Jiang Chao

Jiang Chao (Chinese: 姜潮; born August 12, 1991) is a Chinese actor and singer who rose to prominence in the entertainment industry through a combination of musical talent and dramatic roles. He graduated from Beijing Contemporary Music Academy. Born in Hefei, Anhui Province, Jiang began his career in 2010 after winning a local singing contest, which led to his debut as a singer and subsequent entry into acting in 2011.^[1][2] He gained widespread recognition for his supporting role as the character "Gu Chengze" in the 2017 romantic drama The Fox's Summer, opposite Tan Songyun, and for portraying Emperor Renzong of Song in the historical series The Legend of Kaifeng the same year.^[3][4] Jiang's filmography includes notable appearances in the Tiny Times franchise (2013–2015), where he played a key supporting character, as well as in Soul Snatcher (2020) and Nuts (2018).^[5][1] In his personal life, Jiang married Uyghur-Chinese actress Madina Memet in 2019; they have two children, a son (born May 20, 2019) and a daughter (born 2021). As of 2025, Jiang remains active in the industry, recently starring as Wang Pangzi in Candle in the Tomb: South Sea Tomb (2025).^[6]

Early life and education

Early years

Jiang Chao was born on August 12, 1991, in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, into a Han Chinese family from a typical urban household.^[7][8] From a young age, Jiang Chao developed a strong interest in music and performance, particularly singing, influenced by his family's encouragement and home environment. He often engaged in casual singing at home, fostering his passion before venturing into public settings.^[4] His early exposure to singing contests began in his mid-teens, marking initial non-professional experiences that built his confidence. In 2007, at age 16, he participated in the Oriental Television contest Jia You Hao Nan Er (Come on, Good Men) in the Wuhan district. These experiences before age 18 laid the groundwork for his later pursuits without formal professional involvement.^[9]

Education

Jiang Chao graduated from the Popular Singing Department at the Beijing Contemporary Music Academy.^[10][11] During his studies, he focused on vocal training, performance arts, and music production courses offered by the department, which included core instruction in singing techniques, ensemble rehearsals, dance integration for stage performance, songwriting, lyrics creation, harmony application, and performance training.^[12] The curriculum emphasized practical skills in contemporary pop music, blending Western and Chinese singing styles through specialized systems such as the Chinese Singing System and Western Singing System.^[13] No specific scholarships or academic awards for Jiang Chao during his time at the academy are documented in available records. The academy's hands-on approach to modern music education, including band rehearsals and stage simulation, contributed to refining his vocal delivery and confident stage presence, essential for his later pursuits in entertainment.^[10][12] Upon graduation, Jiang Chao's formal training positioned him to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the music and performance sectors, bridging his academic foundation directly to professional development.^[10]

Career

Music beginnings

Jiang Chao entered the music industry through his participation in the 2010 edition of the Chinese singing competition Super Boy (also known as Happy Boy), organized by Hunan Satellite Television. Competing in the Jinan regional division, he emerged as the champion, showcasing his vocal abilities and stage presence that propelled him to the national stage. He advanced to the top 13 contestants overall, gaining significant exposure during the intense elimination rounds.^[14] Following his success in Super Boy, Jiang Chao signed with EE-Media (Tianyu Media), the production company behind the show, which managed his early career as part of the newly formed boy band 8090. The group, consisting of seven members including Jiang Chao as a key vocalist, was assembled from eliminated Super Boy contestants under the guidance of Korean producer Kim Hyung-hee and his team, aiming to create a marketable idol ensemble. This affiliation marked the official launch of his professional singing career, with 8090 positioned as the "Happy Boy Group" to capitalize on the contest's popularity.^[15][16] In September 2010, 8090 released their debut single "Let Us Love" (《让我们相爱》), produced by Kim Hyung-hee's team and featured on the compilation album My Stage alongside tracks from the Super Boy top 12 contestants. The upbeat pop track, emphasizing themes of romance and unity, was crafted to highlight the group's synchronized vocals and dance routines, serving as an introduction to their dynamic as a unit. While specific chart positions are not widely documented, the single benefited from the album's promotion tied to the show's massive viewership, contributing to early buzz around the group.^[14] Throughout 2010 and 2011, Jiang Chao and 8090 engaged in various promotional activities to build momentum, including performances at the Super Boy national finals where they debuted "I Believe" to enthusiastic crowds. They appeared on Hunan Satellite Television programs such as the Spring Festival Gala and the variety show King of Comedy, performing medleys and interacting with audiences to foster familiarity. Live performances extended to the Super Boy national tour across multiple cities and collaborations in the Mengniu Suan Suan Ru national concert series alongside artists like Show Lo and Jolin Tsai, where they delivered high-energy sets of their singles. These events emphasized group choreography and fan engagement, solidifying their presence in the idol pop scene.^[16][17] The visibility from Super Boy and subsequent regional tours rapidly grew Jiang Chao's initial fanbase, with supporters drawn to his charismatic "electric eye" appeal and R&B-infused style. Fan-voted song charts and interactive promotions during the contest era helped cultivate a dedicated following, particularly in northern China, setting the foundation for 8090's early popularity before broader career expansions.^[16][18]

