Rising as a quintessential heartthrob in Chinese period dramas, Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) seamlessly blends scholarly intellect with arresting magnetism. Standing at 190cm—often dubbed "AI-modeled physique" for his sculpted features and commanding presence—he initially pursued engineering at Nanjing Normal University, excelling in mathematics and physics before serendipitously entering acting. With roles spanning ethereal immortals to cunning strategists, Zhang merges analytical depth with emotional vulnerability, creating characters that resonate globally. Here are six of his must-watch period dramas that showcase his remarkable range.
Love Between Fairy and Devil 苍兰诀
- Aired: 2022
- Period Background: Mythical ancient China
- Genres: Xianxia, Fantasy, Romance
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Changheng, Yu Shuxin (虞书欣), Wang Hedi (王鹤棣)
- Adapted from: Novel Mo Zun by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang
In Love Between Fairy and Devil, Zhang Linghe portrays Changheng, the revered War God of the Heavenly Realm, whose unwavering sense of duty and innate kindness define his character. As the embodiment of the "immortal white moonlight" (a Chinese fandom term describing an idealized, unattainable love), he finds himself deeply devoted to Orchid (Xiao Lanhua), a low-ranking fairy whose innocence and warmth inadvertently challenge his celestial obligations.
Their relationship unfolds against a backdrop of cosmic conflict, particularly with the powerful Devil Lord Dongfang Qingcang, creating a nuanced love triangle rooted in sacrifice, loyalty, and emotional tension. Changheng's internal struggle—between enforcing divine order and honoring his personal desires—drives much of the narrative's emotional depth. His choices often culminate in silent suffering, such as sacrificing his own happiness to protect Orchid's destiny, making his arc tragically poetic.
- Zhang Linghe's Performance
Zhang's portrayal of Changheng transcends the typical "noble second lead" trope by infusing the character with layered vulnerability and moral complexity. He communicates volumes through subtle gestures: a restrained glance conveying yearning, a faint smile masking sorrow, or a poised stance that hints at inner turmoil. These micro-expressions earned widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike, with many noting how his performance elevated Changheng from a symbolic figure of sacrifice into a relatable, emotionally resonant character.
His ability to balance ethereal grace with very human emotions made Changheng a standout, even alongside the central romantic plot. This role not only solidified Zhang's reputation as a rising talent in period dramas but also demonstrated his skill in embodying roles that require both elegance and emotional depth.
Furthermore, Changheng's moral alignment is consistently tested, not through external villains, but through institutional rigidity and his own unwavering principles. Zhang Linghe embodies this conflict with remarkable subtlety—each quiet moment of hesitation, each pained look reflects a soul divided between love and duty. The depth he brings prevents Changheng from becoming a mere archetype; instead, he emerges as a deeply human figure trapped in a divine role. This performance, combined with the drama's lush mythological world-building, offers a rich narrative experience that lingers well beyond the final episode, making it essential viewing for those who appreciate nuanced character writing and emotional storytelling.
- Why Watch
Love Between Fairy and Devil distinguishes itself through a sophisticated integration of emotional depth and mythological grandeur. At its core, the series explores sacrifice not as a narrative device but as an identity-shaping force—particularly through Zhang Linghe's portrayal of Changheng, whose moral integrity and emotional restraint redefine the archetype of the immortal hero.
His performance conveys profound interiority, using subtle glances and controlled stillness to express longing, duty, and heartbreak. The drama's visual storytelling—opulent yet purposeful—elevates its thematic richness, weaving together cosmic scale and intimate emotion. Rather than relying on typical xianxia tropes, the narrative allows love and destiny to unfold with psychological plausibility. Zhang's embodiment of Changheng resonates precisely because he balances ethereal grace with palpable humanity, making the character both timeless and deeply relatable.
My Journey to You 云之羽
- Aired: September 2023 2
- Period Background: Fictional Jianghu world
- Genres: Wuxia, Spy Thriller, Romance
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Gong Ziyu, Yu Shuxin
- Adapted from: Original screenplay
In My Journey to You, Zhang Linghe delivers a multifaceted performance as Gong Ziyu, the overlooked younger son of the powerful Gong family. Initially dismissed as a carefree and unambitious nobleman, his character undergoes a drastic transformation following the sudden assassination of his father and elder brother. Forced into the role of family leader, Gong Ziyu must rapidly adapt to survive in a world filled with political treachery, hidden enemies, and complex alliances.
