6 Things To Know About ‘Pursuit Of Jade’ Star Zhang Linghe

From being a young and ambitious engineering student to one of C-drama’s most in-demand leading men, Zhang Linghe has become a name impossible to ignore. Since making his acting debut in 2020, the star has stayed booked and busy, rising through a string of hit dramas from Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022) and My Journey to You (2023) to his most recent project, Pursuit of Jade (2026). Off-screen, standing at 190cm tall, with practically perfect visuals and a massive fan base, he’s become a hot commodity in the fashion world, in addition to being a viral sensation.

Here’s everything you need to know about Zhang Linghe, from his unconventional beginnings to his rising status as a leading man.

Related article: Zhang Linghe’s Best Dramas And Leading Roles So Far

Get To Know Zhang Linghe

1. He’s the Leading Man in Pursuit of Jade

In the hit drama Pursuit of Jade (2026), Zhang Ling plays Xie Zheng, a fallen noble caught between power, love and personal desire. Xie Zheng and Fan Chang Yu, played by Tian Xi Wei, end up in a fake marriage that grows into true love as they embark on a quest to protect their country and uncover a dark truth. Many fans have noted this role as a departure from his youthful roles and a transition into playing more serious, commanding characters.

2. He’s a Brand Ambassador for Lancôme, Roger Vivier, Chopard and Gucci

Beyond acting, Linghe has become a hot commodity in the fashion world, thanks to his statuesque frame, sharp facial features and his versatile sense of style. In 2023, he was appointed as a skincare ambassador for Lancôme, followed by ambassador roles with Chopard and Roger Vivier. In 2024, he made headlines with his appointment as a Gucci brand ambassador, which later extended to serving as one of the faces of Gucci Beauty’s campaigns.

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3. He attended the 78th Cannes Film Festival

From a household name in China, to an international phenomenon! Invited by Chopard, Linghe made his head-turning Cannes Film Festival debut in 2025 as one of the Maison’s line-up of A-list attendees. He walked the carpet in a deep green velvet suit by Gucci and accessorised with jewels from Chopard—earning him a spot of many best-dressed lists.

4. He Landed His Breakout Role in 2022

The star’s true breakout moment came with the fantasy romance drama Love Between Fairy and Devil (2022), where he played Chang Heng, a righteous immortal whose devotion to his unrequited love interest and his sheer charisma won over audiences. While he did not play the central male lead, this drama played a pivotal role in introducing Linghe to a much wider international audience who were all struck with ‘second lead syndrome’.

5. He Made His Debut in 2020

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Zhang made his acting debut in the 2020 period romance drama Maiden Holmes (2020), where he played the role of Pei Zhao, a young, brilliant military strategist and former prince who hides his true identity to uncover the truth about a conspiracy that shook the Imperial Palace. During this time, many fans praised him for his ability to hold his own in a period setting, even as a rookie actor.

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6. He Was an Engineering Student

Zhang Linghe was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu, and while it might seem like he was destined to be a star, that wasn’t what he initially set out to do. In 2016, long before his acting debut, he was enrolled in Nanjing Normal University, where he majored in electrical engineering and expressed a particular interest in aerospace engineering. It was not until his university years that he landed a few modelling gigs and small acting opportunities, which eventually led him to sign with an agency and make his acting debut in 2020.