Guan Xiaotong (关晓彤)

Guan Xiaotong (关晓彤) Born on September 17, 1997 in Beijing, China, Guan Xiaotong is a widely recognized Chinese actress. Often dubbed a “nepo baby,” Guan was born into an artistic family—her father, Guan Shaozeng, is a well-known actor, which gave her early access to the entertainment industry. This lineage, helped her rise swiftly through the ranks. Starting her career as a child star, Guan has built a prolific body of work spanning drama, romance, historical epics, and fantasy. Born into a family of artists and debuting as a child star at just four and a half years old, Guan Xiaotong grew up right in front of the Chinese public. Her countless memorable portrayals of daughters in films and TV series earned her the beloved title of "National Daughter". This deep-rooted familiarity, combined with her critically acclaimed breakout performance in adulthood and a high-profile public relationship, has cemented her status as a top-tier actress with immense popularity and commercial value. Breakthrough Role Her true acting breakthrough came with the 2016 urban drama To Be A Better Man. Playing the rebellious yet vulnerable teenage girl Peng Jiahe, Guan delivered a performance of raw energy and emotional depth that stunned critics and audiences alike. The role won her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 23rd Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia Awards, making her, at just 20 years old, the youngest winner in the award's history. This landmark achievement marked her official transition from child star to a seriously respected actress. Public Perception Today, Guan Xiaotong occupies a unique and complex space in the entertainment industry. On one hand, her "National Daughter" image has given her unparalleled public recognition and goodwill, while her long-term relationship with top idol Lu Han — which once crashed social media servers — keeps her constantly in the spotlight. She has successfully expanded her career as a commercial powerhouse, landing major luxury endorsements and a regular spot on the hit variety show Ace vs Ace. On the other hand, she has faced persistent scrutiny over her acting choices, with some critics questioning whether she has fully lived up to her early potential. In recent years, however, she has steadily been rebuilding her reputation through solid performances in dramas like Twenty Your Life On, Zeng Jr., and Romance in the Alley — proving that she is an actress committed to honing her craft while navigating the pressures of superstardom.