A Milestone Moment for Xiao Zhan
At the 2026 SMG TV Quality Ceremony, Xiao Zhan received the Best Actor honor for his performance in Legend of Zanghai. At the age of 34, this recognition marks an important milestone in the actor’s career and reflects his steady development over nearly a decade in the television industry.
The award is often discussed alongside China’s major television honors such as the Magnolia Awards, Golden Eagle Awards, and Flying Apsaras Awards. With an evaluation system that considers both professional jury opinions and audience reception, the recognition highlights the impact of Xiao Zhan’s performance in Legend of Zanghai and his growing presence in mainstream television dramas.
For many viewers, the journey of Xiao Zhan as an actor can be traced back to Oh! My Emperor. In that drama, he portrayed Beitang Moran, a gentle and composed supporting character whose calm demeanor and elegant presence left a lasting impression. Although Xiao Zhan was not yet a leading star at the time, the role allowed audiences to notice his potential.
Over the years, several television works have played an important role in shaping the career of Xiao Zhan. These dramas span multiple genres, from historical and fantasy stories to youth narratives and military dramas, demonstrating the diversity of roles he has taken on.
Legend of Zanghai
Among the works of Xiao Zhan, Legend of Zanghai stands out as a major turning point. The story follows a strategist whose entire family is destroyed, forcing him to endure years of hardship before reentering the political world to seek justice.
In Legend of Zanghai, Xiao Zhan carries much of the narrative weight as the central character. His portrayal of a reserved yet determined strategist became one of the defining elements of the drama and played a key role in the series gaining widespread attention.
The Youth Memories
In The Youth Memories, Xiao Zhan plays Xiao Chunsheng, a young man growing up in Beijing during the 1970s. The drama explores friendship, personal ideals, and the challenges faced by a generation living through a period of social transformation.
Through the character of Xiao Chunsheng, Xiao Zhan presents a portrayal of youth that is both passionate and sincere. The role highlights the character’s loyalty to his friends and his determination to pursue his dreams despite obstacles.
Ace Troops
The military drama Ace Troops features Xiao Zhan as Gu Yiye, a young recruit who gradually grows into a disciplined soldier. The story follows his development from an ambitious newcomer to a figure defined by duty and responsibility.
In Ace Troops, Xiao Zhan portrays the physical and emotional transformation of the character over time. The drama emphasizes themes of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the ideals that shaped a generation of soldiers.
The Wolf
In the historical drama The Wolf, Xiao Zhan portrays Ji Chong, a wandering bounty hunter who also carries a hidden royal identity. The character combines a free-spirited personality with emotional depth, adding a distinctive presence to the story.
Although The Wolf was filmed earlier in Xiao Zhan’s career, the drama gained significant attention when it eventually aired. The role of Ji Chong showed another side of the actor’s screen presence.
The Untamed
For many audiences, the turning point in the career of Xiao Zhan came with The Untamed. In the drama, he portrays Wei Wuxian, a character who follows his own moral beliefs despite facing criticism and misunderstanding.
Since its release, The Untamed has remained one of the most widely discussed dramas associated with Xiao Zhan. The character of Wei Wuxian continues to be remembered by viewers as one of the defining roles of his early career.
From supporting roles to leading characters in large-scale productions, the acting journey of Xiao Zhan reflects a steady progression across different genres. The recognition he received for Legend of Zanghai highlights how far his career has developed since his early appearances on television.