Acting breakthrough

Jiang Chao made his acting debut in 2011, appearing in the main role of Na Te in the romantic comedy TV series Runaway Sweetheart, marking his initial step into the entertainment industry beyond music.^[19] This early appearance was followed by supporting parts in other television projects, allowing him to build foundational experience in front of the camera.^[1] His breakthrough came in 2013 with the role of Xi Cheng in Guo Jingming's Tiny Times, a film adaptation of the popular novel that follows the lives of four young women navigating friendship, love, and ambition in modern Shanghai. As Nan Xiang's charismatic yet manipulative ex-boyfriend, Xi Cheng represented a "bad boy" archetype that showcased Jiang's ability to convey emotional complexity and allure. The film achieved massive commercial success, grossing approximately US$77.7 million worldwide and setting a record for the highest opening-day box office for a Chinese 2D release at the time.^[20][21] Jiang reprised the role in the sequels Tiny Times 2.0 (2013), Tiny Times 3.0 (2014), and Tiny Times 4.0 (2015), contributing to the franchise's overall earnings exceeding US$200 million across the series and solidifying his rising profile.^[22] In 2016, Jiang expanded his early filmography with a supporting role as Gao Xiang in the romantic comedy So I Married an Anti-Fan, a Chinese adaptation of the Korean webtoon that explores mistaken identities and budding romance between a celebrity and a journalist. That same year, he took on the guest role of Xin Jue, the ambitious second prince of the Fire Tribe, in the fantasy drama series Ice Fantasy, a lavish production based on Guo Jingming's novel that blended political intrigue and supernatural elements. Xin Jue's portrayal highlighted Jiang's versatility in embodying a villainous yet tragic figure amid the series' high-profile cast and elaborate visual effects.^[23][24] Transitioning from his established music career—where he had gained initial fame as a contestant on Super Boy in 2010 and as a member of the boy band 8090—Jiang Chao faced the demands of honing acting skills, such as delivering nuanced performances under directorial scrutiny. His prior visibility as a singer facilitated casting in youth-oriented projects like Tiny Times, easing his entry into acting. Despite mixed critical reception for the Tiny Times films, which earned low audience scores (e.g., 3.3/10 on IMDb for the first installment), the series sparked a significant popularity surge for Jiang among Chinese youth from 2013 to 2016, driven by its box office dominance and cultural resonance with themes of urban aspiration.^[25] Similarly, Ice Fantasy attracted over 12,000 international viewers on platforms like MyDramaList and bolstered his fanbase through its fantasy appeal, though it received average ratings (6.6/10 on IMDb).^[26]

