Lance Joseph Martinez

10 Things to Know About Daniel Zhou, the Charming Star of ‘Never-Ending Summer’

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<p>If you are in the mood for a sweeping romance,<strong><em> Never-Ending Summer</em></strong> may be your next must-watch. The Chinese drama delicately weaves together first love, youth, heartbreak, and the hope of finding one’s way back to the person who once meant everything.</p><p><em>Never-Ending Summer</em> follows<strong> Zhou Wan</strong>, who turns to <strong>Lu Xixiao</strong> for help in saving her grandmother. Their connection soon develops into a tender yet complicated romance. A decade after heartbreak and misunderstandings pulled them apart, the two reunite as colleagues and begin uncovering the truth behind a factory accident that changed their lives.</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/1784107371733[image] - 155414.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Daniel Zhou for Never-Ending Summer</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>At the center of the series is <strong>Daniel Zhou</strong>,<strong> </strong>also known as Zhou Keyu, who plays the captivating Lu Xixiao. Already a force as a singer and dancer, the multi-talented artist brings a quiet magnetism and emotional depth to the role, drawing viewers further into the drama’s poignant love story.</p><p>As Daniel Zhou continues to captivate fans with his portrayal of Lu Xixiao, here are 10 things to know about the star behind <em>Never-Ending Summer.</em></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107414052[image] - 6232066.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107435015[image] - 5604345.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is 24 years old.<br/></strong></div><p>Born on May 17, 2002, Daniel Zhou—also known as <strong>Zhou Keyu</strong>—is a Chinese singer, dancer, and actor steadily rising among the industry’s most promising young stars.</p><p>For international fans looking to keep up with him beyond <strong>Weibo</strong>, Daniel also actively shares project updates and glimpses of his life on and off-screen through Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daniel.__.zhou?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw=="><strong>@daniel.__.zhou.</strong></a></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He was born in the United States.<br/></strong></div><p>While Daniel Zhou is now a Chinese citizen, the actor and singer was born in the United States on May 17, 2002. He later moved to Beijing with his family, where he spent his formative years and grew up.</p><p>His label has since clarified his nationality, confirming that Zhou began the process of renouncing his US citizenship after turning 18. He has officially become a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and holds a Chinese identification card.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107816834[image] - 8423974.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107833496[image] - 8831985.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He grew up with the guidance of his brothers.<br/></strong></div><p>After his parents separated during his childhood, Daniel Zhou shared that his two older brothers played an important role in caring for him as he grew up.</p><p>In a feature by <strong></strong>Sina Entertainment, one of his brothers expressed his unwavering support, saying, “If there are responsibilities to bear, I will not shirk them.” Their bond is built on trust: Zhou can openly share the pressures and difficulties he faces, knowing he can turn to his brother for steady comfort and support.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is a proud dog lover.<br/></strong></div><p>In a 2024 interview with<em> ELLE MEN</em>, <strong></strong>Zhou Keyu shared his special fondness for dogs. Having grown up with a family pet for much of his childhood, he sees dogs as loyal companions whose love is pure, straightforward, and impossible to resist.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107876075[image] - 5723702.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107890096[image] - 3231443.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He began his career as a boy group member.<br/></strong></div><p>While many viewers may know Daniel Zhou for his work as an actor, his path in entertainment began with idol training.</p><p>In 2018, <strong>Jay Walk Studio </strong>introduced 14 new trainees under its roster, with Daniel among the aspiring performers. The following year, on December 10, he officially made his debut as a member of the boy group <strong>BEST</strong>, which released a single of the same name.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He was a former CHUANG 2021 contestant.<br/></strong></div><p>After his stint with his first boy group, Daniel Zhou and his management decided he would join the fourth season of<strong><em> Produce 101 China</em></strong>, <strong><em>Produce Camp 2021</em></strong>, also known as<strong> <em>CHUANG 101</em>.