Central to the narrative is his evolving relationship with Yun Weishan (played by Yu Shuxin), a woman sent as a spy to infiltrate his household. Unaware of her true mission, he finds himself drawn to her grace and intelligence, setting the stage for a dangerous romance built on concealed identities and mutual suspicion. As Gong Ziyu navigates his new responsibilities and emotional entanglements, the story masterfully intertwines themes of duty, identity, and love against a backdrop of exquisite production design and atmospheric tension.
- Zhang Linghe's Performance
Zhang Linghe captures Gong Ziyu's evolution with remarkable depth and subtlety, skillfully balancing the character's initial frivolity with the gravity of his unforeseen responsibilities. In early episodes, he embodies the playful and somewhat rebellious young master through relaxed body language and mischievous charm. As the narrative progresses, Zhang gradually strips away this facade to reveal a strategic thinker and empathetic leader shaped by adversity. Particularly compelling are the scenes where he conveys internal conflict through restrained expressions—whether processing grief, distrust, or affection—without relying on excessive dialogue.
His chemistry with Yu Shuxin feels authentic and layered, evolving naturally from cautious interactions to deeply emotional moments that resonate with viewers. One standout aspect is their portrayal of romantic tension, including what fans describe as "pure love kiss scenes"—tender, emotionally charged moments that highlight trust and vulnerability rather than mere physical attraction.
- Why watch
My Journey to You offers a nuanced deconstruction of leadership and loyalty within the wuxia romance framework, driven by Zhang Linghe's meticulously layered performance. As Gong Ziyu, he traces a credible arc from indulgent heir to strategic leader—a transformation portrayed through shifting demeanor, speech, and physical presence. The series excels in depicting emotional tension within a world of political menace, where every alliance carries potential betrayal.
Director Guo Jingming's aesthetic—characterized by atmospheric composition and textural richness—intensifies the narrative's emotional stakes. The romance evolves as a slow-built negotiation of truth and trust, distinguished by intelligent dialogue and restrained intimacy. Zhang conveys both vulnerability and authority, embodying a hero whose growth feels earned. For viewers seeking narrative sophistication within historical fiction, My Journey to You delivers a compelling, character-driven experience.
The Princess Royal 度华年
- Aired: June 2024
- Period Background: Fictional Da Xia Dynasty
- Genres: Historical, Political Romance, Time Travel
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Pei Wenxuan, Zhao Jinmai (赵今麦)
- Adapted from: Novel Chang Gong Zhu by Mo Shubai
The Princess Royal presents a sophisticated narrative of political intrigue and emotional rebirth, centered on the complex relationship between Pei Wenxuan, a shrewd and calculating Prime Minister, and Princess Li Rong, a formidable royal determined to rewrite her destiny. In their previous life, their union—a marriage of political convenience—ended in mutual resentment and tragedy. Following their rebirth, both retain memories of their past failures.
Pei Wenxuan, portrayed by Zhang Linghe, initially approaches their renewed connection with cold pragmatism, seeking to avoid past pitfalls through strategic cooperation rather than emotional attachment. However, as they navigate court conspiracies and external threats, his meticulously constructed detachment begins to fracture. Forced to confront the unresolved feelings he buried in their former life, Pei Wenxuan evolves from a guarded strategist into a fiercely devoted partner, blending keen political intellect with deepening vulnerability.
- Zhang Linghe's Performance
Zhang Linghe delivers a masterclass in emotional subtlety and psychological depth as Pei Wenxuan. He skillfully embodies a character defined by duality: outwardly a composed and authoritative statesman, yet inwardly shaped by regret, longing, and the quiet trauma of a life already lived. Zhang conveys this tension through carefully calibrated gestures—a restrained shift in expression during diplomatic exchanges, a lingering gaze hinting at unsaid emotion, or the controlled cadence of his speech that occasionally betrays underlying tenderness.
His portrayal eschews melodrama in favor of interiority, allowing viewers to perceive the conflict between Pei Wenxuan's rational mind and reawakened heart. Equally compelling is his dynamic with Zhao Jinmai, who plays Princess Li Rong. Their chemistry feels intellectually and emotionally synced, evolving from sharp, witty debates to moments of silent understanding, all enriched by a palpable contrast in their physical presence which visually underscores their evolving power balance.
