Artist 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 (X NINE)
- Birthplace: Chongqing, China
- Nationality: Chinese
- Profession: Actor, Singer
- Language Skills: Mandarin (Native)
- Company: Xiao Zhan Studio
- Active Years: 2015–present (11 years)
- Notable works: The Untamed, Douluo Continent, The Oath of Love
Xiao Zhan (肖战; born October 5, 1991), also known as Sean Xiao, is a Chinese actor and singer. He currently operates as an independent artist under Xiao Zhan Studio. Xiao Zhan was a member of the C-pop boy group X-Nine, where he served as a main vocalist.
Early life
Xiao Zhan’s parents originally intended to name him “Xiao Tan,” but changed it to “Xiao Zhan” due to concerns regarding the complexity of writing the characters. From an early age, Xiao Zhan received training in painting, violin, and various other artistic skills.
In 2010, Xiao Zhan enrolled at the Modern International Art Design Academy of the Chongqing Technology and Business University (CTBU). During his undergraduate years, Xiao Zhan actively participated in student cultural activities and served as the class committee member for arts. Xiao Zhan joined the school choir within the student art troupe, eventually holding the positions of head of the vocal department and leader of the male vocal group. Xiao Zhan also participated in the student drama troupe as a stage actor.
During his freshman year, Xiao Zhan traveled to Beijing with the drama troupe to perform the play I Have a Dream. In his sophomore year, Xiao Zhan competed in the CTBU “Top Ten Campus Singers” competition and was named one of the winners. Xiao Zhan subsequently represented the university in the Chongqing “Top Ten Campus Singers” competition and won second prize.
Xiao Zhan frequently performed at university events, including a role as the opening solo artist at the 60th-anniversary celebration of CTBU. Throughout his college career, Xiao Zhan received multiple university-level honors, such as “Outstanding Individual in Art and Culture,” “Outstanding Student Art Troupe Officer,” and “Excellent Youth League Member.” Additionally, Xiao Zhan won first prize and the Most Popular Award in a public service poster design competition organized by the university.
In October 2012, Xiao Zhan co-founded two studios: the photography studio Vision Light Image Media and the design studio NED. Xiao Zhan served as the lead photographer for the photography studio and handled small-scale design projects, including logo creation and corporate identity systems, for the design studio.
Career
Xiao Zhan began his career in 2015 by participating in the idol survival program X-Fire. In September 2016, Xiao Zhan officially debuted as a vocalist for the boy group X-Nine.
In 2019, Xiao Zhan gained national recognition for his leading role as Wei Wuxian in the fantasy series The Untamed, which was released on Tencent Video and later distributed internationally via Netflix. This role led to increased opportunities within the film and television industry.
In April 2020, Xiao Zhan released the digital single “Spotlight” (Guang Dian), which set sales records in China. Later that year, Xiao Zhan’s career experienced a temporary hiatus following online controversies involving his fan base, though Xiao Zhan resumed artistic activities shortly thereafter.
In 2021, Xiao Zhan starred in the fantasy series Douluo Continent as Tang San and the military drama Ace Troops as Gu Yiye. Xiao Zhan also appeared in the nine-hour play A Dream Like a Dream, portraying Patient No. 5 in major cities including Wuhan, Shanghai, and Beijing. That same year, Xiao Zhan appeared in the fantasy film The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity.
In 2022, Xiao Zhan played Gu Wei in the medical romance drama The Oath of Love, which aired on Tencent Video and WeTV.
In 2023, Xiao Zhan starred in three major television projects: The Youth Memories, broadcast on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video; The Longest Promise, aired on WeTV and Netflix, in which Xiao Zhan played the role of Shi Ying; and Sunshine by My Side, broadcast on CCTV-8. These productions recorded high viewership ratings, with Sunshine by My Side breaking a five-year viewership record on CCTV.
In 2024, Xiao Zhan was awarded the “Golden Chinese Actor of the Year” at the POP Golden Awards. During the same year, Xiao Zhan became the global brand ambassador for several international companies, including Wedgwood, NARS, and Angel Water Solutions. Xiao Zhan also continued his partnership with Gucci, appearing in a global campaign celebrating their five-year association.
In early 2025, Xiao Zhan portrayed Guo Jing in the film Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, directed by Tsui Hark, which was released both in China and internationally. In May 2025, the historical drama The Legend of Zang Hai premiered on Youku and was subsequently streamed on Viu, Netflix, and Viki, surpassing billions of online views. That same year, Xiao Zhan was appointed as the Promotion Ambassador for WorldSkills 2026, an international vocational skills competition to be held in Shanghai.
Fun facts
- His nicknames “Zhan Zhan” and “Xiao Tu” (Little Rabbit) are associated with his rabbit-like teeth and gentle personality.
- He is passionate about Chongqing hotpot, particularly sliced fish, tripe, and beef.
- He once co-founded a photography studio with college friends and enjoys taking photos and collecting phone cases.
- He uses painting as a way to relieve stress and once dreamed of becoming a painter or a bakery owner.
- As a cat lover, he currently owns a cat and has expressed a desire to raise a Shiba Inu.
- Fans refer to him as the “walking bread” because he enjoys trying different types of bread and is skilled at cooking, especially Sichuan cuisine.
- He enjoys watching horror movies, sunbathing on the balcony, and is a dedicated film enthusiast.
- He won singing awards during university and can play the violin, guitar, and harmonica. He speaks English and has basic knowledge of Korean.
- He frequently changes his phone cases, enjoys collecting memes, and admits he is not very good at expressing his feelings through words.
- He identifies as an introvert who prefers staying at home and avoiding crowded places, but he maintains a strong work ethic and a humble attitude.
Photo gallery
