Xiao Zhan's Profile
- Full Name: Xiao Zhan
- Native Name: 肖战
- Nicknames: Zhan-ge, Xiao Lao Ban, DD
- Birthday: Oct 05, 1991 (34 years old)
- Blood Type: B
- Height/Weight: 183 cm (6'0") / 64 kg (141 lbs)
- Gender: Male
- Zodiac Sign: Libra
- Chinese Zodiac: Goat (or Sheep)
- Debut: 2016 (as part of X玖少年团)
- Birthplace: Chongqing, China
-
Nationality:
Chinese
- Profession: Actor, Singer
- Language Skills: Mandarin (Native)
- Company: Xiao Zhan Studio
- Active Years: 2015 – present (10 years)
- Notable works: The Untamed, Douluo Continent, The Oath of Love
Xiao Zhan (肖战), also known by his English name Sean Xiao, was born on October 5, 1991, in Chongqing, China. He is a Chinese singer and actor, currently working independently under Xiao Zhan Studio. Xiao Zhan was formerly a member of the C-pop boy group X-Nine, where he served as the main vocalist.
Early Life
Xiao Zhan’s parents initially intended to name him “Xiao Tan,” but later changed it to “Xiao Zhan” due to concerns about the complexity of the written character. From an early age, he received training in painting, violin, and various artistic skills.
In 2010, Xiao Zhan was admitted to the Modern International Art Design Academy of Chongqing Technology and Business University (CTBU). From the beginning of his studies, he was active in student cultural activities, serving as the class cultural and arts committee member. He joined the university’s student art troupe choir, where he was both the head of the vocal department and the leader of the male voice section. He also participated in the student drama troupe as a stage actor.
As a freshman, Xiao Zhan traveled with the drama troupe to Beijing to perform in the play “I Have a Dream.” In his sophomore year, he competed in CTBU’s “Top Ten Singers on Campus” competition and earned a place among the winners. He later represented the university in the Chongqing City “Top Ten Singers on Campus” contest and won second prize.
He frequently took part in university performances, including serving as the opening soloist at the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Chongqing Technology and Business University.
During his academic years, he received several school-level honors such as “Outstanding Individual in Arts and Culture,” “Excellent Student Arts Troupe Cadre,” and “Outstanding League Member.” In addition, he won both First Prize and the Most Popular Award in a public service poster design competition organized by the university.
In October 2012, Xiao Zhan and his friends founded two studios: the Photography Studio Vision Light Image Media and the Design Studio NED. He worked as the chief photographer in the photography studio while also handling small-scale design projects, including logo creation and brand identity systems, in the design studio.
Career
Xiao Zhan began his career in 2015 by participating in the idol survival program “X-Fire”. In September 2016, he officially debuted as a member of the boy group X玖少年团 (X-Nine), where he served as a vocalist.
In 2019, he gained nationwide attention with his leading role as Wei Wuxian in the fantasy drama “The Untamed”, released on Tencent Video and later distributed internationally via Netflix. The success of the series significantly expanded his opportunities in film and television.
In April 2020, Xiao Zhan released the digital single “光点” (Spotlight), which set sales records in China. That same year, his career was temporarily disrupted by online controversies involving fan communities, but he soon resumed his artistic activities.
In 2021, he starred as Tang San in the fantasy series “Douluo Continent” and as Gu Yiye in the military-themed drama “Ace Troops”. He also took the stage in the nine-hour theatrical production “A Dream Like A Dream”, performing as Patient No. 5 in major cities including Wuhan, Shanghai, and Beijing. The same year, he appeared in the fantasy film “The Yinyang Master”.
In 2022, Xiao Zhan played Gu Wei in the medical romance drama “The Oath of Love”, released on Tencent Video and WeTV.
In 2023, he had three major television projects: “The Youth Memories” (broadcast on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video), “The Longest Promise” (WeTV and later Netflix), in which he portrayed Shi Ying, and “Sunshine by My Side” (CCTV-8). These dramas recorded high viewership, with Sunshine by My Side breaking CCTV’s five-year ratings record.
In 2024, he received the title “Golden Chinese Actor of the Year” at the POP Golden Award. During the same year, he became global brand ambassador for several international companies, including Wedgwood, NARS, Angel Water Solutions, and continued his collaboration with GUCCI, participating in their global campaign celebrating five years of partnership.
In early 2025, he starred as Guo Jing in director Tsui Hark’s film “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants”, released in China and internationally. In May 2025, the historical drama “The Legend of Zang Hai” premiered on Youku, later streaming on Viu, Netflix, and Viki, surpassing billions of views online. That same year, he was appointed as the Promotion Ambassador for WorldSkills 2026, an international vocational skills competition to be held in Shanghai.
Beyond acting and music, Xiao Zhan has maintained long-term partnerships with global brands. He has been the Global Brand Ambassador for Li-Ning since 2020, appeared at Milan Fashion Week 2025 for GUCCI and TOD’s, and in July 2025 was named brand ambassador for Lamett.
Fun Facts
- Nicknames “Zhan Zhan” and “Rabbit Xiao” are associated with his rabbit-like teeth and gentle personality.
- He is passionate about Chongqing hotpot, particularly enjoys sliced fish, tripe, and beef.
- Once opened a photography studio with university friends, loves taking photos and collecting phone cases.
- Drawing helps him relieve stress; he once dreamed of being a painter or owning a bakery.
- A cat lover, currently has a pet cat, and has expressed a desire to own a Shiba Inu.
- Fans call him a “walking bread” because he loves trying different kinds of bread and is skilled at cooking, especially Sichuan cuisine.
- Enjoys horror movies, sunbathing on the balcony, and is a true movie buff.
- Won singing awards in college, plays violin, guitar, harmonica, speaks English, and knows some Korean.
- Frequently changes phone cases, loves collecting memes, and admits he isn’t good at expressing affection verbally.
- An introvert who prefers staying home and avoids crowds, but is always hardworking and maintains a humble attitude.
Photo Gallery
