Pan Changjiang

Pan Changjiang, born January 29, 1957, is a well-known Chinese film, theater and variety artist. He was born in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, into a theatrical family. His father Pan Linsheng and his mother Wang Jing were both Pingju (Ping opera) performers in northern Liaoning; growing up in that artistic environment, he became proficient in the four traditional opera skills of singing, recitation, acting and combat/movement.

In 1984 Pan was transferred to the Tieling City Folk Art Troupe and first starred in the stage play "The Four Sages’ Clever Play on Zhu Bajie." In 1987 he collaborated with Mo Qi, Li Ding and Han Shanxu in the drama "Sons of the Eight Banners," for which he also sang the theme song "Two Girls." In 1989, with the errenzhuan (Northeast folk duet) piece "Zhu Bajie Gou Di," he won the Individual Performance Gold Award at the 3rd International Youth Drama Festival. He then transitioned to performing comedic sketches, was named second among Liaoning Province’s Top Ten Actors, and appeared repeatedly on major gala programs such as the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, the New Year’s Gala and the variety show Zongyi Daguang.

In 1994 Pan made his film debut in "Three Women Divorce Their Husbands," playing the role of Que Lihou. The following year he appeared as a blacksmith in the anti-Japanese comedy "Surviving Against All Odds." In 1999 he starred in the rural-themed film "Tomorrow I Love You" as Hao Sanduo, and for this role he won the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor.

In August 2002 he took part in directing the film "Missile Brigade Commander," which reflects life in the Second Artillery Corps, and played the role Er Zhu. In 2003 he starred in the anti-Japanese comedy "Hands Up!" portraying a Japanese soldier nicknamed "Bow‑Leg." In 2004 he led the sitcom "Xiaoxiao Teahouse," working with Yan Xuejing, Li Jing, Yao Jun and others, further broadening his range of screen work.

From 2005 to 2009 Pan appeared in numerous film and television projects, including the comedy film "Yang Decai Seeks Marriage" (as Yang Decai), the rural drama "Don’t Take Bean Buns for Granted" (as village head Zhao Xifu), and the long wuxia series "Legend of Shaolin Temple" (as the left county magistrate). During this period he also released personal music albums such as "Men at 40 Are Like Flowers" and participated in music production.

From 2010 to 2016 Pan remained active in film and television, starring in sitcoms such as "Underground Traffic Station" and "Capable Man Feng Tiangui," the costume myth drama "The Legend of Zhong Kui," and performing the sketch "Online Shopping Adventure" at the 2016 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. He also hosted several variety shows and made frequent gala appearances.

From 2017 to 2024 Pan continued to be active across major Spring Galas, film and television productions, variety programs and online platforms. Representative works include the films "Wu Song’s Bloody Battle at Lion Tower" and "Old Pan’s Return," the TV series "Halfway Village Chief" and "My Family Married Mulan," as well as numerous notable performances on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. In 2022 he was involved in a controversy concerning comments about Maotai liquor prices and later defended his reputation through legal channels.

On the personal front, Pan married Yang Yun on August 31, 1981; the couple have a daughter, Pan Yang. His family background and marriage have been matters of public interest.

Throughout his career Pan Changjiang has received multiple honors, including the Best Actor award at the 23rd Hundred Flowers Awards in 2000, reflecting his significant position in Chinese film and cultural life.