In late July, videos of a young Shi Xiaolong resurfaced on social media, trending on Weibo. He is one of Shaolin Temple's most successful acting alumni, alongside Wang Baoqiang. Both trained at the temple in the 1990s. Based on their temple hierarchy, Wang Baoqiang addressed Shi Xiaolong as "senior uncle."

According to Yangcheng Evening News, in 1990 Chen Tongshan, a Shaolin disciple, brought his 2-year-old son, Chen Xiaolong, to the temple. The boy was given the Buddhist name Shi Xiaolong. The abbot, Shi Yongxin, accepted Xiaolong as his disciple. Dressed in monk's robes, Shi Xiaolong performed the traditional three kneelings and nine prostrations before his master.

Every day, the boy woke at 5:30 a.m. to train, regardless of the weather. He mastered traditional Shaolin martial arts, including Tongbeiquan, Zui Jian (Drunken Sword), Zui Quan (Drunken Fist), Shaolin staff techniques, and Wuxingquan (Five Animal Forms). In 1992, Shi Xiaolong won awards for his Tongbeiquan and Luohan staff performances at a martial arts competition in Zhengzhou.

In June 1993, Shi Xiaolong traveled to Taiwan to perform, earning the nickname "Shaolin's miraculous dragon child" from the media. His skill and charisma captivated audiences. This trip led to his discovery by Taiwanese director Zhu Yanping. At the age of 5, he signed a film contract with a Taiwanese company.

Shi Xiaolong's fame came at a price. Chen Tongshan admitted to Beijingnews that he pushed his son too hard. He said he couldn't bear to rewatch videos of the harsh training he inflicted on his 2- and 3-year-old son.

Shi Xiaolong revealed on BTV that his father, a martial arts instructor, only visited briefly during his first film shoot away from home. A fellow monk cared for him. Xiaolong's first scene involved fighting on wires. "It was painful and frightening, but I was too young to understand," he recalled.

Growing up in a martial arts family, with his father, grandfather, and uncle all practitioners, hardship was "expected." He spent his childhood on film sets. During 15-minute meal breaks, to save time, the crew would leave him suspended in wires or with wires wrapped around him while he ate. He often vomited on other actors after such meals.

From childhood to adolescence, Shi Xiaolong became a sensation across Asia with films like Shaolin Popey, New Oolong Courtyard, China Dragon, Ten Brothers, The Tale of a Heroic Priest, Young Justice Bao, and Young Wong Fei Hung. His image as a cute, skilled, and sometimes naive martial artist resonated with audiences. He was seen as a successor to superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Shi Xiaolong as a teenager and at 37. Photo: Mtime

At 15, Shi Xiaolong went to the US to study, reducing his acting work. While he has continued acting as an adult, he hasn't replicated his childhood success. Recent projects include Drunken Master, Zhu Yongkhai, and Detective Dee: The Sly Red-Eyed Monster 2. According to trang163, he enjoys a wealthy lifestyle, including golf, car collecting, and racing.

Shi Xiaolong keeps his private life low-key. Sohu reports he is married with a roughly 4-year-old daughter. His wife, Zhang Panpan, works in e-commerce. They have been dating since 2017.

By Nhu Anh (according to Sohu, Beijing News)