Lance Joseph Martinez

10 Things to Know About Zhou Yiran, the Lead Star of 'Ashes to Crown'

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<p>Looking for the next Chinese drama to binge-watch? Since premiering on June 1, <strong><em>Ashes to Crown </em></strong>has quickly emerged as one of the Netflix’s top-performing series. The epic revenge drama has captivated viewers with its gripping storyline, soaring to the top of the platform&#x27;s charts while simultaneously streaming on Chinese platform <strong>YOUKU</strong>.</p><p>The series follows<strong> Chu Zhao</strong>, the daughter of a general, who breaks free from her fate as a political pawn to take control of her own destiny. Along the way, she encounters <strong>Xie Yanlai</strong>, whom she helps rise to the rank of Great General. Together, they battle the schemes of <strong>Crown Prince Xiao Xun</strong> and defend against foreign invaders.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ts0yE7plO7w?si=i7gw2pOqRAJqoIqn" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>One of the standout characters that has captured viewers’ attention is Xie Yanlai, portrayed by <strong>Zhou Yiran</strong>, whose role charts a compelling transformation from a quiet outcast into a powerful and fiercely loyal general.</p><p>As interest in the series continues to grow, fans have also become increasingly curious about Zhou Yiran himself—his age, previous dramas, and even his personal interests and off-screen life. With his rising popularity following<em> Ashes to Crown,</em> the actor has quickly become a topic of conversation among viewers who are eager to learn more about him.</p><p>With that, <strong></strong>METRO<strong></strong> takes a closer look and rounds up 10 things fans should know about Chinese star Zhou Yiran:</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627412038[image] - 5067944.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @amiparis</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is 25 years old.<br/></strong></div><p>Zhou Haoran, also known by his stage name Zhou Yiran, was born on November 22, 2000, and is currently 25 years old. He stands at 6 feet tall.</p><p>He is also active on <strong>Instagram</strong> under the handle <a href="https://www.instagram.com/zrzrzryyy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="><strong>@zrzrzryyy</strong></a>, where he regularly shares updates about his latest events, projects, dramas, and moments with fans.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He was born and raised in Chongqing.<br/></strong></div><p>Zhou Yiran was born and raised in <strong>Chongqing</strong>, a city often dubbed the <strong>“5D City” </strong>or<strong> “Cyberpunk City”</strong> for its futuristic, multi-layered infrastructure, neon-lit skyline, and rich Sichuan-inspired culture.</p><p>Situated in southwestern China at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is a sprawling mountainous megacity and municipality with a population exceeding 30 million, known for its dramatic terrain and vibrant urban energy.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627474397[image] - 8396659.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @amiparis</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He began his career as a Chinese idol.<br/></strong></div><p>Not widely known, Zhou Yiran first entered the entertainment industry not as an actor, but as an idol trainee. He was under <strong>Original Plan Entertainment,</strong> where he trained in singing and dancing as part of his early career development.</p><p>In 2017, he officially debuted as a member of the boy group <strong>Yi’an Musical </strong>under the stage name <strong>Fang Xiangrui.</strong> However, his time with the group was short-lived, as he eventually chose to leave in order to pursue a more individual path in his career.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He started his acting career in 2018.<br/></strong></div><p>After leaving his previous group, Zhou Yiran quickly shifted his focus to acting, making his screen debut the same year in the Chinese comedy film <strong><em>Go Brother!</em></strong>, where he played a minor role as <strong>Wan Sui</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>In the years that followed, he steadily expanded his acting portfolio through supporting roles in youth and family-oriented dramas, including <strong><em>Falling Into Your Smile</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> Please Classmate</em></strong><em></em><em>,</em><em></em><strong><em> </em></strong>and the critically acclaimed family series<strong><em> The Bond</em></strong><em></em><em>.</em><em></em><strong><em></em></strong></p><div><strong></strong><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627555159[image] - 2294365.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @zrzrzryyy</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He had his breakthrough in 2023.<br/></strong></div><p>After a string of minor and supporting appearances, a major turning point came in the acting career of Zhou Yiran. In 2023, he secured his first leading role in the campus romance series <strong><em>When I Fly Towards You.</em></strong></p><p>His portrayal of<strong> Zhang Lurang</strong>,<strong></strong> a reserved yet quietly dependable character, struck a chord with audiences and helped propel the drama to widespread popularity both in China and overseas.</p><p>The series was met with strong reception from both critics and viewers, earning notable success locally and internationally. It also gained global streaming reach through platforms such as <strong>Netflix</strong> and <strong>YouTube</strong>.<strong></strong><strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has won several acting awards.<br/></strong></div><p>Despite having entered the entertainment industry just about eight years ago, Zhou Yiran has already earned several acting accolades, underscoring his growing reputation and skill as a performer.