In the world of C-dramas, one name has been trending lately. Some are only just discovering his appeal, while others have been following him since the very beginning. We’re talking about Zhang Linghe, the current heartthrob and star of Pursuit of Jade. From an electrical engineering student to one of Chinese entertainment’s most in-demand leading men, Zhang Linghe’s trajectory has been notably swift. He first drew attention as Chang Heng in Love Between Fairy and Devil and has since secured a steady roster of high-profile roles. With The Best Thing and Pursuit of Jade currently streaming, all eyes are on him. Here’s everything you need to know about Zhang Linghe.
Everything you need to know about the Chinese actor, Zhang Linghe
C-dramas with Zhang Linghe
From xianxia epics to modern romances, Zhang Linghe’s drama filmography is impressively varied. He first caught our attention in 2020 as the charming prince in Maiden Holmes, but it was his turn as the noble god of war Chang Heng in Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022) that truly put him on the map. The following year proved to be a defining one. He took on the complex strategist Xie Wei in Story of Kunning Palace and the stoic clan leader Gong Ziyu in the moody wuxia hit My Journey to You. He followed up with political intrigue in The Princess Royal (2024) before showing off his softer side as a gentle doctor in The Best Thing (2025). And with Pursuit of Jade now streaming, it’s clear his streak of compelling roles isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Where to spot him beyond the acting world
Beyond acting, Zhang Linghe has built an impressive portfolio of high-profile brand endorsements that speak to his broad appeal. He serves as a brand ambassador for Italian luxury houses Gucci and Bulgari, as well as French beauty giant Lancôme. His commercial reach also extends to sportswear with PUMA and denim label Lee Jeans, where he holds the title of first-ever Asia-Pacific ambassador. Before his entertainment career, he studied electrical engineering at Nanjing Normal University.
Does Zhang Linghe have a girlfriend?
There’s no official confirmation about Zhang Linghe’s current relationship status. He has never publicly acknowledged being in a relationship, and his agency has not issued any statements regarding a girlfriend.
The most persistent dating rumours link him to actress Bai Lu, his co-star in the 2023 drama Story of Kunning Palace. In 2022, paparazzi captured her entering his residence, sparking widespread speculation. However, Bai Lu’s agency released a statement in October 2024 clarifying that she is single, effectively shutting down the rumours.
For now, Zhang Linghe appears focused entirely on his rising career.
Why is he so popular now?
Zhang Linghe’s popularity surge is largely driven by Pursuit of Jade, which premiered in March 2026 and topped Netflix’s Global Top 10 for Non-English TV. But his rise isn’t just about one show. An electrical engineering graduate turned actor, he has built momentum through a carefully curated filmography. Each role showcased different facets of his range. Now with over 14 million Weibo followers and brand ambassador titles with Gucci, Bulgari, and Lancôme, his trajectory proves that a strong script (and the right actor) can still create genuine breakout moments. And of course, his good looks and height may also have a role in his increasing popularity!
Watch Pursuit of Jade on Netflix.
(Photos: @zhanglinghe_1230/Instagram)
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.