Zhou Yiran (周翊然)

Zhou Yiran, born Zhou Haoran in Chongqing, is a Chinese actor and singer. He debuted in 2017 as a member of Yi'an Music Club, a cross-dimensional music group. In 2018, he announced his departure from the group to focus on his acting career. He began acting with a supporting role in the movie "Go Brother!" (2018) and landed his first lead role in the 2020 series "Boom! Boom!." Zhou’s breakout came in 2023 with his performance as Zhang Lurang in the popular series "When I Fly Towards You." Zhou Yiran has captured the spotlight as the quintessential “youth drama specialist,” winning over audiences with his fresh, clean-cut looks, signature dimples, and a smile that switches effortlessly from cool and distant to warm and sunny. After transitioning from a former idol group member to an actor, he slowly built his audience through supporting roles in high-profile dramas. But it was his 2023 hit youth drama When I Fly Towards You that truly launched him to stardom. Nicknamed the “Tencent Prince” for his steady stream of A-list projects, Zhou’s rise is a classic story of quiet persistence, proving that sometimes popularity comes from showing up, working hard, and refusing to give up. Breakthrough Role Zhou’s career breakthrough came with the youth drama When I Fly Towards You (2023), where he played Zhang Lurang, an outwardly cold and aloof high school prodigy who is secretly a warm and affectionate “golden retriever” boyfriend. His convincing chemistry with co-star Zhang Miaoyi created one of the most beloved on-screen couples that year, boosting his fan count by over two million in just a few weeks. Prior to this, Zhou had already made his mark playing emotionally vulnerable characters in critically acclaimed ensemble dramas such as The Bond (2021) and A Little Mood for Love (2021), where he quietly won over audiences with his naturalistic, understated performances. Public Perception Within the industry, Zhou Yiran is widely recognized as a “reserved and low-key” talent, a former trainee idol who has carved his own path through sheer hard work. Despite frequently being labeled a “resource darling” for landing a string of major projects, he has remained focused on letting his work speak for itself. His breakthrough in When I Fly Towards You solidified his reputation as the go-to actor for youth romance, while later roles in Twelve Letters and the 2026 costume drama Qiao Chu have showcased his growing range and ability to tackle more mature characters. Though he lacks classical acting training, audiences and critics alike remain willing to support him, viewing him as a promising “work in progress” with undeniable screen presence and a genuine passion for his craft.