LayarHijau – This year, Xiao Zhan has once again reached a peak in his acting career with the costume political drama Legend of Zang Hai (藏海传). Not stopping there, he recently wrapped up filming the spy drama Spying (谍报上不封顶) with Zhou Yutong at the end of September. Now, on October 18, 2025, he has started shooting his new medical drama Xiao Cheng Liang Fang (小城良方), marking an exceptionally tight schedule.
In this drama, Xiao Zhan returns to playing a doctor after three years since The Oath of Love (余生，请多指教). His character, Liu Zhengliang, starts the story at a low point in life, portrayed with a slimmer physique. To prepare for this role, Xiao Zhan lost 8 kilograms in just two weeks, impressing fans with his extraordinary discipline.
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In addition to his improved performance in Legend of Zang Hai, this year also marks the end of Xiao Zhan’s contract with Wajijiwa, giving him full freedom over his career choices. Previously, he even removed The Oath of Love, the medical drama he starred in with Yang Zi, from his Weibo profile, which was thought to be due to feeling that his acting was not mature enough at the time. Now, with the opportunity to play a doctor again, fans are eager to see a new dimension of his acting.
Xiao Cheng Liang Fang not only features Xiao Zhan as the lead but also brings together several veteran actors, including Ni Dahong, who previously played Yang Mi’s father in This Thriving Land (生万物), and Jiang Yan, winner of Best Supporting Actress at the 2025 Magnolia Awards for Always on the Move (南来北往). Although rumors initially suggested Li Qin, who has collaborated with Xiao Zhan five times, would be the female lead, the role was ultimately given to Jiang Yan, known for her strong acting skills, sparking fans’ curiosity about the on-screen chemistry between the two.
It is worth noting that two years ago, during filming for Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants (射雕英雄传：侠之大者), Xiao Zhan deliberately gained 10 kilograms for his role as Guo Jing. Afterwards, for Legend of Zang Hai, he lost 8 kilograms, and now, for Xiao Cheng Liang Fang, he has shed another 8 kilograms. His dedication is evident, especially considering that after wrapping Spying at the end of September, he immediately attended Paris Fashion Week and then joined the new drama shoot without a break for proper exercise. Fans continue to praise Xiao Zhan as a deserving top star.
The drama tells the story of Liu Zheng Liang, a doctor who loses his job at a top hospital due to an unexpected incident. He returns to his hometown and begins working in the emergency department of a local community hospital. While treating patients one by one, Liu Zheng Liang finds himself inspired and emotionally moved by the resilience and humanity of his patients, creating a journey of mutual recovery and growth between the doctor and those in need.
