If you have been anywhere near the C-drama side of social media lately, chances are you have seen Tian Xiwei. The Chinese actress is currently attracting plenty of attention for her performance as Fan Changyu in Pursuit of Jade, the historical romance drama opposite Zhang Linghe that has become a major talking point among C-drama fans.
There is plenty to discuss beyond the show’s romance, though. Tian Xiwei’s career has been building steadily since her acting debut, with New Life Begins serving as an important breakthrough before Pursuit of Jade pushed her further into the international spotlight.
From her early career and acting training to her luxury-brand partnerships, love of cats and preparation for action roles, here are some of the most interesting Tian Xiwei facts to know if you’re discovering the actress through Pursuit of Jade.
Who Is Tian Xiwei, the Actress Behind Fan Changyu in Pursuit of Jade?
Tian Xiwei is a Chinese actress born on October 14, 1997, in Chongqing, China. She studied at Shanghai Theatre Academy before beginning her professional acting career in 2018.
Her early work included supporting roles, but her career took a major step forward with the 2022 historical comedy New Life Begins, in which she played Li Wei. The drama introduced her to a much wider audience and established the bright, expressive screen presence that has become closely associated with her work.
Since then, Tian Xiwei has appeared in dramas including Romance on the Farm and Guardians of the Dafeng, continuing to move between romance, comedy, fantasy and historical stories. Her role in Pursuit of Jade represents another significant step, giving her a much more physically demanding character in a large-scale historical romance.
What Is Pursuit of Jade About?
Before getting into the actress herself, it is worth understanding why Tian Xiwei’s Pursuit of Jade role has generated so much attention.
The 2026 C-drama follows Fan Changyu, a resilient butcher’s daughter who possesses extraordinary physical strength and is determined to protect her younger sister and preserve her family home. Her life changes when she discovers an injured stranger buried in the snow.
That stranger is Xie Zheng, played by Zhang Linghe, a disgraced nobleman secretly seeking revenge after the massacre of his family. A marriage of convenience brings the two characters together, but what begins as an arrangement gradually develops into a genuine relationship.
The story then expands beyond romance as war, revenge and political intrigue enter the picture. Fan Changyu eventually heads toward the battlefield to find her husband, giving Tian Xiwei a character who is considerably more physically active than the typical romantic-drama heroine. The series is streaming on Netflix in India.
Tian Xiwei Started Acting Professionally at 21
One of the interesting details about Tian Xiwei’s career is how quickly she moved from her formal education into professional acting.
Born in Chongqing, she studied at Shanghai Theatre Academy before making her acting debut in 2018 with the youth romance drama Waiting for You in a Long Time. Her first years in the industry involved several supporting appearances as she gradually established herself.
Her breakthrough came several years later with New Life Begins. Playing Li Wei gave Tian Xiwei the opportunity to show the charm and comic timing that would become important parts of her screen persona.
Rather than arriving overnight as a major star, her rise has been built through a series of increasingly prominent roles. That progression makes Pursuit of Jade particularly significant in understanding where her career stands now.
New Life Begins Was the Role That Put Tian Xiwei on the Map
For many viewers, New Life Begins remains the drama that changed the trajectory of Tian Xiwei’s career.
Her portrayal of Li Wei helped establish her as an actress capable of carrying a romantic historical comedy while balancing humour, warmth and emotional moments. The popularity of the drama also gave her the visibility needed to take on bigger projects.
That momentum continued with titles such as Romance on the Farm and Guardians of the Dafeng. By the time Pursuit of Jade arrived, Tian Xiwei was no longer simply a promising young actress. She had already built a recognizable body of work across different genres.
Why Is Tian Xiwei So Popular With C-Drama Fans?
There is an obvious visual appeal to Tian Xiwei, but her popularity goes beyond appearance.
The source describes her as having a naturally bubbly personality, expressive eyes and a distinctive dimpled smile, qualities that have helped her connect with audiences in lighter romantic roles. At the same time, her recent work has allowed her to show a tougher side.
That contrast is particularly visible in Pursuit of Jade. Fan Changyu is not simply a romantic heroine waiting for the story to happen around her. She is physically strong, fiercely protective of her family and eventually becomes involved in the conflict surrounding the war.
