Xiao Zhan

Xiao Zhan is a Chinese actor and vocalist who achieved prominent status through his performances in high-profile television dramas, feature films, and musical releases. He initially gained public attention on a reality talent competition before joining the male vocal group X Nine. He later attained international recognition for his breakout starring role in the fantasy series The Untamed. Alongside his screen career, he has achieved major milestones as a recording artist, including releasing the highest-selling digital single in history.

Born on October 5, 1991, in Chongqing, Xiao studied painting and violin during childhood. He attended the Modern International Art Design Academy at Chongqing Technology and Business University, where he actively participated in student arts organizations, led vocal groups, and acted in a language art troupe. In 2012, he co-founded a photography studio as its primary photographer. Following his graduation in 2014, he worked in photography and graphic design before transitioning to entertainment.

Xiao's performance career commenced in late 2015 when he appeared on the competition show X-Fire, leading to his debut as a main vocalist in X Nine in 2016. That year, he made his acting debut as the lead in Super Star Academy. He subsequently built his acting portfolio through roles in Oh! My Emperor, Battle Through the Heavens, and the historical drama The Wolf, alongside several film cameos.

His major breakthrough arrived in 2019 with his praised lead performance in The Untamed, which achieved global popularity. That year, he also starred in the box-office success Jade Dynasty and established his independent management company, XZ STUDIO. Over the next several years, he led major television projects, including Douluo Continent and Ace Troops. In 2021, he expanded into stage acting, starring as Patient No. 5 in the touring production A Dream Like a Dream through 2023.

Xiao continued his success with lead roles in series such as The Oath of Love, The Youth Memories, The Longest Promise, and Sunshine by My Side. His work earned honors including Outstanding Actor at the Golden Angel Awards. In 2025, he starred as Guo Jing in Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants and as Mo Dexian in the war film Gezhi Town, winning Best Actor at the Golden Petrel Awards.

The same year, he starred in the hit series The Legend of Zang Hai, earning several awards and prestigious nominations. Recognized as the first actor born in the 1990s to secure consecutive Best Actor honors for major film and television releases, he was dubbed the "Double Emperor of Movie and Television." In music, his 2020 track Spotlight broke global sales records, and his 2024 album WM earned Album of the Year at the QQ Music Awards. In 2026, he led the web feature film Mo Dexian.