- Why Watch
The Princess Royal stands out within the rebirth genre by prioritizing emotional authenticity over narrative convenience. Rather than relying solely on fantasy elements, the story uses its premise to explore nuanced themes: how memory shapes identity, whether destiny can be recalibrated through self-awareness, and how love can emerge from pragmatic beginnings. Zhang Linghe's performance anchors the series, offering a mature depiction of a man reconciling political genius with emotional growth.
The drama also excels in visual storytelling, using settings ranging opulent palaces to intimate private chambers to reflect themes of power and vulnerability. Well-suited for viewers who appreciate narratives that blend intellectual intrigue with emotional depth, The Princess Royal balances tense political maneuvering with a slow-building, credible romance—all elevated by Zhang's compelling embodiment of a leader learning to lead with both mind and heart.
Story of Kunning Palace 宁安如梦
- Aired: 2024
- Period Background: Ancient Imperial Court
- Genres: Political Intrigue, Rebirth, Romance
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Xie Wei, Bai Lu (白鹿)
- Adapted from: Novel Kun Ning by Shi Jing
Story of Kunning Palace delves into the tormented psyche of Xie Wei, the feared Imperial Teacher whose intellectual brilliance and political ruthlessness mask profound psychological fragmentation. Shaped by a traumatic childhood that left him with dissociative tendencies, Xie Wei operates within the imperial court through a calculated, often merciless, approach to power. His meticulously controlled world is disrupted when he encounters Jiang Xuening—a woman who has lived and died before, now reborn with knowledge of her past failures. Unlike others who cower before him, Jiang Xuening challenges his authority and sees through his facade of coldness, sparking in him an obsessive and desperate attachment.
Their dynamic evolves into a volatile interplay of manipulation, desire, and raw emotional exposure. Xie Wei's famous declaration—that he would willingly embrace a "bitter fruit," so long as it was one they shared—epitomizes his character: a man so starved for genuine connection that he would rather cling to pain than remain in isolation.
- Zhang Linghe's Performance
In what stands as his most psychologically layered role to date, Zhang Linghe embodies Xie Wei with unsettling precision and daring emotional transparency. He avoids reducing the character to a simplistic "mad" archetype, instead layering Xie Wei's volatility with vulnerability and piercing intelligence. Zhang communicates the character's fractured mental state through subtle but powerful devices: a vacant gaze suggesting dissociation in moments of stress, a soft-spoken line delivery that contrasts with undercurrents of menace, and a physicality that shifts between elegant control and near-breaking point tension.
His interpretation goes beyond the surface-level tropes of the "madly obsessive" character type, humanizing a figure who could have easily veered into caricature. Equally critical is his electrifying chemistry with Bai Lu, who plays Jiang Xuening. Their scenes together range from intellectually charged debates to emotionally devastating confrontations, each interaction underscoring their deeply entangled fates.
- Why Watch
Story of Kunning Palace distinguishes itself through its uncompromising exploration of trauma, power, and destructive love. The series refuses to romanticize psychological damage, instead presenting Xie Wei's behavior as a complex response to profound suffering. Zhang Linghe's performance is central to this narrative authenticity—he portrays a man who is at once terrifying, brilliant, and heartbreakingly vulnerable, creating a figure who defies easy categorization. The drama also excels in its production design, using stark visual contrasts—opulent palaces against dimly lit, intimate spaces—to mirror the tension between external power and internal fragility.
For viewers interested in narratives that challenge conventional romantic leads, Story of Kunning Palace offers a sophisticated and emotionally risky character study. Zhang's fearless portrayal elevates the series beyond standard palace drama tropes, turning it into a haunting examination of how love can become both a destructive and redemptive force.
Reborn for Love 四海重明
- Aired: July 2024
- Period Background: Mythical Ancient Times
- Genres: Xianxia, Romantic Fantasy, Comedy
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Ji Yang, Jing Tian (景甜)
- Adapted from: Novel I Have Three Long Aotian Childhood Friends by Yi Dai Xue
Reborn for Love unfolds around Ji Yang, a once-revered Celestial Emperor who lives in self-imposed exile, concealing his divine identity while grappling with the weight of his past. His solitary existence is defined by emotional detachment and a formidable command of celestial power, making him a figure of awe and mystery. This carefully constructed isolation is shattered when a fateful accident binds him through an "Indelible Bond" to Nan Yan—a spirited and determined mortal woman whose warmth and unpredictability disrupt his solitary world.
