Shi Xiaolong – Martial Artist, Actor & Director

Legendary Shaolin Star, Martial Arts Icon & Film Director

Shi Xiaolong (Ashton Chen Xiaolong, born 6 January 1988 in Dengfeng, Henan, China) is a world-renowned martial artist, actor, and director, celebrated for his lifelong connection to Shaolin culture and his successful career in Chinese cinema. A disciple of Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, since the age of two, Shi Xiaolong was given his dharma name after beginning martial arts training under his father and Shaolin masters.

He first rose to fame as a child prodigy, astonishing audiences with his kung fu skills during the International Shaolin Kung Fu Festival at just four years old. Soon after, he became a beloved child actor in films such as Shaolin Popey (1994) and Shaolin Popey II: Messy Temple (1994), alongside his long-time friend Hao Shaowen. His early roles made him a household name, blending martial arts mastery with humour and charm.

After studying in the United States, where he graduated from the Performing Children’s School (PCS), New York in 2008, Shi Xiaolong returned to China to continue his career in film and television. Over the years, he has starred in numerous acclaimed productions including Young Justice Bao (2000–2005), Ip Man 2 (2010), The Founding of an Army(2017), and Martial Universe (2018).

In 2024, Shi Xiaolong made his directorial debut with Drunken Fist, premiering globally on Tencent Video and iQiyi. The film, produced by Beijing DreamStar Spark Bowen Culture and Baiyi Films, reunited Shi Xiaolong with Hao Shaowen in a Republican-era tale of love, revenge, and justice. Combining explosive drunken boxing action with rich storytelling, the film paid homage to classic kung fu cinema and quickly trended on Douyin and Weibo, praised for the on-screen reunion of the iconic duo.

Later the same year, Shi starred in Strike Black, a gripping action-crime thriller directed by Qin Pengfei. Playing Lei Yang, a municipal police officer leading an anti-gang crackdown, Shi Xiaolong delivered powerful performances in brutal and realistic fight scenes. The film dominated online streaming platforms, praised for its intense choreography and strong social themes.

Together, Drunken Fist and Strike Black highlighted Shi Xiaolong’s evolution from child star to mature actor, martial artist, and filmmaker, cementing his reputation as one of China’s most dynamic talents.

Beyond cinema, Shi Xiaolong has actively supported public welfare and cultural initiatives:

• 2014 – Participated in the Mother Water Cellar: Angels in Action global charity event at Beijing Bird’s Nest.
• 2015 – Appointed Charity Ambassador for the Good Walker Trek.
• 2016 – Named Promotion Ambassador for the Safety Education Public Welfare Initiative.
• 2018 – Honoured as one of Henan Martial Arts Top 10 Figures of the Year.
• 2023 – Appointed Zhengzhou Fire Safety Ambassador.
• 2024 – Named Zhengzhou City Promotion Ambassador.

• Shaolin Popey (1994)
• Shaolin Popey II: Messy Temple (1994)
• Dragon in Shaolin (1996)
• Young Justice Bao I–III (2000–2005)
• Ip Man 2 (2010)
• Urban Games (2014)
• The Founding of an Army (2017)
• Martial Universe (2018)
• Drunken Fist (2024, Director & Lead Actor)
• Strike Black (2024)

From Shaolin disciple to child star, from martial artist to acclaimed actor and now director, Shi Xiaolong embodies the spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu on screen and beyond. His work bridges tradition with modern cinema, inspiring audiences worldwide while remaining deeply rooted in his Shaolin heritage.