As one of China's most versatile actors, Xiao Zhan (肖战) has carved a unique niche in the world of historical and fantasy serie. His roles often showcase not only his acting range but also the intricate beauty of traditional Chinese aesthetics—from flowing hanfu robes to meticulously recreated imperial settings. Whether you're drawn to epic tales of loyalty and heroism, intricate political intrigues, or soul-stirring romances set against mythical backdrops, Xiao Zhan's dramas deliver unforgettable narratives.
This guide will spotlight his most iconic period dramas. Prepare to be captivated by sword-clashing grandeur, poetic storytelling, and a star whose talent shines as brightly as the worlds he brings to life.
Cang Hai Zhuan 藏海传
- Aired: 2025 (Upcoming)
- Genres: Historical, Political Intrigue, Revenge
- Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Cang Hai), Zhang Jingyi (Xiang Antu)
Set in the fictional Great Yong dynasty, Cang Hai Zhuan revolves around the titular character (Xiao Zhan), a survivor of a clan massacre who dedicates a decade to mastering strategy, craftsmanship, and political manipulation. His mission: infiltrate the imperial court disguised as a scholar to unravel the conspiracy behind his family's annihilation. The story intertwines personal vengeance with national salvation as Cang Hai climbs the bureaucratic ladder, forging fragile alliances with power-hungry ministers, military leaders, and the enigmatic Xiang Antu (Zhang Jingyi), a noblewoman with her own shadowy agenda.
The narrative thrives on layered betrayals, with Cang Hai's dual identity as a "gentle scholar" and a calculating avenger driving the tension. Key arcs include his covert sabotage of corrupt officials, the discovery of a royal family's involvement in his clan's downfall, and a climactic showdown that forces him to choose between his quest for justice and the stability of the empire. The drama's political chess matches—reminiscent of Nirvana in Fire—are elevated by Xiao Zhan's nuanced portrayal of a man torn between icy pragmatism and repressed grief.
Xiao Zhan's Cang Hai marks a stark departure from his previous roles, showcasing his ability to embody morally complex characters. Unlike the flamboyant Wei Wuxian (The Untamed) or the idealistic Tang San (Douluo Continent), Cang Hai is defined by restraint. His performance hinges on micro-expressions—a flicker of hatred when confronting his family's killers, a calculated smile during court debates—to convey a mind always ten steps ahead.
The character's evolution from a traumatized survivor to a master strategist mirrors Xiao Zhan's own growth as an actor. In pivotal scenes, such as a quiet confrontation with Xiang Antu where he nearly reveals his true identity, Xiao Zhan balances vulnerability with chilling resolve, proving his range in internalized acting. Director Zheng Xiaolong (known for Empresses in the Palace) has praised Xiao Zhan's "magnetic subtlety," comparing his screen presence to that of veteran actors in political epics.
Zheng Xiaolong's signature attention to historical detail is evident in the drama's lavish sets, which blend fictional elements with Ming dynasty-inspired architecture and costumes. The opulent court robes, intricate hairpieces, and calligraphy props reflect meticulous research into traditional craftsmanship. Philosophically, the series delves into Confucian ideals of loyalty and righteousness, contrasting them with the Machiavellian realities of power. For international viewers, it offers a gripping introduction to imperial bureaucracy, the scholar-official class, and the concept of junzi (the virtuous idealist).
Early previews have drawn comparisons to Nirvana in Fire for its cerebral plotting and Game of Thrones for its ruthless power struggles. Critics highlight Xiao Zhan's performance as a career-defining turn, with Variety noting, "He transforms Cang Hai into a tragic antihero for the ages—think Hamlet with a guqin and a vendetta." The drama's exploration of revenge as a cyclical force—and whether Cang Hai's victories come at the cost of his humanity—adds psychological depth rarely seen in historical epics.
The Untamed 陈情令
- Aired: 2019
- Genres: Fantasy, Wuxia, Bromance
- Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Wei Wuxian), Wang Yibo (Lan Wangji)
The Untamed remains Xiao Zhan's breakout role, catapulting him to global stardom and amassing a cult following for its daring blend of wuxia action, queer-coded storytelling, and Taoist philosophy. As Wei Wuxian, a rogue cultivator resurrected to confront his tragic past, Xiao Zhan infuses the character with infectious humor, tragic grandeur, and rebellious charm. His chemistry with Wang Yibo's Lan Wangji—a bond built on silent longing and mutual respect—redefined "bromance (兄弟情)" in Chinese media, resonating with LGBTQ+ audiences despite censorship constraints.
