Wang Xuan is a name shared by several notable figures across Chinese history, from ancient statesmen to modern innovators. One of the most prominent is Wang Xuan (1937–2006), a pioneering Chinese computer scientist whose revolutionary work in information processing and laser typesetting technology transformed the global printing and publishing industries. Born in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, Wang Xuan demonstrated an early aptitude for mathematics and science, leading him to pursue studies in computational mathematics at Peking University, where he would later become a lifelong academic. His breakthrough came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he developed the Chinese character laser phototypesetting system, a technological leap that allowed for the efficient digital processing of Chinese text, which contains thousands of complex characters. This invention, which replaced traditional lead type and manual typesetting, was commercialized through the Founder Group, a company Wang co-founded, and became the standard for Chinese-language publishing worldwide. Wang Xuan's contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award in 2001, China's highest scientific honor. He was also elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, cementing his legacy as a father of Chinese information technology. His work not only modernized China's printing industry but also laid the groundwork for the digital age in Chinese media and communication.

In a different realm, Wang Xuan (fl. 692–703) was a prime minister during the reign of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. Serving in the Second Zhou dynasty, this Wang Xuan navigated the complex political landscape of the Tang-Zhou transition, though historical records of his life and achievements remain sparse. Another contemporary figure is Xuan Juliana Wang (born 1985), a Chinese-American writer who goes by the name Wang Xuan. Born in Harbin, China, and raised in the United States, she is known for her short story collection "Home Remedies," published in 2019, which explores themes of identity, diaspora, and the Chinese-American experience. She has been recognized as a rising literary voice, with her work appearing in publications such as The New Yorker and The Best American Short Stories. Finally, Wang Xuan (born 2002) is a Chinese water polo player who has represented China in international competitions, including the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where she competed as part of the Chinese women's water polo team. Her career is still in its early stages, but she represents the new generation of Chinese athletes on the global stage. Each of these individuals, bearing the same name, has contributed to Chinese culture, science, politics, or sports in distinct ways, reflecting the breadth of talent and achievement associated with the name Wang Xuan.