</strong></p><p>The show brought together 90 male trainees from different countries and agencies to form an 11-member international boy group through global viewers’ votes. The final 11 trainees debuted as<strong> INTO1.</strong></p><p>He consistently ranked within the Top 11 throughout the competition and placed 10th in the final episode, earning a spot in the multinational boy group INTO1.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107930796[image] - 5583018.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He is also successful as a singer.</strong></div><p>Since his debut, Daniel Zhou has built a solo music career alongside his activities as a group member. He released the singles <strong>“R.O.T.Y”</strong> in 2021, followed by <strong>“Sunset City”</strong> and <strong>“Stuck on You” </strong>in 2023.</p><p>He has also lent his voice to soundtrack projects, including the 2022 special rendition<strong> “Only You in My Eyes”</strong> for the classic OST<strong></strong> of <strong>The Wind Blowing Pinellia,</strong> as well as<strong> “Homecoming,”</strong> a promotional song for<strong> Memories Beyond Horizon.</strong></p><p>In 2023, Zhou further connected with fans on the road with his first solo concert series, the <strong>Zhou Keyu First Solo Tour.</strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107336234[image] - 1216333.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has an impressive brand-endorsement portfolio.<br/></strong></div><p>In 2021, Daniel Zhou expanded his commercial profile through campaigns for<strong> Sisley, YUSUMTONG, Rejoice, Nivea Men, RIO, Moncler, </strong>and<strong> Nestlé Coffee.</strong> He also took on spokesperson roles for<strong> Membrane Family</strong> and <strong>HBN</strong>.</p><p>The following year, he was introduced as Kappa’s youth brand ambassador and partnered with <strong>Tom Ford Beauty.</strong> He has since continued his beauty endorsements with <strong>Carslan.</strong></p><p>Daniel’s growing visibility has also led to collaborations and appearances tied to prominent fashion houses, including <strong>Gucci</strong>,<strong> Fendi</strong>,<strong> </strong>and<strong> Coach</strong>.<strong></strong></p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107640494[image] - 3795884.jpeg" style="width:700px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><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/1784107654316[image] - 8711530.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">Daniel Zhou for GUCCI</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>He found his acting breakthrough in <em>Always Home</em>. <br/></strong></div><p>After appearing in a string of supporting and smaller roles following his acting debut in 2021, Daniel Zhou found his breakthrough as the lead of the hit drama <strong><em>Always Home.</em></strong></p><p>The coming-of-age series follows a close-knit group of friends from the same housing compound as they move from high school into college, navigating family expectations, friendships, and their individual dreams.</p><p><em>Always Home </em>premiered on <strong>Tencent Video</strong> on February 15, 2025. It currently holds a 9.4 rating from more than 800,000 viewers.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>He has two upcoming series to look forward to.<br/></strong></div><p>For fans wondering what lies ahead for Daniel Zhou, the actor is set to return to the small screen with two upcoming <strong>iQIYI</strong> dramas.</p><p>First is <strong><em>Sweetest Rebellion</em></strong>, in which he stars opposite<strong> Xu Ruohan. </strong>The series follows a powerful female CEO from an ancient business world as she rescues a “male Cinderella,” challenges class divisions, and rebuilds the rules of society while the pair grow through adversity.</p><p>He will also lead<strong><em> Shadows of Desire</em></strong> alongside <strong>Zhao Qing.</strong> The historical drama follows military general Shen Qingwu and civil servant Zhang Xingjian, who set aside their different backgrounds to protect the people, confront corruption and rebellion, and ultimately build a life together.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107551476[image] - 3264571.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784107579255[image] - 1553743.jpeg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p style="text-align:left">Photos from <strong>@daniel.__.zhou</strong></p>

<p>As Daniel Zhou continues to captivate fans with his portrayal of Lu Xixiao, here are 10 things to know about the star behind "Never-Ending Summer."</p>

As Daniel Zhou continues to captivate fans with his portrayal of Lu Xixiao, here are 10 things to know about the star behind "Never-Ending Summer."

10 Things to Know About Daniel Zhou, the Trending Heartthrob From ‘Never-Ending Summer’

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10 Things to Know About Daniel Zhou, the Trending Heartthrob From ‘Never-Ending Summer’

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published July 17, 2026 06:00 AM PHT

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Daniel Zhou

Zhou Keyu

Never-Ending Summer

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