 |
| Xiao Zhan’s Shower Scene Sends the Internet Into a Frenzy as Legend of Zang Hai Breaks Records in 38 Hours |
We’re only halfway through 2025, but it’s safe to say the C-drama world just got rocked. Xiao Zhan, the undisputed King of C-Drama, just dropped his latest project — Legend of Zang Hai — and let’s just say… it’s breaking records and making timelines sweat, all within 38 hours of premiere.
Yup, not even two days in, and the numbers are wild. Streaming on Youku, the show hit a popularity index of 10,000 in under two days — something even mega-hit The First Frost (starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan) took much longer to do. On Disney+ Taiwan, it’s already No. 1. And on CCTV in China? It’s pulling in a whopping 2%+ national viewership rate — which, for a costume drama in a post-pandemic era? Massive.
 |
But let’s be real here — the plot isn’t the only thing heating up. What really detonated social media was one now-infamous scene: Xiao Zhan, shirtless, soaking wet, flexin’ like he’s carved out of stone. The dude looked like a Greek statue that just came out of a war zone — and fans? Absolutely lost it.
In the now-viral scene, Xiao Zhan’s character — Zhi Nu, a stoic, vengeance-driven man disguising himself as “Zang Hai” — gets captured by a mysterious figure named Hui Jian. During interrogation, his true identity gets exposed thanks to an old scar on his back… which, of course, required him to take off his shirt. What followed was cinematic gold: slow camera pans, abs so tight they looked airbrushed (they weren’t), and a V-shaped back that fans quickly dubbed “the shark body.”
No surprise: the hashtag #XiaoZhanShowerScene started trending on Weibo within hours. Twitter (well, X) wasn’t far behind. Global fans were calling it the “best fan service of 2025,” and honestly? They’re not wrong.
 |
One viral comment said: “The director knew exactly what they were doing. We ain’t here for just the plot anymore.” Another joked: “I’ve already rewatched the scene eight times. For character development, obviously.”
But don’t get it twisted — this wasn’t just eye candy for the sake of going viral. That scene also hit hard emotionally. It marked the reveal that Hui Jian is actually Guan Feng, Zhi Nu’s long-lost martial brother.
Tears were shed, secrets came out, and the whole thing turned from thirst trap to tearjerker in a heartbeat. Xiao Zhan brought real depth to the role — and sources say he even brought his own acting coach to set to make sure he nailed the emotional beats.
the bath scene was definitely one of my fav moments so far. he's going through so many emotions in such a short time. #LegendofZangHai pic.twitter.com/c6Qu7J5GlG
— M | CSH1 (@PALLOMmp3) May 23, 2025
The show itself isn’t just visuals, either. Legend of Zang Hai blends political intrigue, palace betrayal, and mystical elements rooted in ancient lore. The cinematography is high-tier, the fight scenes are tight, and the OST features huge names like Zhang Bichen and Hua Chenyu. Basically, it’s a full-course C-drama feast — but yeah, that shower scene is the spicy appetizer everyone’s talking about.
As of this week, Legend of Zang Hai has crossed over 1 billion views across platforms, making it the biggest Chinese drama launch of 2025 so far. And fans aren’t done. Many admit they’re watching the episodes on loop, just to relive “that sacred scene.” One fan even wrote: “This ain’t a drama. This is a visual pilgrimage.”
And it’s not just the fans. Industry pros are already calling this Xiao Zhan’s strongest performance yet. He’s not just a pretty face anymore — the man’s acting has matured big time, and the way he carries Zhi Nu’s inner torment while keeping that calm exterior? Top-tier.
the bath tub scene preview is finally here ahhhhhhh
— zanghai antu's kid (@yuyicious) May 23, 2025
zanghai : "what else boss xiang wants me to do?" Hshshsjssjj
this is actually better than any kisses!#LegendofZangHai
pic.twitter.com/mmuvkxkyzx
There’s no confirmation yet on whether Legend of Zang Hai will get a global Netflix release, but fans worldwide are already flooding the production team’s socials with requests. If the momentum keeps up, we might see this drama take over internationally like The Untamed once did.
For now though, Xiao Zhan’s done it again — shattered records, owned the screen, and reminded everyone why he’s still the most bankable (and rewatchable) star in the C-drama game.
Moral of the story? Revenge, romance, sword fights… and one perfectly-lit shower scene. That’s how you make history.