Later career developments

Following his breakthrough roles, Jiang Chao expanded into web series with the lead role of Gu Cheng Ze in The Fox's Summer (2017), a romantic comedy that garnered significant popularity, achieving a 9/10 rating from over 99,000 viewers on Viki and spawning a second season due to fan demand.^[27][28] In this portrayal of a meticulous CEO with obsessive-compulsive tendencies, Jiang demonstrated his versatility in blending humor and emotional depth, contributing to the series' success as a web-exclusive hit on platforms like iQIYI.^[29] That same year, he portrayed Emperor Renzong of Song in the historical series The Legend of Kaifeng Mansion, earning praise for his depiction of the young emperor amid tales of justice and court intrigue.^[30] In television, Jiang took on more mature roles, including Chen Ting Yi in the historical drama The Heiress (2020), where he played a key figure in a tale of political intrigue and disguise, spanning 24 episodes on Tencent Video.^[31] More recently, he appeared in the variety show Our Love Song (2025) on iQIYI, collaborating on musical performances with artists like Madina Memet, and served as a regular member in The Incredible Journey: Asia (2023-2024), a travel-based program exploring cultural sites across Asia.^[32][33] These appearances highlighted his transition toward multifaceted entertainment, engaging audiences through interactive formats beyond scripted acting. On the film front, Jiang advanced with a supporting role as the frog spirit and shopkeeper Zhu in the fantasy adventure Soul Snatcher (2020), a CGI-heavy production that premiered on Netflix and explored themes of immortality and camaraderie in ancient China.^[34] He also appeared as Li Xin in the coming-of-age comedy Nuts (2018).^[35] Post-2017, Jiang's involvement in variety shows like Our Love Song and The Incredible Journey allowed him to showcase his singing roots alongside acting, fostering a balanced career trajectory that maintained his visibility in the competitive Chinese entertainment industry through diverse media engagements. As of 2025, he is set to reprise his role as Wang Kaixuan in a new installment of the Candle in the Tomb series.^[36][37]

Personal life

Relationships and marriage

Jiang Chao's most notable romantic relationship is with Chinese actress and singer Madina Memet, whom he met while co-starring in the 2016 fantasy drama Ice Fantasy, where he portrayed Xin Jue, the second prince of the Fire Tribe, and she played Lan Shang, the princess of the Fire Tribe.^[1][38] Their professional collaboration sparked a personal connection that blossomed into a committed partnership within the entertainment industry circles. They made their relationship public on October 12, 2016.^[4] On May 8, 2019, Jiang publicly announced his engagement to Memet via social media and industry channels, marking a significant moment covered in entertainment news.^[1] The couple married later that year, solidifying their union amid their shared careers in acting and music.^[39] Since their marriage, Jiang and Memet have made several joint public appearances, including at the 2020 COSMO Glam Night in Shanghai, where they appeared together as a couple, highlighting their supportive dynamic in the spotlight.^[39] While no other confirmed romantic relationships or early dating rumors have been publicly documented prior to Memet, their partnership exemplifies a balance between professional collaborations and personal life in the competitive Chinese entertainment scene.

Family

Jiang Chao and his wife, Madina Memet, welcomed their first child, a son named Jiang Daniel, on May 20, 2019. Their second child, a daughter whose name has not been publicly disclosed, was born on September 10, 2021, coinciding with Madina's 34th birthday. The couple announced both births through social media posts, with Jiang expressing gratitude for the meaningful timing of their daughter's arrival.^[40][41] The family resides in China, where Jiang and Madina prioritize privacy for their children, limiting public exposure while occasionally sharing family moments. For instance, Madina has posted photos of Jiang with their son on platforms like Xiaohongshu, capturing everyday parenting scenes such as playtime and outings. In interviews and updates, Jiang has described the joys of fatherhood, noting how it has brought deeper fulfillment to his life alongside his career.^[41][42] They have also participated in family-oriented events, including celebrating their son's birthdays with intimate gatherings shared selectively online. While no specific family-related philanthropic activities are publicly documented, their low-key approach underscores a commitment to shielding their household from intense media scrutiny.

Filmography

Film

Jiang Chao's film career began in 2009, with roles spanning youth dramas, romances, and comedies, often portraying young, ambitious characters in supporting or leading capacities. His most notable cinematic work includes the Tiny Times tetralogy, where he gained recognition for his portrayal of the loyal and supportive Xi Cheng across all four installments. Other significant films feature him in romantic and ensemble narratives, with select projects receiving international distribution, such as the Chinese-Korean co-production So I Married an Anti-Fan. The list below details his film roles chronologically from 2009 to 2021, noting lead or supporting status where applicable.^[1] No additional films were released between 2022 and 2025 based on available records.^[1]

Television series

Jiang Chao began his television career in 2011 with supporting and lead roles in Chinese specials and dramas, gradually transitioning to prominent parts in fantasy, romance, and adventure web series. His breakthrough in the medium came with guest and main roles in high-profile productions like Ice Fantasy and The Fox's Summer, showcasing his versatility in both traditional broadcast and online streaming formats. By the 2020s, he expanded into variety programming while maintaining a steady presence in episodic dramas.

