After five years in the spotlight—from variety shows to girl group performances—Zhao Xiaotang finally takes on her first xianxia drama role as Chen Qiaoqian in Fanren Xiuxian Zhuan. Known for her vibrant and quirky public persona, Zhao’s transformation into a calm, ethereal cultivator has intrigued fans, especially with behind-the-scenes photos showing her in flowing green robes, exuding a quiet elegance.
Chen Qiaoqian: A Heart Marked by Regret
In the original novel, Chen Qiaoqian is a cultivator from Huangfeng Valley who meets Han Li under dire circumstances. Rescued by him while being hunted, she ends up sharing an intimate connection with him—yet due to a hallucinogenic pill, she forgets his face. Still, she never forgets the man who saved her.
Despite several attempts to reconnect, Han Li remains emotionally distant. When she finally tells him she’s getting married, his only response is a cold “congratulations.” This unreciprocated affection turns into a quiet heartbreak.
Her story ends in solitude—unable to reach the next cultivation level, she falls ill and dies over a century later. A woman who could have had so much more becomes just another casualty of the harsh xianxia world.
A Turning Point for Zhao Xiaotang?
Though better known for her variety appearances and as a member of THE9, Zhao Xiaotang began dipping her toes into acting with the 2022 costume comedy Washe Jianghu. Paired with comedians Meng Hetang and Qin Xiaoxian, she surprised many with a charming performance that hinted at untapped acting potential.
With Fanren Xiuxian Zhuan, she takes a sharp turn—playing a cold yet emotionally complex woman in a world filled with danger, duty, and unspoken love. For Zhao, this role may be the chance to transition from “variety star” to “serious actress.”
Final Thoughts
Not every idol successfully crosses over into acting. Not every xianxia role sticks with audiences. But in taking on Chen Qiaoqian, Zhao Xiaotang might have chosen the perfect stepping stone—a character with emotional weight, a tragic arc, and enough depth to test her acting range.
This summer, as Fanren Xiuxian Zhuan unfolds, we’ll see not just a love story lost to time, but also whether Zhao Xiaotang can redefine herself on screen.
