Zhang Linghe

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…

When it comes to historical romance dramas, many viewers brace for the same old tropes—fluffy Xianxia (仙侠) love stories with endless sugar-sweet moments. But a new series is shattering these expectations. "Chasing Jade First Trailer (逐玉), Tencent’s highly anticipated historical political revenge drama set to premiere in late 2025, introduces a fresh narrative: a butcher’s daughter wielding a cleaver on the battlefield, a fallen marquis drenched in blood seeking vengeance, and a fake marriage that blossoms into genuine devotion. This isn’t just another romance; it’s a bold reimagining of what historical love stories can be. Zhang Linghe’s Warrior Makeover For many, Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) remains etched in memory as Xie Wei (谢危), the calculating noble in Story of Kunning Palace (宁安如梦)—clad in snowy robes, his gaze sharp as a blade. But "Chasing Jade First Trailer" reveals a drastically different side of the actor. As Xie Zheng (谢征), his character delivers a visual knockout with a battle-scarred appearance: blood-stained armor, a gritty aura, and raw masculinity that radiates from every frame. Early set photos sent fans into a frenzy. Comments like “Is this a war god or a fairy?” and “Zhang Linghe’s historical costumes are my life!” flooded social media. This…

There was a time when Bai Jingting (白敬亭), Wu Lei (吴磊), Jackson Yee (易烊千玺), and Liu Haoran (刘昊然) were widely recognized as the "Big Four Crushes" (四大墙头). Even people who weren’t active fans enjoyed openly expressing their affection for them on social media. It was a kind of casual admiration—lightweight, emotionally rewarding, but never disruptive to daily life. Today, these four are no longer waiting around for their "crush fans" to come back. For them, the "crush" label has already become outdated. Instead, a younger generation of actors is stepping up: Zhang Linghe (张凌赫), Song Weilong (宋威龙), Li Yunrui (李昀瑞), and Wang Anyu (王安宇) are now the most frequently mentioned names for the "New Big Four Crushes." With this shift, doubts naturally arise. Who has the authority to decide which stars count as a "crush"? Who is doing the judging, who is bundling them together, and who might be at risk of dropping out at any moment? Whether the "new Big Four" can truly hold onto this lightweight yet demanding title remains uncertain. Who Defines and Judges a "Crush Star"? The word "crush" in this context (墙头, literally wall top) originated in anime fandom. It was first used to describe…

In the fast-paced world of entertainment, where image often overshadows substance, Wang Churan (王楚然) stands out not just for her looks but for her unshakeable self-assurance. Last night, a viral photo of her in a drenched pink Qipao sparked widespread discussion, but it wasn't the fabric that stole the show—it was her poise under pressure. This incident encapsulates her journey: a refusal to conform, a dedication to authenticity, and a reminder that true beauty stems from inner strength. As audiences marvel at her ability to turn potential fashion disasters into triumphs, Wang's story offers a refreshing lesson in resilience and individuality. She proves that in an industry obsessed with trends, staying true to oneself is the ultimate key to lasting success. The Wet Qipao Incident When images of Wang Churan in a skin-tight pink Qipao hit social media, many expected a fashion fail. The dress, designed to cling excessively, turned dark pink after water exposure, creating a scenario that could embarrass even seasoned influencers. Yet, Wang transformed it into a viral moment. She remained composed, smiling effortlessly for the cameras despite the soggy fabric. This wasn't about luck; it was a display of her innate confidence, making her appear radiant…

At just 22, Zhao Jinmai (赵今麦) has captivated audiences with memorable roles in teen dramas like A Love for Separation (小别离), and the time-loop thriller Reset (开端). Her natural portrayals of spirited characters earned widespread affection. Yet her recent pivot toward mature roles reveals growing pains. Projects like the period romance Our Generation (樱桃琥珀) highlight a disconnect between her established screen persona and the emotional depth newer characters demand. This transition, while ambitious, lacks the gradual evolution needed to convince audiences. The Our Generation Conundrum In Our Generation, Zhao partners with rising actor Zhang Linghe (张凌赫) in a story of fate and romance. Despite high expectations, the drama struggled with pacing and character development. Audiences found the leads’ chemistry unconvincing—Zhang’s mature demeanor clashed with Zhao’s youthful energy, creating a sibling-like dynamic rather than romantic tension. The rushed plot offered little foundation for their relationship, leaving viewers detached from the first episode. Zhao’s performance, though technically sound, retained traces of her iconic role as Lin Miaomiao (林妙妙) from Growing Pain (少年派). Her expressive eyes and bright smile, perfect for teen characters, felt incongruous with a role demanding gravitas. This inconsistency pulled viewers out of the narrative, sparking criticism about her limited…

The spotlight burns brighter than ever for Zhao Jinmai (赵今麦), one of China’s most promising young actresses. Fresh off the success of her dual 2025 dramas—the gritty crime thriller Bleach and the nostalgic coming-of-age series Our Generation—the 00s star now finds herself navigating fame’s double-edged sword. While her acting prowess earns critical acclaim, recent fashion choices during promotional events have ignited social media storms, revealing the intense scrutiny facing China’s Gen-Z idols. Style Backlash During Our Generation’s live-stream promotion on July 15, Zhao’s wardrobe became the unintended protagonist. Her first ensemble—a sporty tank top paired with a floral skirt and contrasting grey socks—clashed violently with her youthful persona. Critics slammed the "twee-meets-athleisure" chaos, comparing it to "a thrift-store mishap." The second look fared worse: a black miniskirt with military-green ankle boots shortened her leg line, while overly tight curls aged the 23-year-old. Fans flooded comments demanding studio overhauls, with one lamenting, "The styling buried her glow—it’s criminal!" The backlash intensified when juxtaposed against Zhao’s own social media posts. Hours before the stream, her double-pigtail selfies drew raves for capturing Our Generation’s spirited charm. This whiplash exposed her team’s misjudgment: forcing haute couture (like Miu Miu’s controversial sock-boot combo) without tailoring…