Discography

Singles

Jiang Chao's music career as a solo artist began with releases tied to his participation in the 2010 Super Boy contest, where he joined the group 8090 and contributed to their debut single. His subsequent solo singles marked a shift toward independent vocal work, often featuring emotional themes reflective of personal growth and relationships. These tracks were produced under labels like Tianyu Media early on, transitioning to digital platforms for later releases. The following table lists key original singles from his discography, focusing on standalone releases not associated with film or television soundtracks: In the years following, Jiang Chao continued releasing original singles sporadically, such as "The Burden That Cannot Be Borne" (不能承受之重) in 2017, which delved into emotional weight and resilience, and "This Is Love" (这才是爱) in 2020, a reflective piece on genuine affection, and "I'm Sorry, I Still Miss You" (对不起我还是很想你) in 2024, addressing themes of loss and nostalgia in love. These later works, distributed via platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, underscore his enduring presence in Mandopop without significant chart breakthroughs reported.^[47][46][48]

Soundtrack contributions

Jiang Chao's contributions to soundtracks often bridge his acting and musical talents, with songs that reflect the emotional arcs of his characters in romantic and dramatic narratives. These pieces, typically released as part of original soundtracks (OSTs), emphasize themes of love, separation, and youthful pursuit, enhancing the storytelling in films and series where he stars. One of his early soundtrack works is "Happiness in a Hundred Miles" (幸福百米), released in 2012 as the theme song for the television series Runaway Sweetheart (落跑甜心), in which he played a supporting role. Performed with the boy band 8090, of which he was a member, the upbeat track captures the energetic chase for happiness and love, mirroring the series' plot of a girl disguising herself at an all-boys school to pursue her crush, with lyrics urging listeners to sprint toward joy without hesitation. In the same year, Jiang Chao featured on "Youth Rain Clears Up" (青春雨放晴, also known as "Beijing Rain Clears Up"), a duet with Tian Xiaotian for the OST of the film Youth Hormones (青春荷尔蒙), where he portrayed a lead role in a story of young love and rebellion. The ballad explores the pain of fading relationships and the transition from lovers to friends, with poignant lyrics about silence on the phone and dissolving illusions, aligning with the film's depiction of hormonal turmoil and heartbreak in adolescence. "Summer Time" (时光的夏天), released in 2017, serves as the ending theme for the romantic comedy series The Fox's Summer (狐狸的夏天), in which Jiang Chao starred as the male lead Gu Chengze. The song evokes nostalgic summer romance through imagery of weary sunlight, filling happiness into the season, and enduring pain for awareness in love, directly tying to his character's journey of unexpected affection and emotional growth with a quirky female protagonist. His most recent soundtrack contribution is the solo track "Don't Wait" (别等), from the 2020 OST of the historical drama The Heiress (女世子), where he played the male lead Fu Ling opposite the titular heiress. As an insert song, it delves into themes of letting go of lingering warmth from a past connection and avoiding prolonged waiting for someone who has moved on, resonating with the series' narrative of forbidden romance, political intrigue, and bittersweet farewells in a feudal setting.^[49]

Awards and nominations

Awards

Jiang Chao has received recognition for his performances in both web series and television dramas, earning one notable award as of November 2025.^[50] In 2017, he won the Most Popular Actor (Web series) award at the 2nd Asia New Media Film Festival for his role as the domineering CEO Gu Chengze in the romantic web series The Fox's Summer. The ceremony, held in Macau on July 11, highlighted emerging talents in new media productions, with Jiang's portrayal praised for capturing audience attention and topping various online popularity charts during the show's broadcast earlier that year.

Nominations

Jiang Chao's nomination history in major Chinese entertainment awards remains limited, highlighting the selective nature of industry recognition for actors specializing in web series and supporting roles in mainstream dramas. Despite his contributions to popular projects like The Fox's Summer (2017), he has not been prominently featured in nominations for prestigious events such as the Huading Awards or Tencent Video Starlight Awards. This gap underscores the competitive landscape of Chinese television awards, where leads in high-profile productions often dominate shortlists, leaving versatile performers like Jiang Chao with fewer opportunities for formal acknowledgment.^[51] For recent works, including Our Love Song (2023), no major nominations have been reported as of November 2025, further illustrating the sporadic attention given to his performances in romance and family-oriented genres. This pattern reflects broader trends in award considerations, prioritizing breakout stars and ensemble casts in blockbuster series over consistent mid-tier contributors.