The series is steeped in Chinese mysticism, from the use of yin and yang talismans to the guqin's role in spiritual communication. Wei Wuxian's defiance of orthodox cultivation sects mirrors Taoist principles of harmony with nature, while his fall from grace critiques societal hypocrisy. Xiao Zhan's portrayal humanizes the archetypal "mad genius," balancing Wei Wuxian's playful wit with haunting moments of despair, particularly in the iconic Burial Mounds arc.
The Untamed holds a 9.1/10 on Viki and sparked academic essays dissecting its LGBTQ+ subtext and cultural symbolism. Forbes hailed it as "a Trojan horse for Chinese soft power," introducing global audiences to xianxia (immortal heroes) tropes. Xiao Zhan's performance earned him the "Actor of the Year" award at the 2020 Weibo TV Series Awards, cementing his status as a cross-cultural icon.
Douluo Continent 斗罗大陆
- Aired: 2021
- Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-Age
- Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Tang San), Wu Xuanyi (Xiao Wu)
Adapted from China's bestselling web novel, Douluo Continent follows Tang San (Xiao Zhan), a gifted martial soul cultivator seeking to avenge his mother and protect his realm. The series merges RPG-like progression (Tang's "spirit rings" power-ups) with themes of camaraderie and sacrifice. Xiao Zhan's Tang San evolves from a naïve village boy to a tactical leader, embodying Confucian ideals of perseverance and collective duty.
Xiao Zhan anchors the series with a physically demanding performance, executing wirework-heavy fight scenes and conveying Tang San's moral struggles. The CGI-driven battles—particularly the climactic showdown against the Spirit Hall—showcase China's growing prowess in fantasy special effects (特效). While the series faced criticism for pacing issues, Xiao Zhan's earnest portrayal and the lush, otherworldly settings (e.g., the Sunset Forest) earned praise for balancing spectacle with heart.
The concept of "martial souls" (武魂) ties into Chinese mythology's emphasis on destiny and self-cultivation. Tang San's journey mirrors the Daoist quest for balance, while his relationship with Xiao Wu (a spirit beast in human form) explores themes of coexistence between humans and nature.
The Longest Promise 玉骨遥
- Aired: 2023
- Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Destiny
- Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Shi Ying), Ren Min (Zhu Yan)
The Longest Promise weaves a tale of celestial fate and forbidden love set in a mythic realm inspired by ancient Chinese cosmology. Shi Ying (Xiao Zhan), a prince who renounces his throne to become an ascetic priest, is bound by a deadly prophecy: his destined lover, Zhu Yan (Ren Min), will become the catalyst for his demise. Despite his vows of detachment, Shi Ying is drawn to Zhu Yan's fiery spirit and unwavering compassion as she seeks his guidance to save her kingdom from drought and political collapse. Their relationship evolves from mentorship to a love that defies divine decree, culminating in a climactic battle against a primordial force threatening to obliterate their world.
The narrative's tension lies in its philosophical conflict—whether destiny can be rewritten through human will. Key arcs include Shi Ying's internal struggle to suppress his emotions, Zhu Yan's quest to master forbidden magic to protect her people, and their joint defiance of the heavens in a final act of sacrifice. The drama's layered mythology, featuring Taoist-inspired immortals, celestial tribunals, and symbolic motifs like the red string of fate, adds depth to its exploration of love as both a destructive and redemptive force.
As Shi Ying, Xiao Zhan delivers a career-defining performance that balances ethereal elegance with raw emotional intensity. Unlike his roles in The Untamed or Douluo Continent, Shi Ying is a study in restraint—a man whose every gesture and glance is measured to conceal volcanic emotions. Xiao Zhan masterfully conveys Shi Ying's duality through subtle shifts: the tremor in his voice when Zhu Yan challenges his resolve, the fleeting softness in his eyes during their quiet moments, and the devastating resolve in his final act of self-annihilation to break the prophecy.
Critics have lauded his ability to embody a character who is both godlike in his detachment and achingly human in his vulnerabilities. A standout scene—where Shi Ying destroys his own spiritual core to sever his fate—showcases Xiao Zhan's physical and emotional range, blending balletic choreography with a heart-wrenching portrayal of love transcending mortality.
The series is a visual feast, blending CGI-enhanced landscapes (e.g., floating celestial palaces, ethereal bamboo forests) with historically informed designs. Shi Ying's minimalist white robes and silver hair accessories reflect Taoist ideals of purity, while Zhu Yan's vibrant red costumes symbolize her defiance of rigid traditions. The drama's soundtrack, featuring the Guqin and Xiao (bamboo flute), reinforces its spiritual themes.
