Xiao Zhan is a well-known Chinese actor, singer, and songwriter. He is popular for his captivating performances in various television dramas and films. Biographypipe will delve into the life story of Xiao Zhan, including his early life, education, career, achievements, controversies, personal life, and interesting facts.
1. Xiao Zhan Biography
1.1 Early Life of Xiao Zhan
Xiao Zhan, also known as Sean Xiao, is a Chinese actor and singer who rose to fame in the entertainment industry as a member of the popular boy band X NINE. Born on October 5, 1991, in Chongqing, China, Xiao Zhan grew up in a humble family with his parents and younger brother.
Xiao Zhan childhood pic
From a young age, Xiao Zhan displayed an interest in music and performance. He learned to play the piano and participated in various singing and dancing competitions during his school years. However, his dreams of becoming a performer were not initially supported by his parents, who encouraged him to pursue a more practical career path.
Despite the initial resistance from his family, Xiao Zhan’s passion for music and acting continued to grow. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in the Chongqing Technology and Business University to study advertising. During his university years, Xiao Zhan joined a campus singing competition and caught the attention of a talent scout, who invited him to audition for the reality survival show X-FIRE.
In 2015, Xiao Zhan made his debut as a trainee of X-FIRE, where he competed against other aspiring singers for a chance to debut in a boy band. Although he did not win the competition, Xiao Zhan’s talent and charisma caught the attention of the audience and industry professionals alike. As a result, he was signed by the talent agency EE-Media and became a member of the boy band X NINE in 2016.
Boy band X NINE
With his good looks, natural charm, and impressive vocal range, Xiao Zhan quickly became a fan favorite and one of the most popular members of X NINE. The group released several successful albums and gained a large following in China and other Asian countries. In addition to his work with X NINE, Xiao Zhan also pursued a solo career and released several singles, including “Light Spot” and “Made to Love.”
1.2 Xiao Zhan Dramas, Movies and TV Shows
Xiao Zhan’s popularity continued to soar in 2019, when he starred in the hit television drama “The Untamed.” His portrayal of the character Wei Wuxian earned critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a leading actor in China’s entertainment industry. Since then, Xiao Zhan has starred in several other popular dramas, including “Joy of Life” and “The Wolf.”
Drama “The Untamed” of Xiao Zhan
The Untamed is a Chinese fantasy drama that aired in 2019. It is based on the novel “Mo Dao Zu Shi” by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu and follows the story of Wei Wuxian, a powerful cultivator who died in battle but was reincarnated into the body of a mischievous young man named Mo Xuanyu.
The drama is set in a world where cultivators, individuals who use spiritual energy to perform incredible feats, are revered and respected. However, there is also a dark side to cultivation, as it can lead to power struggles and corruption. The story begins with Wei Wuxian’s return to the world of the living, where he discovers that his former allies have turned against him and branded him a traitor. He teams up with Lan Wangji, a stoic and honorable cultivator, to uncover the truth behind his betrayal and stop a sinister conspiracy that threatens the entire cultivation world.
What makes The Untamed unique is its blend of action, romance, and comedy. The fight scenes are breathtaking and showcase the characters’ impressive abilities, while the romance between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji is subtle yet deeply moving. The comedic moments add levity to the story and provide much-needed relief from the intense drama.
Another standout feature of The Untamed is its strong cast of characters. Each character has their own distinct personality and backstory, and they all interact with each other in fascinating ways. Wei Wuxian, in particular, is a complex protagonist who defies expectations at every turn. He is both charming and reckless, compassionate and ruthless, and his journey of self-discovery is one of the highlights of the show.
Despite being a Chinese drama, The Untamed has gained a massive following internationally. This is in part due to its availability on streaming platforms like Netflix, but it’s also because of its universal themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The show has cemented its place in pop culture as a cult classic and has inspired countless fanworks, including fanfiction, fan art, and cosplay.
In conclusion, The Untamed is an excellent drama that combines elements of fantasy, action, romance, and comedy into one thrilling package. Its complex characters, intricate plot, and universal themes make it a must-watch for anyone who loves epic storytelling.
