Lana Zhao (赵小棠)

Zhao Xiaotang first captured the public eye as a contestant on the 2020 idol survival show Youth With You Season 2, where she secured seventh place and debuted as a member of the hit girl group THE9 . What made her stand out was her refreshingly bold and unpretentious personality — a stark contrast to the polished idol image — earning her the affectionate nicknames “Zhao Tieniu” (Iron Bull) and “Niuniu” . Backed by a solid dance foundation from the Beijing Dance Academy, she quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of her generation .

Breakthrough Role While Zhao began her acting career with supporting roles in Beijing Women’s Stories and Youth Police in 2018 , her first major leading role came in 2022 with the historical comedy Wagashi Jianghu, where she played Bai Xiaoqing, the female proprietor of a traditional teahouse . She later expanded her filmography with leading roles in the fantasy romance Countdown to Love (2023) and the family drama Goodbye, Li Kele (2023), the latter earning her a nomination for Most Charming Actress at the 4th New Era Film Festival . Her recent work includes the historical drama Blooming Flowers (2024) and the highly anticipated xianxia series The Legend of Mortal Cultivation (2025), where she plays Chen Qiaoqian .

Public Perception Since THE9‘s disbandment in December 2021, Zhao Xiaotang has been steadily building a dual career as both actress and variety show regular . She has become a familiar face on programs like Hello, Saturday and Ace vs Ace, where her straightforward, witty persona has won her a loyal following . In the industry, she is seen as a versatile artist who successfully transitioned from idol to actress, though her acting skills continue to be a work in progress . With a string of major projects lined up — including the films The Young Age, Old Rivers and Lakes, and The Non-Traditional Romantic Relationship — Zhao is positioning herself as a lasting presence in the entertainment industry, proving that the “Tieniu” who won hearts on a talent show is here to stay .