Chen Xiao

Chen Xiao (, born 5 July 1987) is a Chinese actor. He is known for his roles in TV series Swordsman, Legend of Lu Zhen (2013), The Romance of the Condor Heroes (2014), Nothing Gold Can Stay (2017), A Dream of Splendor (2022), and Legend of the Magnate (2025).

Chen ranked 93rd on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2014, and 74th in 2015.

Early life and education Chen Xiao was born into a family of civil servants in Hefei, Anhui.

Career 2009–2012: Beginnings In 2009, Chen signed with his first agency Huayi Brothers. He then featured in the film Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame, directed by Tsui Hark. The same year, he appeared in the television series Spell of the Fragrance produced by Yu Zheng. Chen continued to appear in several television series under Yu Zheng, but only official signed a contract with him after starring in Beauties of the Emperor. Chen started to gain attention as an actor in the 2012 hit palace drama Palace II where his portrayal of the 19th prince attracted positive audience reviews.

2013–2016: Rising popularity Chen rose to fame with his role of Lin Pingzhi in the 2013 wuxia television series Swordsman, which was adapted from Louis Cha's novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. He then played his first leading role in historical drama Legend of Lu Zhen, where he took on the role of a wise and devoted Emperor. The series was both a domestic and overseas hit, and led to increased recognition for Chen.

In 2014, he starred in wuxia romance drama The Romance of the Condor Heroes, playing Yang Guo. Chen's portrayal of the character earned praised by fans of the original novel by Louis Cha, which further raised his popularity. He also featured in wuxia film The Taking of Tiger Mountain directed by Tsui Hark; playing a young and hot-blooded policeman. He was nominated at the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In 2015, Chen co-starred in historical romance drama Love Yunge from the Desert, adapted from the novel Song in the Clouds by Tong Hua. Despite the mixed reviews and criticism for the series, Chen received acclaim for his performance as a clumsy assassin.

In 2016, Chen starred in the coming-of-age web series Who Sleeps My Bro, which gained a large following online and became a cult classic. The same year, he starred in wuxia drama The Three Heroes and Five Gallants, based on the novel of the same name by Shi Yukun; playing Bai Yutang. Chen was nominated for the Best Actor award in the ancient drama category at the Huading Awards.

2017–present: Acclaim In 2017, Chen starred alongside Sun Li in the historical drama Nothing Gold Can Stay, which earned high ratings of 3%. Chen received acclaim for his performance and experienced a resurgence of popularity. In 2019, Chen starred alongside Joe Chen in the historical television series Queen Dugu, playing the role of the Emperor Wen of Sui. The same year, he starred in road-trip suspense drama Love Journey directed and written by Mao Weining. Chen played an undercover cop who appears frivolous but is serious and passionate about his job, and received positive reviews for his performance. He then starred in romance suspense film Lost in Love directed by Huo Jianqi, as well as military drama The King of Land Battle. In 2022, he starred in the hit show A Dream of Splendor, along with Liu Yifei. In 2025, he starred in the TV series Legend of the Magnate, adapted on the historical novel of the same name by Zhao Zhiyu.

Personal life Chen Xiao married his The Romance of the Condor Heroes co-star Michelle Chen in 2016. Their son was born in the same year. On 18 February 2025, they announced that they had divorced.

Filmography Film

Television series

Short film YearEnglish titleChinese titleRole2013 King of Sheng 圣王 Yang Qi The Return of the Condor Heroes 神雕侠侣 Yang Guo 2016 A Hug Let Us Be Less Lonely 给孩子们一个拥抱，爱让我们不孤单

Music video appearances YearSong titleSinger 2013 "Dearest" 亲爱的 Liu Xin 2015 "Heaven and Earth" 天地 Lin Peng

Theater YearEnglish titleChinese titleRole2007 Red Rose and White Rose 红玫瑰白玫瑰 Tong Zhenbao The Puppet Master 玩偶之家 Lodging on Lotus Hill for a Snowy Night 风雪夜归人 Wei Liansheng Lust, Caution 色·戒 Mr. Yi 2008 Prometheus Bound 被缚的普罗米修斯 Prometheus

Discography Soundtrack appearances Year AlbumEnglish titleChinese titleNotes/ 2012 Legend of Lu Zhen OST "Mood" 心情 with Zhao Liying 2013 "Sheng Wang" 圣王 Promotional song for Sheng Wang CF2014 Romance of the Condor Heroes OST "You and Me" 你我 with Michelle Chen "Sixteen Years" 十六年 with Liu Xin 2015 "Love Like First Sight" 爱如初见 Promotional song for Romance of the Condor Heroes CFwith Michelle ChenBride Wars OST "Today You Will Marry Me" 今天你要嫁给我 with Angelababy, Ni Ni & Zhu Yawen 2017 Above the Clouds OST "Comedy Before Sadness" 悲前喜剧