In 2015, Xiao Zhan participated in the reality program X-Fire where he trained to be an idol alongside 15 other trainees.
He also participated in recording the program Teen Channel by Tencent.
His first performance stage was at the 2016 Zhejiang TV New Year Concert, where he performed the single "Freeze" as well as the theme song "Be A Man" alongside his teammates.
He debuted alongside eight other trainees in the idol group X Nine in 2016, taking on the position of main vocal.
X Nine released their first mini album X Jiu in September 2016.

In 2016, Xiao made his acting debut in the fantasy web drama Super Star Academy where he played the leading role.
The same year, he played a minor role in the time-travel romance drama Shuttle Love Millennium.

In 2018, he starred in the historical romance web drama Oh!
My Emperor.
The series was well-received for its comedic and romantic storyline, and Xiao earned recognition with his role as a domineering yet gentle prince.
He sang a soundtrack for the drama, titled "Stepping on Shadows".
The same year, he starred in the fantasy action drama Battle Through the Heavens, as well as historical drama The Wolf.
In 2015, Xiao Zhan participated in the reality program X-Fire where he trained to be an idol alongside 15 other trainees. He also participated in recording the program Teen Channel by Tencent. His first performance stage was at the 2016 Zhejiang TV New Year Concert, where he performed the single "Freeze" as well as the theme song "Be A Man" alongside his teammates. He debuted alongside eight other trainees in the idol group X Nine in 2016, taking on the position of main vocal. X Nine released their first mini album X Jiu in September 2016.
In 2016, Xiao made his acting debut in the fantasy web drama Super Star Academy where he played the leading role. The same year, he played a minor role in the time-travel romance drama Shuttle Love Millennium.
In 2018, he starred in the historical romance web drama Oh! My Emperor. The series was well-received for its comedic and romantic storyline, and Xiao earned recognition with his role as a domineering yet gentle prince. He sang a soundtrack for the drama, titled "Stepping on Shadows". The same year, he starred in the fantasy action drama Battle Through the Heavens, as well as historical drama The Wolf.
Xiao Zhan