That combination of sweetness and strength has become an important part of Tian Xiwei’s appeal as an actress.
Tian Xiwei Trained for the Action in Pursuit of Jade
Playing Fan Changyu required more than romantic chemistry with Zhang Linghe.
According to the supplied source, Tian Xiwei underwent strength training and martial-arts conditioning in preparation for the role. She spent months working on her physical conditioning ahead of portraying the character.
That preparation fits Fan Changyu’s personality. She is introduced as a butcher’s daughter with unusual physical strength, and the story eventually places her in a battlefield setting.
For viewers discovering Tian Xiwei through Pursuit of Jade, this is one of the more revealing details about how much preparation went into creating the character beyond costumes and choreography.
Tian Xiwei Has Built a Strong Luxury Brand Portfolio
Her growing popularity has also translated into major commercial partnerships.
Tian Xiwei has been associated with Gucci, including its 2024 Lunar New Year campaign for the Year of the Dragon. She also attended Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2025 show during Milan Fashion Week and has regularly appeared in the brand’s fashion and eyewear.
Her brand portfolio extends beyond fashion. She was announced as an ambassador for French luxury beauty brand Guerlain in December 2024, promoting its Aqua Allegoria Rose Rose fragrance collection.
She has also worked with Victoria’s Secret as a Youth Ambassador since 2024 and was named Spring Brand Ambassador for Oreo in 2026, with promotional activity connected to Pursuit of Jade.
For an actress whose career is still relatively young, the range of these partnerships reflects how her profile has expanded beyond the C-drama audience.
She Has Also Worked With Chinese Brands and Environmental Campaigns
Tian Xiwei’s commercial work isn’t limited to international luxury names.
She has promoted Chinese skincare brand Lan and has been associated with environmental initiatives, including the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League’s Beautiful China Youth Action campaign.
She was also named the first brand spokesperson for sportswear label Panda Outdoor. These partnerships add another dimension to her public profile as her acting career continues to grow.
Tian Xiwei Is a Cat Lover With a Pet Named Kang Kang
Away from C-dramas and brand campaigns, one of the more personal Tian Xiwei facts is her love of cats.
The actress has a pet cat named Kang Kang and has shared moments with him on social media. It is a small detail, but it has become part of the more relatable side of her public image.
For fans who know her primarily through historical dramas and action-heavy roles, her affection for her pet offers a very different glimpse of the actress away from the screen.
Tian Xiwei Is From Chongqing and Loves Spicy Food
Tian Xiwei was born in Chongqing, a city famous for its spicy cuisine, so perhaps it should not come as a surprise that she reportedly has a strong tolerance for spicy food.
The source specifically highlights her appreciation for spicy food and connects it to her Chongqing roots.
It is the kind of small biographical detail that fans often enjoy because it gives a little more personality to an actress whose public profile is increasingly dominated by major dramas, fashion appearances and brand campaigns.
She Has a Connection to Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle
Tian Xiwei has also ventured beyond live-action acting.
She provided the Mandarin voice for Sophie in Howl’s Moving Castle, adding voice acting to her résumé. The role connects her with one of Studio Ghibli’s best-known animated films and demonstrates another side of her work outside traditional C-drama performances.
For fans who discovered her through Pursuit of Jade, this is one of those lesser-known Tian Xiwei facts that may come as a surprise.
What Are Tian Xiwei’s Upcoming Dramas?
Pursuit of Jade is far from the only Tian Xiwei project worth watching. The supplied source lists several projects connected to different genres, giving fans plenty to look forward to.
Moonlit Reunion
Moonlit Reunion is described as a fantasy drama set during the Tang Dynasty. Tian Xiwei plays Wu Zhen, the bold younger sister of an empress who secretly serves as a Guardian of the Demon Underworld.
The project pairs her with Xu Kai and moves Tian Xiwei into another fantasy-heavy period setting after Pursuit of Jade.
Genius Girlfriend
Genius Girlfriend takes Tian Xiwei into contemporary romantic-comedy territory. She plays Lin Zhixia, a brilliant but socially awkward genius girl whose relationship with her childhood friend develops into a larger campus-to-marriage story.
The source notes that filming wrapped in November 2025, with Hu Yitian starring opposite her.