Overall, the early life of Xiao Zhan was marked by his passion for music and performance, which eventually led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Despite facing initial resistance from his family, he persevered and became one of the most successful and beloved actors and singers in China today.
2. Xiao Zhan’s Awards and Recognitions
Xiao Zhan has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career.
| Year | Award | Category | Work |
| 2023 | Weibo Night | Weibo Quality Actor of the Year | N/A |
| 2022 | Baidu Boiling Point | Actor of the Year | N/A |
| 2022 | Entertainment Impact Awards | Screen Influential Role of the Year | Gu Wei (The Oath of Love) |
| 2022 | WeTV Awards | Best Hero | Gu Wei (The Oath of Love) |
| 2022 | WeTV Awards | Best Couple | Gu Wei and Lin Zhixiao (The Oath of Love) |
| 2022 | WeTV Awards | Best Arms Carry | Gu Wei and Lin Zhixiao (The Oath of Love) |
| 2022 | WeTV Awards | Best Actor | N/A |
| 2022 | Weibo TV Series Awards | The Fighting Role of the Year | Gu Yi Ye (Ace Troops) |
| 2022 | Weibo TV Series Awards | Romantic Character of the Year | Gu Wei (The Oath of Love) |
| 2022 | Beijing Daily’s Film and Television Awards | Popular Actor of the Year | The Oath of Love |
| 2022 | Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit Awards | Expressive Actor of the Year | N/A |
| 2022 | JOOX Thailand Music Awards | Top Social Global Artist Of The Year | N/A |
| 2021 | Beijing Daily’s Film and Television Awards | Best Actor | Douluo Continent |
| 2021 | WeTV Awards | Best Actor | Douluo Continent |
| 2021 | WeTV Awards | Favorite Actor | Douluo Continent |
| 2021 | Weibo TV Series Awards | Most Popular Actor | Douluo Continent |
| 2021 | World’s Choice Awards | Fashion Icon of the Year | N/A |
| 2021 | The 2021 SportsMoney Awards | Best Sports Endorsement | N/A |
| 2021 | PCA 2021 | Best Chinese Actor | N/A |
| 2021 | Global Nubia Awards (GNAs) 2021 | Global Actor Of The Year Award | N/A |
| 2020 | Weibo Night | Weibo King | N/A |
| 2020 | Douyin Star Night | Popularity Star Award | N/A |
| 2020 | Tencent Music Entertainment Awards | Popular Digital Single of The Year | “Spot Light” (光 点) |
| 2020 | PowerStar | Most Influential Actor of The Year | N/A |
| 2020 | PCA 2020 | Best Chinese Artist | The Wolf |
| 2020 | WeTV Awards | Best Male Actor of the Year | N/A |
| 2020 | WeTV Awards | Best Male Lead | The Untamed |
| 2020 | Tencent Video All Star Awards | VIP Star | N/A |
| 2020 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Star Power of the Year | N/A |
| 2020 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Male Singer of the Year | “Spot Light” (光 点) |
| 2020 | Weibo TV Series Awards | Most Popular Actor | “The Wolf” |
| 2020 | 27th ERC Chinese Top Ten Awards | Top Ten Songs | “Unrestrained” ; “Remaining Years” |
| 2019 | China Screen Award | New Actor of the Year | Jade Dynasty |
| 2019 | China Literature Awards Ceremony | Heartthrob Actor | Jade Dynasty |
| 2019 | China Literature Awards Ceremony | Actor of the Year | The Untamed ; Jade Dynasty |
| 2019 | Weibo Night | Weibo King | N/A |
| 2019 | Weibo Night | Hottest Figure of the Year | N/A |
| 2019 | Jinri Toutiao Awards Ceremony | Most Noticed Male Celebrity | N/A |
| 2019 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Star Celebrity Board: Influential Artist of the Year | N/A |
| 2019 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Influence Star of the Year | N/A |
| 2019 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Star Celebrity Board: Television Actor of the Year | The Untamed |
| 2019 | Tencent Entertainment White Paper | Television Actor of the Year | The Untamed |
| 2019 | Tencent Video All Star Awards | Popular TV Actor of the Year | The Untamed |
| 2019 | Tencent Video All Star Awards | VIP Star | N/A |
| 2019 | Tencent Video All Star Awards | Doki Popularity King | N/A |
| 2019 | Baidu Fudian Awards | Hottest Star of the Year | N/A |
| 2019 | iQiyi Scream Night | Rising Popular Actor | N/A |
| 2019 | Sougou in Award | Most Promising Artist | N/A |
| 2019 | Cosmo Glam Night | Person of The Year (Dream) | N/A |
