The Man Who Changed Everything
When Xiao Zhan (肖战) was cast as Wei Wuxian in The Untamed (陈情令) in 2019, he was a relatively unknown idol-turned-actor with a handful of minor credits. Within months of the show's premiere, he had become the most talked-about celebrity in China, with a global fanbase that rivaled established K-pop stars. His story is unlike any other in Chinese entertainment — a tale of extraordinary talent, unprecedented fandom, online warfare, and an artist who emerged from the storm more powerful than before.
Before The Untamed
Xiao Zhan was born on October 5, 1991, in Chongqing, one of China's largest and most culturally vibrant cities. He studied design at Chongqing Technology and Business University, and his artistic sensibility would later distinguish his approach to performance.
His entertainment career began on the variety show X-Fire (燃烧吧少年) in 2015, where he competed for a spot in the boy group X Nine (X玖少年团). Unlike typical idol trainees, Xiao Zhan was already 24 — older than most of his competitors and bringing a maturity that set him apart.
X Nine released several singles and performed at events, but the group never achieved mainstream success. For Xiao Zhan, it was a stepping stone rather than a destination. He began auditioning for acting roles, landing parts in web dramas like Oh! My Emperor and Super Star Academy.
These early roles were unremarkable by industry standards, but they gave Xiao Zhan something invaluable: on-camera experience, comedic timing, and the confidence to carry a scene.
The Untamed: A Cultural Earthquake
The Untamed (陈情令), adapted from Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's web novel Mo Dao Zu Shi (魔道祖师), premiered on Tencent Video on June 27, 2019. The show follows Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji — two cultivators whose bond transcends life, death, and societal expectations.
The source material had a devoted but niche following. The drama was expected to do reasonably well but not break through to mainstream success. What actually happened defied every prediction.
The Numbers
- Over 8 billion views on Tencent Video
- #1 trending topic on Weibo for over 50 consecutive days
- Licensed to Netflix, Viki, and WeTV for international distribution
- Generated an estimated 2 billion yuan in merchandise and licensing revenue
Why It Worked
Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Wei Wuxian was the catalyst. He brought a combination of qualities that perfectly embodied the character:
- Infectious Energy: Wei Wuxian is a troublemaker with a golden heart, and Xiao Zhan's natural warmth and humor made the character irresistible
- Emotional Depth: The drama's darker second act required Xiao Zhan to convey grief, rage, and isolation — and he delivered with a rawness that stunned audiences
- Chemistry: His on-screen partnership with Wang Yibo (as Lan Wangji) generated a chemistry so palpable that it transcended the show itself
- Physical Performance: Xiao Zhan performed his own wire work and fight choreography, adding authenticity to the action sequences
The 227 Incident
On February 27, 2020, an event now known as the "227 Incident" (227事件) fundamentally altered the trajectory of Xiao Zhan's career and the broader landscape of Chinese fan culture.
A faction of anti-fans, angered by fan-fiction written about Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, organized a mass-reporting campaign against the platform AO3 (Archive of Our Own), resulting in the site being blocked in China. The backlash was swift and brutal:
- Xiao Zhan lost multiple brand endorsements overnight
- His Weibo was flooded with hate comments
- A boycott of his work was organized across social media
- The incident became a national conversation about fan culture, censorship, and online mob behavior
Xiao Zhan himself remained largely silent during the crisis, releasing a brief statement calling for rationality. His agency was accused of being slow to respond, and for months, his career appeared to be in serious jeopardy.
The Comeback
What happened next is perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Xiao Zhan's career. Rather than fading away — as many predicted — he returned with a deliberate, measured approach:
Douluo Continent (斗罗大陆) — 2021
His first major project after the controversy, Douluo Continent was a massive success despite the lingering boycott. The drama broke viewership records on Tencent Video, proving that his audience hadn't evaporated — if anything, the controversy had crystallized a core fanbase that was more dedicated than ever.
The Longest Promise (玉骨遥) — 2023
A visually stunning xianxia drama that allowed Xiao Zhan to showcase his growth as an actor. His performance received praise from critics who had previously dismissed him as "just an idol."
The Oath of Love (余生请多指教) — 2022
A modern romance drama that demonstrated his range beyond period and fantasy settings.
Recent Works (2024–2026)
Xiao Zhan's recent projects have included a world concert tour (selling out stadiums in Tokyo, Bangkok, Seoul, and London) and a critically acclaimed drama that earned him his first major acting nomination.
Music Career
Xiao Zhan has maintained a parallel music career that, while secondary to his acting, has produced significant commercial success:
- "Remaining Years" (余年) — Theme for The Oath of Love, streamed 500M+ times
- "Light Spot" (光点) — His solo debut single, which crashed QQ Music servers on release
- "Bamboo Stone" (竹石) — A patriotic single that signaled his mainstream rehabilitation
- World tour — His 2025-2026 concert series is the highest-grossing by a Chinese solo artist
The Global Fanbase
Xiao Zhan's international fanbase is one of the largest for any Chinese celebrity:
| Region | Fan Activity |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Largest international fanbase; organized streaming events |
| Japan | Dedicated fan clubs; merchandise sales rival domestic numbers |
| South Korea | Cross-cultural appeal driven by The Untamed |
| North America | Growing presence; concert tour sold out in minutes |
| Europe | Active fan communities in UK, France, Italy |
His fans, known as "XFX" (肖飞侠, "Xiao's Flying Heroes"), are recognized as one of the most organized and passionate fanbases in global entertainment. Their charitable activities — including building schools, funding medical treatments, and environmental projects — have become a model for fan philanthropy.
Legacy and Impact
Xiao Zhan's significance extends beyond his individual achievements:
- He proved that controversy can be survived — In an industry where a single scandal can end a career, Xiao Zhan demonstrated that genuine talent and a loyal fanbase can weather any storm
- He elevated the "idol-to-actor" path — His success showed that performers who began in idol groups could become serious actors
- He catalyzed industry change — The 227 Incident led to platform reforms, fan behavior guidelines, and a broader conversation about the responsibilities of celebrity
- He built a global bridge — His international fanbase has introduced millions of people to Chinese entertainment
At 34, Xiao Zhan is in the rare position of having already made history while still being in the prime of his career. Whatever comes next, his place in the story of Chinese entertainment is permanent and undeniable.
Explore Xiao Zhan's Universe
For complete episode guides and deep analysis of The Untamed, Douluo Continent, and The Longest Promise, visit CDramaPedia — the ultimate C-drama reference for fans.
Xiao Zhan's concert tour style and everyday fashion are closely watched by millions. Get detailed breakdowns of his looks at CDrama Style.
Looking for Xiao Zhan merchandise — photo cards, concert memorabilia, albums, and more? Shop authentic Xiao Zhan merch at Pandafame, or explore fan-curated collections at Fandom Collection.