Where the Mask Ends
Another upcoming project is Where the Mask Ends, a costume drama adapted from a novel.
Tian Xiwei plays Wei Rao, described as a beautiful but misunderstood free spirit who marries into a powerful household. The project began filming in December 2025 and is set for release through YOUKU, according to the supplied source.
Born with Luck
Tian Xiwei is also attached to Born with Luck, also known as Qin Zei Ji. The source identifies her character as Li Qian and describes the project as a 24-episode drama, although further details were limited at the time of the original article.
Why Pursuit of Jade Could Be a Major Career Moment for Tian Xiwei
The significance of Pursuit of Jade for Tian Xiwei goes beyond another popular drama credit.
Her earlier breakthrough in New Life Begins established her as a performer with a strong comedic and romantic presence. Later projects expanded that profile, while Pursuit of Jade gives her an opportunity to combine romance, action and historical drama in a much larger story.
Her chemistry with Zhang Linghe has also become one of the major talking points surrounding the series, helping bring additional attention to the drama and its two leads.
For international viewers discovering the actress through Netflix, the timing is particularly interesting. Pursuit of Jade places Tian Xiwei in a role that allows her to show both the playful qualities associated with her earlier work and the physical intensity required of Fan Changyu.
That makes the series an important snapshot of where her career is heading next.
Tian Xiwei’s Rise Is About More Than One C-Drama
Tian Xiwei may currently be best known internationally for Pursuit of Jade, but her career did not begin with the Netflix hit.
From her 2018 debut to her breakout in New Life Begins, followed by projects such as Romance on the Farm and Guardians of the Dafeng, she has gradually built the résumé of a leading C-drama actress.
Now, with Pursuit of Jade, major international brand partnerships and several upcoming projects across fantasy, romance and costume drama, Tian Xiwei is entering a particularly busy phase of her career.
For viewers searching for Tian Xiwei dramas, there is already plenty to explore—and if Pursuit of Jade is your introduction to her work, it may only be the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tian Xiwei
1.Who is Tian Xiwei?
Tian Xiwei is a Chinese actress born on October 14, 1997, in Chongqing. She studied at Shanghai Theatre Academy and began acting professionally in 2018. Her breakthrough came with the 2022 historical comedy New Life Begins.
2. What drama made Tian Xiwei famous?
New Life Begins was an important breakthrough for Tian Xiwei. Her performance as Li Wei helped establish her as a rising Chinese actress before she moved into projects including Romance on the Farm, Guardians of the Dafeng and Pursuit of Jade.
3. Who does Tian Xiwei play in Pursuit of Jade?
Tian Xiwei plays Fan Changyu, a resilient butcher’s daughter who becomes entangled with Zhang Linghe’s character, Xie Zheng. Their relationship begins as a marriage of convenience before developing into a romance complicated by revenge and war.
4. Who is Tian Xiwei’s co-star in Pursuit of Jade?
Tian Xiwei stars opposite Zhang Linghe, who plays Xie Zheng in Pursuit of Jade. Their chemistry is one of the major attractions of the historical romance.
5. What are Tian Xiwei’s upcoming dramas?
The supplied source lists Moonlit Reunion, Genius Girlfriend, Where the Mask Ends and Born with Luck among her upcoming projects. Their genres range from fantasy and costume drama to contemporary romantic comedy.
6. Is Tian Xiwei in Howl’s Moving Castle?
Yes. According to the supplied source, Tian Xiwei voiced Sophie in the Mandarin dub of Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle.
7. Where can I watch Pursuit of Jade?
Pursuit of Jade is available on Netflix in India, according to the supplied source.
Final Thoughts
Tian Xiwei’s rise is an interesting example of how a C-drama actress can gradually move from supporting roles to major international attention.
Her breakthrough in New Life Begins gave audiences a reason to watch her, while Pursuit of Jade has put her in a much bigger spotlight. Add her action preparation, international brand partnerships, voice work and growing list of upcoming dramas, and there is considerably more to Tian Xiwei than the character fans currently see on Netflix.
If Pursuit of Jade is your first Tian Xiwei drama, her earlier work—and the projects coming next—are worth keeping on your C-drama watchlist.
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