Untamed Legacy: Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo 5 Years Later
Five years after its explosive debut, The Untamed continues to cast a long shadow over the global drama landscape. More than just a fantasy series, it launched the careers of two modern icons—Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo—who have since broken records, redefined their personal brands, and inspired millions of fans worldwide. As we celebrate the fifth anniversary of this cultural phenomenon, we look back at the Untamed Legacy that shaped not only their destinies but also elevated Chinese entertainment on a global scale. From emotional fan tributes to major career milestones, this is a story of transformation, endurance, and evolution.
Chapter 1: Breaking the Mold — A New Chapter in the Untamed Legacy
The success of The Untamed was a double-edged sword: it launched Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo to global fame but also risked locking them into the shadow of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. What followed, however, was a bold reinvention of their public personas and artistic identities—proving that the Untamed Legacy was just the beginning, not the peak.
Xiao Zhan’s Rise Beyond Wei Wuxian
After his breakout as Wei Wuxian, Xiao Zhan redefined his image through an array of emotionally charged roles that showcased his depth and versatility. In The Wolf and Douluo Continent, he navigated complex characters far removed from his previous archetype. He even took on the stage, earning acclaim for his performance in the drama A Dream Like a Dream.
He also became a musical powerhouse, with chart-topping singles like “Spotlight,” which broke Guinness World Records for sales. In fashion and brand influence, Xiao Zhan is now one of China’s top ambassadors, representing luxury houses such as Gucci and Tod’s.
Explore more:
🔗 Xiao Zhan – From Obscurity to Global Fame
🔗 Xiao Zhan’s Stage & Screen Mastery
📺 Watch Xiao Zhan’s growth in this tribute
Wang Yibo’s Bold Diversification
Wang Yibo took a completely different path to expand the Untamed Legacy. Known for his reserved and disciplined portrayal of Lan Wangji, he surprised fans with his dynamic energy in the action series Legend of Fei and the anti-corruption drama Being a Hero. His range widened even further as he became a competitive racer, variety show mentor, and global brand ambassador.
Off-screen, Wang Yibo has become an icon of dual mastery—fluent in music, sports, and screen presence. His career transformation is also evident in his successful music tours and GT racing podiums, making him one of China’s most well-rounded stars.
Explore more:
🔗 Wang Yibo – Music, Racing, Acting
🔗 Wang Yibo’s Style and Global Impact
📺 Watch Wang Yibo’s post-Untamed highlights
Chapter 2: Milestones That Cemented the Untamed Legacy of Two Icons
While The Untamed established Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo as household names, it was their post-drama achievements that solidified their place in entertainment history. From shattering sales records to dominating international brand campaigns and award circuits, both stars leveraged the Untamed Legacy into long-term stardom and credibility.
Xiao Zhan: Breaking Records, Setting Standards
Xiao Zhan made headlines in 2020 when his digital single “Spotlight” sold over 25 million copies within 24 hours—earning him a Guinness World Record and igniting global curiosity about his post-Wei Wuxian journey. Since then, he’s been a force across music, fashion, and television.
He became a go-to ambassador for high-end brands like Gucci, Zenith, and Ralph Lauren, aligning his clean-cut, elegant image with global luxury. Xiao Zhan has also earned accolades such as Weibo King, Most Popular Actor awards, and international fan-voted honors.
Further reading:
🔗 Xiao Zhan’s Rise as a Global Star
🔗 Acting Between Light & Shadow
📺 Watch his performance evolution
Wang Yibo: From Awards to Ambassadorships
For Wang Yibo, awards came from every corner of the industry—music, dance, racing, and acting. He received Best Actor nominations for his intense role in Being a Hero, and also snagged Top Ten Music Awards, GQ Men of the Year, and Weibo Star Awards. His diverse skill set made him a reliable face for international endorsements, including Chanel, Moncler, and Anta.
Most notably, Wang Yibo was selected as a torchbearer for the Beijing Winter Olympics, underscoring his status as a national icon. His dedication to social causes, like environmental protection and youth sports, has also amplified his influence beyond the entertainment world.
Explore more:
🔗 Wang Yibo – From Teen Prodigy to Icon
🔗 Dual Mastery: Passion and Performance
📺 Wang Yibo’s Award-Winning Journey
The Legacy in Motion
These accolades aren’t just career milestones—they’re cultural signals. They demonstrate how the Untamed Legacy gave rise to a new generation of multi-talented Chinese stars who could move fluidly between industries, break stereotypes, and speak to global audiences.
Chapter 3: Fandom Fervor — The Untamed Legacy Lives Through Global Fans
While Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo’s talents laid the foundation, it was the fans who turned The Untamed into a global movement. Over the past five years, the Untamed Legacy has grown far beyond the screen—driven by an emotionally invested, hyper-creative, and globally connected fanbase.
Global Celebrations: The 5th Anniversary Wave
On the fifth anniversary of The Untamed’s debut, fan communities from China to Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America organized virtual watch parties, art exhibitions, charity events, and social media trends under hashtags like #陈情令5周年 and #Untamed5. Video tributes flooded YouTube and Bilibili, while Twitter/X trended with fan collages and international shout-outs.
These celebrations are more than nostalgia—they’re proof of a living, breathing fan culture that has redefined viewer engagement.
Explore more:
🔗 From Fandom to Global Fan Economy
🔗 Fandom as a Cultural Force
📺 Anniversary Fan Video Compilation
BoJunYiXiao and the Rise of a Fandom Economy
Perhaps no symbol of the Untamed Legacy is as powerful as BoJunYiXiao (博君一肖)—the fan pairing of Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo. Rooted in the intense chemistry of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, this ship gave rise to an entire subculture of fanfiction, cosplay, audio dramas, and merchandise that continues to thrive.
