yue
- Type: TV Series
- Format: Period Drama
- Country: China
- Aired: May 6, 2017 – May 31, 2017
- Episodes: 50
- Original Network: Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation
- Original Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Genres: Period, Drama, Romance, Action
Synopsis
Set against the turbulent atmosphere of old Shanghai, Magic City follows Ye Fei, a young man who comes from a family with a long tradition of performing magic. His family is closely connected to the world of traditional Chinese and Western stage magic, but their lives are changed by violence and personal tragedy.
After suffering the loss of his father, Ye Fei becomes determined to uncover the truth and seek revenge against those responsible. His journey brings him into contact with powerful figures in Shanghai, including influential members of the underworld and people connected to the world of magic.
What begins as a personal mission gradually becomes much larger. As the conflict between China and Japan intensifies, Ye Fei realizes that the fate of his family is connected to the broader struggle facing the country. He eventually chooses to put aside his personal interests and becomes involved in the fight for national survival.
Story Highlights
One of the most distinctive elements of Magic City is its focus on the world of magic. The series incorporates stage performances, traditional techniques, elaborate illusions, and dramatic action sequences into its historical setting.
Ye Fei's development is at the center of the story. He begins his journey driven primarily by family resentment and the desire for revenge. However, the changing political situation forces him to look beyond his own personal struggles and consider the larger responsibility he has toward his country and the people around him.
The story also explores complicated family relationships. Ye Fei and his sister Ye Yun work to preserve their family's legacy while dealing with personal conflicts and the changing world around them. Their journey from family revenge toward a shared sense of purpose becomes an important part of the drama.
Romance also plays an important role, adding emotional depth to the story as the characters face separation, danger, sacrifice, and difficult choices during a period of national crisis.
Main Characters
Ye Fei, portrayed by Jing Chao, is the central character. Coming from a family of magicians, he possesses remarkable skills and becomes involved in a dangerous journey of revenge. As the story develops, his priorities change as he becomes increasingly committed to the fight against the country's enemies.
Xiao Hai Sheng, portrayed by Simon Yam, is a powerful figure in Shanghai's underworld. His influence and complicated relationship with the other characters make him an important part of the story.
Xiao Yao, portrayed by Zhou Dongyu, is closely connected to Xiao Hai Sheng and becomes an important figure in Ye Fei's life. Her relationship with Ye Fei adds a romantic and emotional dimension to the larger conflict.
Ye Yun is Ye Fei's sister and another important member of the magic family. Her experiences and relationship with her brother contribute to the drama's themes of family, loyalty, and perseverance.
Historical Setting
The drama is set in Shanghai during a period of major political and social change. The city is portrayed as a place where traditional culture, entertainment, organized crime, political conflict, and international influence exist side by side.
As the war intensifies, the characters' personal struggles become connected to the national crisis. The story gradually shifts from family revenge and personal ambition toward resistance and the larger struggle to defend the country.
Main Themes
- Family loyalty and revenge.
- Love, sacrifice, and personal relationships.
- Magic and traditional performance.
- Courage during times of war.
- Patriotism and national responsibility.
- Personal growth and changing priorities.
- Justice and standing against oppression.
Why You Should Watch
Magic City offers a different style of Chinese period drama by combining the world of professional magic with romance, action, family drama, and historical conflict. The magic performances provide a distinctive visual element while the story gradually expands into a larger historical narrative.
The series is also appealing for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories. Ye Fei's transformation from a young man seeking revenge into someone willing to sacrifice for a greater cause gives the drama an emotional foundation.
With a large ensemble cast that includes Jing Chao, Simon Yam, Zhou Dongyu, Li Jialin, and other performers, the drama presents a broad story involving family relationships, Shanghai's underworld, romance, and the growing threat of war.
Final Thoughts
Magic City (2017) is an engaging Chinese period drama that combines magic, romance, family conflict, action, and historical storytelling. The story begins with Ye Fei's personal search for justice but gradually develops into a larger journey about courage, sacrifice, and national responsibility.
For viewers who enjoy Chinese dramas set in old Shanghai, especially stories involving talented performers, family secrets, romance, action, and historical conflict, Magic City offers an interesting and distinctive viewing experience.




