From pilates mats and make-up puffs to photocard blind boxes, you’ll find Zhang Linghe’s face on just about everything. It’s safe to say that almost everyone has a crush on him. The Chinese actor recently made headlines with his role as the Marquis of Wu’an in the hit Netflix series Pursuit of Jade. He made the audience swoon with his magnetic screen presence and chemistry with co-star Tian Xiwei. The historical romance series has propelled him to stardom to the point where fans caused a glass panel in a mall to shatter just to catch a glimpse of him during an event in China.

The Jiangsu-born actor is more than just a pretty face. Before being discovered by an agent and pivoting his career path to acting, Zhang Linghe was a university student majoring in electrical engineering. He made his on-screen debut in 2020 as the leading man in Maiden Holmes, which earned him the New Force of the Year award at the 5th Jinguduo Network Film and Television Festival (2021). 

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Linghe has continued to land leading roles over the years, showcasing his versatility across genres ranging from fantasy to slice-of-life. While many were first drawn to the actor’s striking visuals, it’s his commitment to his craft that has many joining his loyal fanbase. He always goes the extra mile to embody his characters. He learnt to play the guqin, a traditional Chinese seven-string zither, for his role as Xie Wei in Story of Kunning Palace (2023) and practiced acupuncture techniques to play the role of a traditional Chinese medicine doctor in The Best Thing (2025).

Beyond acting, Linghe has also shown audiences a different side of himself away from the drama set. The actor has traded his polished actor image for a helmet and protective clothing as he revisits his roots as an electrical engineering graduate for the documentary The Answer Is Earth. He amazed viewers with his ability to simplify complex concepts such as energy transition and low-carbon living.

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Linghe’s rising popularity has launched him further into the fashion stratosphere. The star has been a brand ambassador for Italian luxury fashion house Gucci since 2024. He arrived at the Gucci Cruise 2027 show in New York in May, drawing attention for his towering height and sculpted features. Earlier this year, his appointment as Bvlgari’s newest brand ambassador solidified his status as one of China’s most influential and sought-after celebrities. The actor’s partnerships have also expanded into the beauty space with ambassadorships for Gucci Beauty and Lancome.

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The wait for Zhang Linghe’s next project won’t be too long, as he’s set to return to screens in the upcoming series Overdo this month. Set in 1930s Shanghai, the drama features the actor portraying Murong Qing Yi, the youngest son of a warlord, reuniting with an old flame amidst national turmoil. Packed with romance, betrayal, and revenge, viewers will just have to tune in to find out if the series will become his next massive hit.