</p><p>In 2023 alone, he received multiple recognitions, including <strong>Breakout Actor of the Year</strong> at the <strong>YOUKU</strong><strong> Awards</strong>, <strong>Best New Actor </strong>at the <strong>3rd New Era International TV Festival</strong>,<strong> </strong>and <strong>Weibo New Actor of the Year</strong> at the <strong>Weibo Awards</strong>.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627665358[image] - 7820404.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @zrzrzryyy<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781660727803[image] - 4110361.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @zrzrzryyy</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is active in social activities.<br/></strong></div><p>Beyond his youthful on-screen image and growing list of Chinese drama credits, Zhou Yiran has also been actively involved in charitable initiatives and off-camera social causes.</p><p>He previously took part in the Hua Jiao Charity Night, supporting the <strong>“Tong Ai Guang Ming” (Pupil Love, Light of Hope) </strong>campaign through a one-hour charity livestream dedicated to public welfare in 2017.</p><p>Three years later, he answered the call of the <strong>“Beautiful China, Youth in Action”</strong> initiative from the<strong> Chinese Communist Youth League</strong>, lending his voice in support of ecological awareness and environmental protection in observance of <strong>World Environment Day</strong>.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has been the face of several luxury brands.</strong></div><p>After his breakout in 2023 through the campus romance drama <em><strong>When I Fly Towards You</strong>,</em> the popularity of Zhou Yiran surged significantly, further elevating his industry profile and brand value.</p><p>That same year, he was appointed brand ambassador for the premium beauty label <strong>The Whoo</strong>,<strong> <em></em></strong>marking a major step into luxury endorsements. In December 2023, he also appeared in <strong>Gucci’s</strong> <strong>Lunar New Year 2024</strong> <strong>“The Year of the Dragon”</strong> campaign alongside <strong>Tian Xiwei</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>His brand portfolio continued to expand in February 2024, when he was named ambassador for both <strong>Bvlgari</strong> <strong>Fragrances</strong> <strong>and Perfumes</strong> and jewelry house <strong>APM Monaco</strong>.<strong></strong> This was followed on April 22, 2024, by his appointment as skincare ambassador for French luxury beauty house <strong>Guerlain</strong>. In September 2025, he further cemented his global presence as an ambassador for fashion brand <strong>AMI Paris.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627071113[image] - 727911.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhou Yiran for Gucci | Photo from @zrzrzryyy<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781660641470[image] - 2805776.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @zrzrzryyy</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong>He is a fur dad. </strong></div><p style="text-align:left">If you need another reason to adore Zhou Yiran, animal lovers may find him even more endearing. The Chinese actor is a proud fur dad to two adorable dogs named Ferrari and Moutai. Some older international fan profiles, however, have also referred to the pair as Ferrari and Porsche. His love and affection for his pets have only added to the charm that continues to win over fans around the world.</p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781661146506[image] - 6716369.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhou Yiran with his fur baby | Photo from @zrzrzryyy<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781661172234[image] - 9395233.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo from @zrzrzryyy</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><strong>He is a professional racing driver.<br/></strong></div><p>In addition to his work as an actor, Zhou Yiran has also built a growing profile as a professional racing driver. His interest in motorsports reportedly began after he met a racing coach during the filming of one of his series, which sparked his curiosity and eventually developed into a serious passion.</p><p>Since then, he has actively taken part in racing events and delivered notable performances on the track. During a touring car race at the <strong>Xiamen International Circuit</strong>,<strong></strong> he secured a decisive victory with a dominant performance. He has also recorded an impressive 39-second lap time in one of his races, further highlighting his skill and precision behind the wheel.</p><p>He has also shared photos from various racing events, featuring moments with his teammates and his racing team.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627007612[image] - 3334039.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhou Yiran with Louis Prette | Photo from @louisprette_<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781627178415[image] - 7650388.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Zhou Yiran with Charles Leclerc at APM Monaco in 2024 | Photo from @zrzrzryyy</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Lead photos from <strong>@zrzrzryyy</strong></p>

<p>A professional racing driver and former idol? Let’s take a closer look at rising Chinese star Zhou Yiran and discover 10 things fans should know about the actor behind Xie Yanlai in the Chinese drama "Ashes to Crown."</p>

A professional racing driver and former idol? Let’s take a closer look at rising Chinese star Zhou Yiran and discover 10 things fans should know about the actor behind Xie Yanlai in the Chinese drama "Ashes to Crown."

10 Things to Know About Zhou Yiran, the Dashing Lead Star of 'Ashes to Crown'

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10 Things to Know About Zhou Yiran, the Dashing Lead Star of 'Ashes to Crown'

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published June 19, 2026 09:20 PM PHT

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Updated June 19, 2026 09:23 PM PHT

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Zhou Yiran

Ashes to Crown

Chinese Drama

Xie Yanlai

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