Mao Fang Yuan started out in sports school specializing in volleyball. However, since he lacked height for the sport at the time and because of his fondness for music and performing, he decided to enter Hangzhou Art School in 2003. In 2006 he participated in the My Hero Talent Search and placed 5th in the Zhejiang Province Division. He gained popularity from the show and signed with SMG that same year. He makes his acting debut with a leading role in the 2008 live action adaptation of The Prince of Tennis.
