Zhang Linghe Is The Internet’s Latest Obsession - What To Know About The ‘Pursuit Of Jade’ Heartthrob
BRB, Pursuit of Jade has taken over our lives
By Michelle Lee -
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There’s a new star who has had the Internet in a chokehold (sorry, Amotti). Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, who starred in hit C-drama Pursuit of Jade, has half of social media thirsting after him for his portrayal of the commanding yet loving Marquis Wu’an, Xie Zheng.
Based on a web novel, the 40-episode Chinese romance period drama, which finished its run on Mar 30, has soared to become Netflix’s most-watched Chinese drama.
Mixing romance with political maneuvering and dramatic war scenes, it centres around young but feisty pig butcher Fan Changyu (Tian Xiwei), who rescues the dashing Xie Zheng (Zhang Linghe) after he was ambushed. He initially hides his real identity from her and even marries into her family to help her retain her family home. But of course, love blossoms, with the plot thickening when they get embroiled in war and palace conspiracies, and unravel the secrets behind her parents’ deaths.
Zhang Linghe, who had already steadily been rising to prominence in the industry, has now cemented his status as a bona fide star (and everyone’s latest crush). Here’s what to know about him.
Zhang Linghe’s age, height and Instagram account
An only child, the suave star was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, on 30 Dec 1997, making him 29 years old this year. And if it wasn’t already obvious, the actor is tall. At a towering 190cm, he makes co-star Tian Xiwei look petite even though she is reported to stand at 168cm.
Haven’t tracked him down yet? The actor’s Instagram account is @zhanglinghe_1230. You can thank us later.
He was an ace student and a physics geek
He’s not just a pretty face; he’s book-smart, too. With a strong academic performance in science subjects, particularly in physics, he earned a spot in the School of Electrical and Automation Engineering at Nanjing Normal University.
He also reportedly scored an impressive 182 out of 200 in Math during his Gao Kao (the national college entrance examination).
So how did he make the leap to acting? He pivoted to acting after a chance meeting with a talent scout and went on a few auditions to land his first role.
He was once rejected by a girl when he gained weight
On a variety show, he shared that he once tipped the scales at over 200 pounds during his university days. And because of that, he was sadly rejected by a girl he had a crush on. Watch the video here, which also shows a throwback photo of him before his weight loss.
He later reportedly shed 25kg in just four months through a strict diet and regimen before his acting debut.
The walk that broke the Internet
It’s not just his performance as Xie Zheng, Zhang Linghe has another viral moment: his runway walk at the Hunan TV New Year’s Eve Gala on Dec 31, 2025. Decked in a sleek black overcoat and shades, his aura-farming demeanour had (and is still having) the Internet collectively swooning.
He’s been to Singapore and most vividly remembers our Botanic Gardens and bak kut teh
During a 2024 press conference in Singapore to promote his show The Best Thing, he revealed that he had been to Singapore as a child with his family, and what stuck with him the most was his trip to the Botanic Gardens, as well as the food. During his Dec 2024 visit, he’d hoped to try bak kut teh again, to see if it tasted as he’d remembered. (Source: Mothership)
Zhang Linghe’s debut and breakout roles
The actor made his debut in Maiden Holmes, where he played young teenage prince Pei Yan Zhi, a prodigal young military talent, is sent to ward off a force of invaders. It wasn’t until his role as Gong Ziyu in the historical drama My Journey To You that he first caught widespread attention, and rose to higher heights as crown prince junior preceptor Xie Wei in the costume romance drama Story of Kunning Palace.
All the shows Zhang Linghe has appeared in
Can’t get enough of the actor? Despite being in the industry for about six years, Zhang Linghe has stacked up an impressive number of shows. Here are his other shows to add to your binge list. You’re welcome.
- Maiden Holmes 少女大人 (2020)
- Sparkle Love 心动的瞬间 (2020)
- Love Crossed 完美的他 (2021)
- Flourish In Time 我和我的时光少年 (2021)
- Refinement of Faith 百炼成钢 (2021)
- Love Between Fairy And Devil 苍兰诀(2022)
- My Journey To You 云之旅 (2023)
- Story of Kunning Palace 宁安如梦 (2023)
- The Princess Royal 度华年 (2024)
- The Best Thing 爱你 (2025)
- Our Generation 樱桃琥珀 (2025)
- Pursuit of Jade (2026)
He’s a brand ambassador for multiple luxury brands
The actor’s star is certainly shining, now fronting multiple luxury brands. In 2023, he was named the skincare ambassador for Lancome, followed by ambassador roles for Chopard, Roger Vivier and Gucci in 2024. He added Bulgari under his belt in 2026 when he was announced the brand ambassador for the Italian jewellery house.
Does Zhang Linghe have a girlfriend?
The actor isn’t publicly linked to anyone at the moment (though of course, everyone’s shipping him and Pursuit of Jade co-star Tian Xiwei). But he has been rumoured to be dating actress Bai Lu after they both starred in Story of Kunning Palace. The rumours were never confirmed and her agency clarified in 2024 that she was single.
He’s also faced controversy
During a promotional appearance for Pursuit of Jade on variety show Hello Saturday, along with Tian Xiwei, Zhang jokingly remarked that Tian Xiwei’s drawing of him looked like a Southeast Asian person, and compared it to Chinese comedian Yang Di. His comments drew criticism from Southeast Asian viewers, who saw them as stereotypical.
Zhang Linghe subsequently issued an apology in both English and Chinese in the comments section of a promotional post, writing:
“I am truly sorry that my words on the variety show caused any of you discomfort. Please know that I always believe every culture has its own beauty — and it was never my intention to cause any hurt or be disrespectful. Over the years, I have been touched by the incredible support from fans across Southeast Asia — whether through messages, letters, or even travelling all the way to China to see me. I am deeply grateful for all of it, and the last thing I would ever want is for anyone who supports me to feel sad because of this misunderstanding.”
Pursuit of Jade is available on Netflix and iQiyi.