Known for his quiet presence and minimalist diction, Xu Ning Tian has rapidly risen from modelling into acting with dedication and daring. He has delivered compelling performances in First Love (2022), The Silent Wife (2024), Sweet Trap (2024), and most recently as Chi Cheng in the BL drama Revenged Love (2025), where he fully embraces both the emotional and physical demands of the role. Reflecting on his career pivot, he notes: “I taught myself the craft, even reshaping my body for a role,” and adds, “Chasing one’s dream is inherently a precious thing.” These words speak to an actor motivated by reverence for his art and the courage to transform himself for the sake of authenticity.
You have long been known for being concise with words. Even a short two-phrase line like “Be careful, be careful” was edited by fans into an ASMR loop video. Today might be the most you’ve spoken in a single day since your debut. What have you been up to lately? Could you share your recent updates?
Recently, I’ve signed up for vocal lessons and piano lessons. I hope everyone can see more facets of me—after all, knowledge is no burden.
You transitioned from a model to an actor, learning acting all by yourself, and even lost 7.5 kilos for a role. What drives you to step out of your comfort zone?
First of all, I think chasing one’s dream is inherently a precious thing. Secondly, one must have a sense of reverence for acting and do one’s utmost to bring every role to life.
Besides acting, are there any other life goals you want to achieve?
Right now, there are three: holding a concert, getting a ski instructor certificate, and obtaining a racing driver’s license.
What’s your MBTI type?
INFP: the unruly little butterfly.
Can you share a TMI (Too Much Information) about yourself?
There’s a sentence that I think carries great weight: believe in the power of belief.
Do you still remember how you felt when you walked onto a film set for the first time? What would you say to your younger self who had just entered the industry?
I felt scared, nervous, and had stage fright. I want to tell my past self: Be brave enough to face your problems. Strive to improve and change yourself; I believe that by doing so, you will gradually see a world that truly belongs to you.
You once said, “Works are an actor’s foundation.” Are there any types of works or roles you want to try in the future?
Suspense genres, and roles that come with challenges.
Earlier in your career, you would remind fans to wear long johns when it’s cold and gave out stickers on Children’s Day. You were praised for “treating fans like friends.” How did this delicate style of interaction come about?
I hope that when everyone chats with me, they can feel my warmth. I think we all should treat each other with sincerity.
Will there be any new ways to interact with fans in the future? For example, what kind of comments would make you want to reply?
I will definitely make time to try my best to reply to you all. Whenever you need encouragement, you can come to me anytime.
Describe your ideal career state in the future using three words.
Diligence, in-depth cultivation, mutual growth.
Finally, what would you say to the people who like you?
First of all, I am truly grateful for everyone’s affection for me, this is the first time I can express this to all of you. I hope you all eat on time, take good care of yourselves, and love life.