| 2019 | Kugou Music Awards | Song of the Year | “Unrestrained” |
| 2019 | Tencent Music Entertainment Awards | Song of the Year | “Unrestrained” |
| 2019 | Sina The Most Beautiful Performance | Outstanding Actor of the Year | The Untamed; Jade Dynasty |
| 2019 | Sina Film TV Awards | Most Popular Actor of the Year | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | Hengdian World Studio Classic Ranking | Most Popular Character (Wei Wuxian) | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | Weibo TV Series Awards | Most Popular Character (Wei Wuxian) | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | 26th Huading Awards | Best Newcomer | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | Golden Tower Award | Most Popular Actor | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | Sofa Film Festival | Most Popular Actor of the Autumn | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | 3rd Yinchuan Internet Film Festival | Best Actor (Web series) | “The Untamed” |
| 2019 | QQ Music | 10 million certification | “Songs Ends With Chen Qing” |
| 2019 | China Celebrity Charity Gala | Philanthropy Award | N/A |
| 2018 | 12th Tencent Video Star Awards | DOKI Popularity Award | N/A |
| 2018 | 25th Cosmo Beauty Ceremony | Beautiful Idol of the Year | N/A |
3. Fun facts that will wow you
3.1 Before becoming a star, Xiao Zhan had a different career.
Photos: Produce 101
Before joining the idol group X Nine and pursuing acting, Xiao Zhan was originally a photographer and graphic designer. He studied fine arts at the Modern International Art Design Academy, a university in Zhongshan.
After graduation, he established a graphic design studio with his friends, where he served as the main photographer. The studio even designed a logo for a cafe and came up with interior design ideas for it.
3.2 Xiao Zhan achieved success relatively late compared to his peers.
Xiao Zhan entered the entertainment world with a decent level of skill. A familiar lecturer of his recognized Xiao Zhan’s appeal and introduced him to a reality talent show for discovering musical talents. It is a competition to find an idol group.
After the program ended,Xiao Zhan’s performance was highly regarded, and he became a member of the male group X-NINE. At that time, he was 25 years old.
Xiao Zhan entered the entertainment industry relatively late compared to many other singers and actors. For example, South Korean singer BoA made her debut at the age of 14. In contrast, Wang Yibo, Xiao Zhan’s co-star in “The Unstamed” debuted at the age of 17.
3.3. Xiao Zhan had to independently for the role in the film “The Untamed.”
Although regarded as a perfect fit for the role in the summer 2019 blockbuster, it is known that Xiao Zhan was not initially recommended by his management company for this part. Conversely, his management company believed that he lacked the experience or talent to portray Wei Wuxian.
Originally, I was a member of a boy band. Consequently, I received more training in singing and performing than acting. After the competition ended, the group’s activities were limited and lacked clear direction. However, Xiao Zhan chose to pursue an acting career.
So, how did you get the role? Firstly, “The Untamed” is a web series with a limited budget, so they couldn’t afford to invite more popular actors. Secondly, it was adapted from a Boys’ Love novel, which has a tendency towards same-sex romance, so some actors also declined the role. Finally, Xiao Zhan was nominated through an acquaintance, which helped expedite the audition process for him.
3.4 Simultaneously acting in movies and receiving sufficient shows outside.
While filming “The Untamed,” Xiao Zhan dance, being a diligent and regretful person, took on additional projects outside of the show. These included short-format television game shows and music programs.
Consequently, there were many behind-the-scenes scenes in “The Untamed” that showed the actor learning lines or dance routines for those other shows. There was also a scene that revealed Xiao Zhan pleading with Wang Yibo to teach him how to dance because Wang Yibo, known as a “dancing machine,” could mimic movements just by watching videos.