Philosophically, The Longest Promise delves into Taoist concepts of wuwei (effortless action) and the balance between cosmic order (tianming) and human agency. For international audiences, it offers a poetic introduction to Chinese mythopoetic traditions, where love and duty are not just personal choices but cosmic forces.
The series earned an 8.9/10 on MyDramaList, with praise for its "visually stunning allegory of love as rebellion." The Hollywood Reporter noted, "Xiao Zhan's Shi Ying is a triumph—a celestial being rendered profoundly relatable through sheer emotional truth." Its exploration of sacrifice and free will has sparked debates among fans, drawing parallels to Western tragedies like Romeo and Juliet but rooted in Eastern spiritualism.
Joy of Life 庆余年
- Aired: 2019
- Genres: Historical, Political Intrigue, Time Travel
- Main Roles: Zhang Ruoyun (Fan Xian), Xiao Zhan (Yan Bingyun)
A genre-bending masterpiece, Joy of Life merges historical intrigue with sci-fi elements, following Fan Xian, a modern-day academic reborn into a fictionalized Qing dynasty. Xiao Zhan's Yan Bingyun, a stoic spy loyal to the Northern Qi kingdom, emerges as a fan-favorite despite his limited screen time in Season 1. Tasked with infiltrating Fan Xian's inner circle, Yan Bingyun's loyalty is tested as he grapples with his growing respect for Fan Xian's idealism and the brutal demands of his mission.
Season 2 promises to expand Yan Bingyun's arc, delving into his backstory as a child soldier molded into a weapon by Northern Qi's intelligence agency. His evolving dynamic with Fan Xian—a blend of rivalry, mutual suspicion, and reluctant camaraderie—adds moral complexity to the series' chess-like political battles.
Though a supporting role, Xiao Zhan's Yan Bingyun left an indelible mark. His portrayal is a masterclass in understated intensity: a character who speaks sparingly but communicates volumes through his piercing gaze and controlled body language. Yan Bingyun's cold exterior masks a turbulent inner world—evident in scenes where he subtly hesitates before carrying out orders, or when his mask slips during a rare moment of vulnerability with Fan Xian.
Xiao Zhan's ability to humanize a character defined by emotional suppression earned widespread acclaim. Critics noted that Yan Bingyun's "ice-and-fire" duality—ruthless efficiency juxtaposed with latent honor—echoes the series' central theme of individualism clashing with systemic corruption.
The drama's fusion of time travel and historical authenticity creates a unique narrative lens. Qing dynasty-inspired costumes and architecture coexist with anachronistic humor (e.g., Fan Xian inventing modern poetry). Yan Bingyun's sleek black uniforms and weaponized fan reflect his role as a "shadow warrior," blending into the opulent yet treacherous court.
Culturally, the series critiques authoritarianism and blind loyalty through Yan Bingyun's arc, mirroring Confucian debates on righteous governance. Its global appeal lies in balancing Game of Thrones-style intrigue with wry meta-commentary on power dynamics.
The Wolf 狼殿下
- Aired: 2020
- Genres: Historical, Romance, War
- Main Roles: Wang Dalu (Bo Wang), Li Qin (Ma Zhaixing), Xiao Zhan (Ji Chong)
Set in the late Tang dynasty, The Wolf explores the brutal beauty of China's frontier conflicts. Ji Chong (Xiao Zhan), a nomadic bounty hunter with a tragic past, becomes entangled in a love triangle with Bo Wang, a power-hungry prince, and Ma Zhaixing, a warrior princess torn between duty and desire. Ji Chong's loyalty is tested as he navigates betrayal, wartime ethics, and his growing feelings for Zhaixing, culminating in a devastating siege that forces him to confront his identity as an outsider in a fractured empire.
As Ji Chong, Xiao Zhan sheds his previous "pretty boy" image, embracing a rugged, morally ambiguous antihero. His performance is visceral—chains rattling as he fights in dusty battlefields, eyes blazing with feral intensity during clashes, and softening in tender moments with Zhaixing. Ji Chong's complexity lies in his duality: a mercenary driven by survival, yet capable of profound empathy for the oppressed.
A standout scene sees Ji Chong sacrificing his freedom to save Zhaixing's village, his raw delivery of the line, "I am a wolf, but even wolves understand loyalty," encapsulating the character's tragic nobility. Xiao Zhan's physical transformation—sun-leathered skin, unkempt hair—underscores his commitment to the role.
