Who is Zhang Linghe? Things to know about the ‘Pursuit of Jade’ heartthrob

Actor Zhang Linghe is arguably the hottest export from China now, thanks to the massively successful C-drama Pursuit Of Jade (2026), which concluded on March 30.

In the addictive 40-episode period epic, he plays the fallen Marquis Xie Zheng. Forced into obscurity, he reinvents himself under the false identity of Yan Zheng and weds feisty butcher Fan Changyu (Tian Xiwei). Amid much palace intrigue, the couple’s marriage of convenience blossoms into true love.

Their devotion to each other is a reason Pursuit Of Jade has found hardcore fans everywhere and dominated ratings charts since its March 6 premiere on streaming platforms iQiyi and Netflix.

The main factor contributing to the show’s popularity is Zhang, who has women all over the world in a chokehold with his face card and irresistible aura, easily making his regal commander protagonist the man of their dreams.

Here is what you need to know about the 28-year-old heart-throb, a single who has more than 18 million fans on Weibo and over four million Instagram followers.

He was a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) nerd who wanted a job in engineering

Born Zhang Jiawei on Dec 30, 1997, in the city of Wuxi, the 1.9m-tall Jiangsu native credits his height to his father and his looks to his mother.

In past interviews with Chinese media, Zhang described his family as “traditional”, where academic excellence was a focus while growing up.

A filial son and only child, he often spoke of his doting parents and grandparents, and how he would shower them with gifts.

Show business was never on the cards, as Zhang’s career goal was to get a job in engineering.

Known for being good in mathematics and science, particularly physics, he attained a score of 599 out of 750 in China’s National College Entrance Examination. The avid e-sports gamer then earned a spot in the School of Electrical and Automation Engineering at the prestigious Nanjing Normal University in 2016.

His arithmetic abilities have been showcased in several Chinese variety shows such as The Truth (2024 to present).

Once weighing 100kg, he glowed up

Zhang may be blessed with a porcelain complexion, but he has not always been the “foundation general”, as nicknamed by netizens for looking too immaculate for a battlefield in Pursuit Of Jade.

His chiselled jawline was once hidden by chubby cheeks. In 2018, he tipped the scales at 100kg, the heaviest he had been.

Zhang revealed on a Chinese variety show that because he was so big, he was rejected by his crush during his university days.

In a 2021 interview with GQ China, he said he realised he was fat only when a former high school friend he was supposed to meet could not recognise him. After that incident, he resolved to lose weight during the summer vacation.

Play

He reportedly shed 25kg in four months through a strict exercise regimen of daily running and a diet of boiled vegetables.

His physical transformation made him a popular guy on campus, after which he was spotted by a talent scout in 2019.

He made his acting debut under the stage name of Zhang Linghe in 2020 in the period rom-com Maiden Holmes, taking on the main role of the charming Prince Qi.

But his breakout came after playing the noble god of war Chang Heng in Love Between Fairy And Devil (2022). Though his was a supporting part alongside A-list Chinese actor Dylan Wang’s lead, Zhang’s performance put him on the map.

Before going viral in Pursuit Of Jade, Zhang broke the internet on Dec 31, 2025. Decked in cool shades and a sleek black trench, he redefined aura-farming as he strutted down the runway on Chinese television network Hunan TV’s New Year’s Eve Gala show.

Play

Cornered the market playing kings, princes and generals

Over his six-year career, Zhang has starred in 15 TV series, frequently cast in historical dramas or xianxia – a genre blending Chinese mythology with fantasy and action.

He has shot eight costume dramas to date, including as nobleman Gong Ziyu in My Journey To You (2023), crown prince junior preceptor Xie Wei in Story Of Kunning Palace (2023) and Prime Minister Pei Wenxuan in The Princess Royal (2024).

He is considered to have the perfect look for such genres, as his sharp features and towering physique help him carry off elaborate traditional garb and wigs with grace. He has also built a reputation for mastering roles that require a delicate yet intense demeanour, making him ideal for both romantic and historical dramas.

Zhang also left an impression in modern-day series, captivating viewers as traditional Chinese medicine physician He Suye in The Best Thing (2025) and moody transfer student Jiang Qiaoxi in Our Generation (2025).

Luxury brands love him

As a top-tier pretty boy, it is not surprising that his portfolio has expanded beyond acting.

According to reports, the charismatic star has scored more than 20 brand endorsements spanning multiple sectors – from high-end jewellery to fashion and beauty to tech and digital gadgets.

Since 2023, he has been an ambassador for French beauty brand Lancome, followed by ambassador roles for Swiss luxury watch and jewellery brand Chopard, French shoemaker Roger Vivier and Italian fashion house Gucci in 2024. 

In 2025, Gucci Beauty appointed him as spokesman for its fragrances. And in January 2026, Italian jeweller Bvlgari named him one of its global ambassadors.

The road ahead is rosy

For those still thirsting for Zhang after numerous rewatchings of Pursuit Of Jade or his other shows available on streaming platforms Netflix, iQiyi and Viu, keep an eye out for Overdo, which is slated to be released on iQiyi later in 2026.

Set in the Republic of China era, the 33-episode melodrama sees Zhang playing the son of a warlord. Focusing on romance, betrayal and revenge, it also stars Chinese actress Wang Churan.

Play

Zhang also has two more period dramas in the pipeline, Eternal Faith and The Road To Glory, which he is currently filming in Zhejiang’s Hengdian World Studios.

Despite his popularity and success, he remains humble. In a 2025 interview with Vogue China, he admitted that his accelerated rise to fame has been “terrifying” and has made him more conscious of how he behaves in public.

When asked how he would rate his acting skills, Zhang said: “I can give myself only six out of 10, as there is still plenty of room for improvement.”

This article was originally published in The Straits Times.