If Pursuit of Jade left you wanting more of Zhang Linghe’s captivating performances, you’re certainly not alone. With both a commanding on-screen presence and stature of almost 1.9 meters, Zhang Linghe has become a favorite star of historical dramas in China.
Here, if you have no idea what to watch next, are six of the best Zhang Linghe historical dramas that can be added to your watch list.
1. Story of Kunning Palace (2023)
The Story of Kunning Palace is a palace romance, palace politics, revenge and redemption all rolled into one unmissable spectacle, and quite likely the best of Zhang Linghe’s historical performance. As an imperial tutor, portrayed by him, who is intelligent and with emotional scars, the viewers are left in the dark regarding the tutor’s motives till the final moments of the film.
The story is that the empress dies in a rebellion, and when she has the opportunity to return to the past as a young woman, skips the violent ending. While trying to escape the past she is drawn to the man who left her in her tragic situation. One of the highlights of the drama is the chemistry developing between Zhang Linghe and Bai Lu.
Streaming Platform: iQIYI
2. The Princess Royal (2024)
If you like grown-up love stories with a dash of politics, then The Princess Royal is perfect. Zhang Linghe stars as Pei Wenxuan, a brilliant prime minister whose marriage had been clouded for years by power games and misunderstandings.
At the end of years of political turmoil, both husband and wife pass away and are reborn in their youth with the opportunity to alter history. Rising to the challenge of solving the mystery of the deaths, they begin to fall in love with each other again. Over the course of the series, the drama and dialogue are even as the show deals with court politics and emotions.
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Viu
3. My Journey to You (2023)
My Journey to You offers something different for people with a more noir/gangster/illegal background taste, and an almost suspenseful narrative. Founded by Zhang Linghe who plays Gong Ziyu, the overlooked and unworthy heir who suddenly rules a powerful martial arts family due to an unexpected family tragedy.
The drama is about a female assassin who comes between the clans in the disguise of a bride. Secrets being revealed, alliances change, and trust is hard to come by. Amongst all of Zhang Linghe’s very visual projects, this is one of the most beautifully choreographed scenes of fight, with cinematic beauties as well.
Streaming Platforms: iQIYI, Viu
4. Love between fairy and devil (2022)
While Zhang Linghe has the second lead role in Love between fairy and devil worldwide success, his role of Changheng, the farsighted God of War, helped make him one of China’s future superstars.
His character is somewhat split between his duty and his personal happiness, making one of the most emotionally charged storylines in the series. Though his romance may be with other characters, Changheng has a fierce loyalty and little acts of sacrifice that make him a favourite among the series.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, iQIYI, Rakuten Viki
5. Maiden Holmes (2020)
This is Zhang Linghe’s debut acting career as Maiden Holmes, and one of his funniest lighthearted historical dramas. He plays Prince Qi, a secret crime investigator without revealing his true identity.
He uncovers secrets and a larger plot with a gifted female detective, who goes undercover as a man. The lead couple communicates freely, spelling their relationship a refreshing and mature one compared to many other historical romances. Full of intrigue, romance and comedy, this is an ideal comfort watch.
Streaming Platforms: Tencent Video, Rakuten Viki
6. Love’s Rebellion (2024)
Love’s Rebellion features a different facet of Zhang Linghe as it combines fantasy, romance, and comedy. He portrays Ji Yang, a strong immortal who has been forced to live in secret due to a series of bizarre gambles.
It opens with some funny moments between a quirky practitioner of healing and a prideful deity, but slowly ascends to a big epic fantasy tale of emotion and battles greater than life. Zhang Linghe’s comedic timing adds extra charm to this entertaining series.
Streaming Platforms: iQIYI and Mango TV
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Which Zhang Linghe Drama Should You Watch First?
The Story of Kunning Palace is an amazing classic for all those who want all the love and intrigue impacting the palace walls of Kunning. The Princess Royal is the series for fans of late-life reincarnation romances, while those who appreciate action and intrigue will want to begin with My Journey to You.
Grace offers readers their choice between the fantasy epics Wonder Weeping in Love, Betwixt Fairy and Devil and Love’s Rebellion; Maiden Holmes is an offering of lighter pieces of detective stories and romance. Every drama showcases Zhang Zhang’s particular talent, so there is something new to experience in every of his works.
FAQs
What is your favorite historical drama film by Zhang Linghe?
Story of Kunning Palace is supposedly among Zhang Linghe’s most popular historical dramas due to its dramatic plot, popular love story, and the impeccable acting of Xie Wei by Zhang.
Where can I watch Zhang Linghe’s historical dramas?
You can access most of Zhang Linghe’s historical dramas on streaming services like Netflix in your area, iQIYI, Viu, Rakuten Viki, Tencent Video and Mango TV.
After “Pursuit of Jade” which Zhang Linghe drama should I watch next?
The Princess Royal and Story of Kunning Palace are good selections as they have similar historical backgrounds, emotional history and political intrigues.