Forced into an unwilling partnership, the two embark on a perilous journey to unravel a conspiracy that threatens both the celestial and mortal realms. As they confront external dangers and internal tensions, Ji Yang's aloof demeanor gradually erodes, revealing glimpses of compassion, vulnerability, and eventually, profound emotional transformation.
- Zhang Linghe's Performance
As Ji Yang, Zhang Linghe masterfully conveys the presence of a fallen deity—authoritative yet deeply wounded, intellectually superior yet emotionally constrained. He embodies the character's cold exterior through subtle but impactful choices: a stern and penetrating gaze, measured movements that evoke otherworldly control, and a voice that carries both elegance and detachment. Yet, Zhang skillfully implies the character's latent complexity, allowing traces of vulnerability to surface in moments of solitude or unguarded interaction with Nan Yan.
His performance stands in deliberate contrast to his previous role as the gentle war god Changheng in Love Between Fairy and Devil, demonstrating his remarkable range within the xianxia genre. Where Changheng was defined by tenderness and sacrifice, Ji Yang is commanding, reserved, and emotionally inaccessible—yet Zhang ensures that his humanity emerges organically as the narrative progresses. His chemistry with the actress playing Nan Yan enhances their dynamic, balancing tension with evolving trust and affection.
- Why Watch
Reborn for Love offers a refreshing blend of high-stakes fantasy and romantic comedy, distinguishing itself within the xianxia landscape through its emphasis on character dynamics and tonal versatility. Zhang Linghe's portrayal of Ji Yang anchors the series, providing a compelling study of a deity learning to embrace humanity. The drama balances thrilling action sequences and intricate world-building with moments of levity and genuine emotional growth, offering a narrative that feels both expansive and intimate.
Its visual language—spanning ethereal celestial realms and vibrant mortal settings—enhances the storytelling, creating a rich backdrop for the protagonists' evolving relationship. For viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives set within mythic frameworks, Reborn for Love delivers a satisfying and nuanced experience. Zhang's successful pivot from virtuous immortal to brooding celestial emperor further solidifies his status as a versatile and compelling performer in period fantasy.
Zhu Yu 逐玉
- Aired: Expected Late December 2024 - January 2025
- Period Background: Ancient China
- Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
- Main Roles: Zhang Linghe as Xie Zheng, Tian Xiwei (田曦薇)
- Adapted from: Popular novel
Zhu Yu tells the story of Xie Zheng, a nobleman who loses his status and is forced into hiding after a brutal political purge. Injured and isolated, he crosses paths with Fan Changyu, a resilient young woman making her living as a butcher while struggling to protect her family's legacy after the death of her parents. Recognizing mutual benefit in their precarious situations, they enter a marriage of convenience—Xie Zheng gains shelter and anonymity, while Fan Changyu secures a protector and ally.
Their relationship, transactional at its outset, gradually deepens against a backdrop of societal mistrust and rising military conflict. When war breaks out and the two are separated, Fan Changyu refuses to remain passive. Armed with nothing but her determination and the very butcher's knife she once used at her stall, she joins the resistance. Unbeknownst to her, Xie Zheng is not merely a displaced aristocrat—he is actually a seasoned and formidable military commander, operating incognito. Their paths converge once more on the battlefield, where personal and political struggles intersect, leading them to unite in pursuit of justice and truth.
- Why watch
Zhu Yu merges the popular marriage-of-convenience trope with gripping political and military intrigue, offering more than just a romantic storyline. The drama explores themes of identity, class, and agency within a turbulent historical setting, providing ample emotional and narrative depth. The pairing of Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei—both praised for their expressive acting and compelling presence in prior projects—generates significant anticipation.
Early promotional materials suggest strong on-screen synergy, particularly in scenes balancing subtle emotion with high-stakes action. Based on the acclaimed source novel and the creative team's attention to character development and historical detail, Zhu Yu is poised to appeal to audiences who enjoy nuanced period narratives with resilient, intelligent protagonists. For followers of Zhang Linghe's career, this role represents another sophisticated exploration of a morally complex figure within a richly constructed world.
Beyond his on-screen brilliance, Zhang Linghe's authenticity fuels his ascendancy. His dedication—from weight loss triumphs to meticulous role preparation—reflects a resilience echoing his characters' journeys. Beneath the "Costume Drama God" persona lies a humble learner valuing life experience over accolades. As he ventures into diverse genres, Zhang's fusion of razor-sharp intellect and artistic sensitivity promises timeless allure. For audiences worldwide, he isn't just a star—he's an evolving legacy, breathing soul into every frame.