The series authentically portrays Tang-era nomadic tribes, featuring detailed costumes inspired by Turkic and Tibetan designs. Battle scenes, filmed in harsh desert landscapes, emphasize the era's visceral brutality. Ji Chong's weaponry, including a curved saber and iron claws, reflects his nomadic heritage, while Zhaixing's armor blends Tang military aesthetics with feminine grace.
The Wolf examines multiculturalism in Tang China, highlighting alliances and conflicts between Han Chinese and nomadic tribes. Ji Chong's outsider perspective critiques ethnic prejudice, resonating with modern discourses on inclusion. Despite mixed reviews for its pacing, Xiao Zhan's performance was universally praised, with SCMP calling Ji Chong "a breakthrough role that redefines his versatility."
Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants 射雕:侠之大者
- Aired: January 29, 2025 (Lunar New Year)
- Genres: Martial Arts, Historical Epic, War Drama
- Main Roles: Xiao Zhan (Guo Jingthe), Zhuang Dafei (Huang Rong), Tony Leung as a senior martial arts master
- Adapted From: Chapters 34–40 of Jin Yong's The Legend of the Condor Heroes, focusing on the defense of Xiangyang against Mongol invasions.
The film centers on Guo Jing's transformation from a loyal disciple of the Jiangnan Seven Freaks into a symbol of resistance against the Mongol Empire. Set during the Southern Song Dynasty, the story strips away romantic subplots to emphasize Guo Jing's moral struggle: balancing his martial arts mastery (including the "Nine Yin Manual" and "Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms") with his duty to protect Xiangyang, a strategic city under siege by Genghis Khan's forces.
The Siege of Xiangyang: The film's climax revolves around Guo Jing rallying the Central Plains' martial sects to defend Xiangyang. Tsui Hark amplifies the tension with grand battle sequences, including the iconic "Big Dipper Formation" tactic, where Guo Jing leads warriors in a Beidou Zhen (北斗阵) to repel Mongol cavalry.
Unlike previous adaptations, this film highlights Guo Jing's emotional depth. Torn between his upbringing among Mongols and his Han Chinese identity, Xiao Zhan portrays the character's anguish through subtle expressions—stoicism in battle, vulnerability in solitude—showcasing a nuanced departure from the traditionally "simple-minded" portrayal.
The film meticulously integrates historical events, such as the Mongol conquest of Western Xia and Khwarezm, grounding Guo Jing's heroism in real geopolitical struggles. This aligns with Jin Yong's vision of wuxia as a reflection of Confucian values like righteousness (义) and collective resilience.
Xiao Zhan's portrayal of Guo Jing has been hailed as a breakthrough. Critics praise his ability to balance physical rigor (intensive horseback riding and wirework) with emotional authenticity.
He underwent months of martial arts training to embody Guo Jing's combat style, blending raw power with precision. Scenes of him wielding the "Dragon Subduing Palms" against Mongol generals are visually electrifying.
In quieter moments, such as Guo Jing's farewell to his Mongolian mentor, Xiao Zhan conveys grief and resolve through restrained gestures—a clenched jaw, a lingering gaze—elevating the character beyond a mere action hero.
Tsui Hark (徐克), renowned for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), delivers a tour de force in blending spectacle with substance.
The siege sequences, filmed with thousands of extras and CGI-enhanced landscapes, evoke the chaos of ancient warfare. A standout scene features Guo Jing standing atop Xiangyang's walls, silhouetted against flaming arrows—a visual metaphor for hope amid despair.
Tsui incorporates traditional Chinese aesthetics, such as ink-wash painting backdrops during quiet moments, contrasting with the frenetic battle choreography. This duality mirrors Guo Jing's internal struggle between peace and duty.
Unlike stereotypical heroes, Guo Jing's victories come at a cost. The film questions the price of heroism, particularly in a scene where he spares a Mongol child soldier—a nod to Jin Yong's critique of cyclical violence).
The film has grossed over $200 million globally, praised for its ambition but critiqued for pacing. International audiences laud its exploration of xiá (侠), a concept akin to chivalry, which transcends cultural barriers. The phrase "A hero's duty is to nation and people (侠之大者，为国为民) " has become a rallying cry among fans.
From the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of The Untamed to the emotionally charged stakes of Douluo Continent, his performances resonate with universal themes of courage, love, and resilience.
Whether through the courtly intrigue of Cang Hai Zhuan (premiering May 2025 on CCTV-8) or the mystical realms of The Untamed, his works are gateways to understanding China's storytelling traditions. Stay tuned for updates on his upcoming projects, including Cang Hai Zhuan—poised to redefine historical epics!