3.5 Xiao Zhan don’t know how to ride a Xiao Zhan bicycle.
Although talented, Xiao Zhan has one flaw – he doesn’t know how to ride a bicycle. He was teased by his co-star Wang Yibo for a long time, especially because Wang Yibo is a professional athlete for the Yamaha motorcycle racing team. In order to avoid further teasing, Xiao Zhan finally learned how to ride a bicycle. This guy always wants to prove that he won’t be bothered by anything.
3.6 Open his own studio.
Xiao Zhan has established his own personal studio called XZ Studio, which is an abbreviation for his Chinese name. Founded in September 2019, this studio handles all aspects of the actor’s work-related matters. Additionally, Xiao Zhan himself designed the logo for the studio.
4. Xiao Zhan Philanthropy
Since his debut in 2016, Xiao Zhan has been actively involved in charitable acts. He donated 17,000 Yuan to the Angel Animal Protection – Animal Care Center to provide 100 cat nests for stray cats during winter.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Xiao Zhan Studio contributed medical supplies, equipment, and ventilators to hospitals in need. In 2021, he donated 1 million Yuan ($210,000) to Zhengzhou Red Cross for flood relief in Henan province.
In 2022, he gave 500,000 Yuan to the Amity Foundation to support epidemic prevention and control efforts in Shanghai. On April 22, 1,000 material packages containing rice, edible oil, and milk were procured and distributed. Another batch of 1,125 material packages including rice, eggs, milk, edible salt, soy sauce, etc., were purchased and distributed to those in need. On September 8, Xiao Zhan Studio donated 1 million Yuan to Red Cross Society for earthquake relief in Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan province.
5. Xiao Zhan has become the “king” of luxury brands in China.
Xiao Zhan is one of the most renowned celebrities in China with over 31 million followers on Weibo. Therefore, it’s not surprising that luxury Western brands are eager to sign contracts with him.
The Chinese media platform analyzed the purchasing power of Xiao Zhan’s devoted fans and found that his advertising endorsements could recover the investment capital within just 5 hours and double that amount in one day. This demonstrates that Xiao Zhan truly is the “king” of luxury brands in China.
L’Oréal, a major global brand, has signed a partnership with Xiao Zhan this year. In their announcement post about the actor’s new role, the French brand emphasized that Xiao Zhan and L’Oréal are indeed a “perfect match”.
In 2022, before that, actor TXiao Zhan was declared the ambassador of two high-end beauty brands, YSL Beauty and Nars Cosmetics. The star of the film “The Longest Promise” revealed in a video posted on his official YouTube fan club, “When collaborating with YSL, I have always admired the brand for its connection to my heart.”
On the day Xiao Zhan announced his collaboration with Nars, the company’s sales increased by 207 times, generating 80 million yuan (over 11 million USD). One year later, Nars Cosmetics officially appointed him as their Global Ambassador.
In addition to cosmetic brands, Xiao Zhan’s brand ambassador contract with fragrance company Ralph Lauren also gained attention in 2021. According to Jing Daily, Xiao Zhan helped Ralph Lauren sell 40,000 perfume bottles in the Chinese market immediately after becoming their ambassador.
In 2022, Xiao Zhan was announced as the ambassador for two high-end beauty brands, YSL Beauty and Nars Cosmetics.
Most recently in early 2022, Xiao Zhan became the brand ambassador for luxury car manufacturer SAIC Audi. At that time, a viral video featuring Xiao Zhan in a stylish black suit driving an Audi A7L caused a sensation on Chinese social media.
Xiao Zhan’s advertisement video showcases him in a classy black suit, driving the popular Audi A7L, which went viral on Chinese social media.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, Xiao Zhan is a talented actor, singer, and songwriter who has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry. He has overcome many challenges to achieve success and continuesto inspire millions of fans around the world. This article has explored his early life, education, career beginnings, most popular roles, music career, personal life, awards and recognitions, controversies and scandals, and interesting facts. While Xiao Zhan’s journey has not always been easy, his perseverance and dedication to his craft have helped him achieve great success. We look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in the future.