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| Zhai Xiaowen and a Little Bit of Luck — How Always Home Turned Things Round for Yang Xizi |
After years of low-key roles and flying under the radar, Yang Xizi is finally having a proper moment — and she’s not shy about giving credit where it’s due. In a refreshingly honest chat during Memories Beyond Horizon Season 3, the 25-year-old actress admitted that it was this year’s C-drama Always Home — the one with Zhai Xiaowen — that finally got her foot through the industry’s very selective door.
It all started when one of the mentors on the show admitted they’d never even clocked her before Always Home aired. Rather than get defensive, Yang just nodded and said, “You’re not wrong — before this drama, I wouldn’t even get the chance to be invited on a variety show.” Respect for the realness.
Xizi said that during filming, Xiao Zhai kept taking ugly pics of her (besties coded 😣☝️)
— ✧ (@shooxin) March 9, 2025
And when she was wearing that yellow jacket for the mountain scene, he said she looked like Luban no. 7😂#AlwaysHome #树下有片红房子 #YangXizi #ZhaiXiaowen#杨肸子 #翟潇闻 pic.twitter.com/Itlc2R0Zpz
Truth is, Yang’s not exactly a newcomer. She’s been knocking about the industry since 2013 — doing bits in big-name dramas like Love and Redemption and Immortal Samsara, and even taking the lead in a few lesser-known series. But somehow, none of those gave her that spark, that proper breakout buzz. It wasn’t until Always Home, where she starred opposite boy group fave Zhai Xiaowen, that audiences and industry heads alike really sat up.
Their on-screen chemistry? Low-key electric. Netizens couldn’t stop talking about it. Fan edits were flying. Even the haters had to admit they looked good together.
Producer Zhang Shuwei — who’s no stranger to launching stars — weighed in during filming and said Yang Xizi gives off major Tian Xiwei vibes (which, let’s be real, is high praise considering Tian's current popularity streak). But she also dropped some hard truths: “Being seen is the first step to gaining resources.” And that’s something Yang Xizi finally seems to be getting — a bit of spotlight, a bit of buzz, and the right kind of roles.
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Meanwhile, veteran Hong Kong actor Eric Tsang had some classic elder-statesman wisdom for her: don’t overthink it. Focus on the work, and let the recognition come when it comes. Sound advice, especially in an industry where hype can vanish faster than last week’s trending topic.
And while Yang’s rise might’ve taken longer than most, she’s got the grit, and now, finally, she’s got the visibility. In an era where fame can be instant but forgettable, her slow-and-steady glow-up is actually pretty refreshing.
No one knows exactly what her next move is — whether she'll double down on romance dramas or try something grittier — but one thing’s certain: Yang Xizi’s name’s on the radar now. And this time, she’s not fading into the background.