This fan-driven narrative kept interest in both actors alive even during periods of media silence. Many fans have credited this ship with sparking their interest in Chinese dramas, language, and even cultural studies.
Explore more:
🔗 BoJunYiXiao Phenomenon
🔗 Behind the Chemistry
📺 Top 10 BoJunYiXiao Moments
Creative Movements That Transcend the Screen
Fan-driven media projects—such as English-subtitled edits, fan-made trailers, TikTok sound remixes, and even handmade comics—have generated millions of views. Fans are not just consumers but active creators, curating the Untamed Legacy in every language and medium imaginable.
In doing so, they’ve turned the show’s legacy into a decentralized brand—one that lives independently of platforms, timelines, or even official recognition.
Chapter 4: Enduring Impact of the Untamed Legacy on Culture and Drama
The influence of The Untamed did not fade after the final episode—it evolved. From reshaping genre expectations to catapulting Chinese dramas onto the global stage, the Untamed Legacy is a case study in how a single series can alter an entire industry.
Xianxia Reimagined: A Genre Revolution
Before 2019, the xianxia genre—fantasy stories rooted in Chinese mythology and cultivation—was largely confined to domestic audiences. But The Untamed broke that barrier, introducing millions of international viewers to Chinese fantasy narratives, complex character arcs, and cultural depth.
Streaming giants like Netflix and Viki capitalized on this trend, acquiring distribution rights and subtitling newer xianxia dramas. This helped fuel a growing appetite for Chinese storytelling worldwide.
Explore more:
🔗 The Untamed’s Role in the Evolution of Xianxia
📺 Global Reaction Compilation
Genre Evolution Sparked by Global Success
The Untamed accumulated over 10 billion views on Tencent and secured streaming across platforms like Netflix, exposing the show to viewers in 190+ countries. The series inspired academic papers, cosplay competitions, and themed concerts.
For both Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, this meant not only fame but cultural export. Their fanbase became increasingly diverse, multilingual, and digitally connected—amplifying their influence even in markets like Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
Explore more:
🔗 From The Untamed to Stardom
🔗 Legacy Overview
📺 Global Media Review
Cultural Tourism and Commercial Echoes
The Untamed Legacy extends into real-world economics—from official merchandise and Blu-ray sets to live concerts and fan events. In China, filming locations like Hengdian World Studios saw a surge in tourism, while themed exhibitions drew thousands.
Both stars held fan meetings and musical events referencing The Untamed, including Xiao Zhan’s emotionally resonant live performances and Wang Yibo’s high-octane solo concerts.
Explore more:
🔗 Behind-the-Scenes Moments
📺 Fan Concert Highlights
Chapter 5: What’s Next for the Untamed Legacy of Xiao Zhan & Wang Yibo
While The Untamed was the spark that lit the fire, Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo have proven that their journeys are far from over. As they evolve artistically and expand their global reach, the question now is: what new paths will they forge beyond the Untamed Legacy?
Xiao Zhan: Artistic Growth & Global Presence
Xiao Zhan continues to pursue challenging roles that showcase emotional range and maturity. His recent projects—including the upcoming The Legend of the Condor Heroes 2025 reboot—are set to elevate his standing as a serious actor within both mainstream and historical drama circles.
His global appeal is expanding rapidly. As a fashion ambassador for Tod’s, Gucci, and Zenith, Xiao Zhan frequently appears in major campaigns and magazine covers across Asia and Europe. His music career also shows no signs of slowing, with deeply personal ballads resonating with fans worldwide.
Read more:
🔗 Xiao Zhan’s Resilience Journey
🔗 Acting Mastery: Between Light and Shadow
📺 Xiao Zhan Global Fashion Impact
Wang Yibo: From Idol to Industry Trailblazer
Wang Yibo’s career is diversifying at an astonishing rate. Apart from starring in high-profile films like Hidden Blade and One and Only, he’s become an Olympic torchbearer, national GT racing medalist, and environmental ambassador. He is no longer just an idol—he’s a brand.
What’s more, Wang Yibo has made strides toward international collaboration. With increasing visibility in global campaigns and an expanding international fanbase, his next move may well include crossover work in music, film, or even documentary production.
Read more:
🔗 Wang Yibo – From Struggles to Global Stardom
🔗 Dual Mastery: Passion and Performance
📺 Wang Yibo Global Journey
Their Legacy, Redefined
Whether they reunite in a future drama or continue shaping their legacies independently, one truth remains: the Untamed Legacy set the stage, but the future belongs entirely to their individual courage, craft, and connection with the world.
Conclusion: A Legacy Still in Motion
Five years ago, The Untamed wasn’t just a fantasy drama—it became a turning point in modern Chinese entertainment. For Xiao Zhan and Wang Yibo, it was the launchpad into artistry, influence, and reinvention. For fans, it became a movement, a memory, and a mirror of collective growth.
Today, the Untamed Legacy lives on—not just in streaming numbers or awards, but in the creative works, cross-cultural dialogues, and life choices it continues to inspire. Both stars have boldly stepped beyond their iconic roles, but they carry with them the spirit that made Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji unforgettable.
As we look forward to their evolving journeys, one thing is certain: legacies don’t fade—they transform.
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📌 Dive deeper into the legacy:
🔗 Explore behind-the-scenes secrets
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