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| Zhang Linghe’s 2026 Line-Up Looks Seriously Powerful: Full List of His Upcoming Chinese Dramas and What to Expect (Photo: Weibo) |
Chinese actor Zhang Linghe is clearly entering a new phase of his career, and 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year. From intense historical romances to fantasy epics and emotionally layered characters, his upcoming projects suggest a conscious move towards darker, deeper, and more complex storytelling. After a solid 2025 run with The Best Thing and Our Generation, both of which performed well with viewers, anticipation around his next steps has gone through the roof.
Born on 30 December 1997 in Wuxi, Jiangsu, Zhang Linghe’s journey into acting wasn’t exactly planned. While studying Electrical Engineering at Nanjing Normal University, a chance encounter with an agent nudged him into the entertainment world.
Since his debut in Maiden Holmes in 2020 and his “New Force of the Year” win in early 2021, his growth has been steady rather than rushed. Now, as 2025 wraps up, all eyes are on what he brings to screens in 2026.
Zhang Linghe 2026 Dramas Line-Up
Below is a full breakdown of Zhang Linghe’s confirmed upcoming dramas set to air in 2026 and beyond, with what viewers can realistically expect from each one.
Overdo (这一秒过火)
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Episodes: 36
Platform: iQIYI, Tencent Video
Planned Release: Q1–Q2 2026
Genre: Historical Romance, Republican Era
Director: Yi Jun
Cast: Zhang Linghe, Wang Churan, Fu Xinbo, He Qiu
This is easily one of the most talked-about Chinese dramas heading into 2026. Set in Republican-era Shanghai, Overdo dives into emotional trauma, class tension, and love tangled with resentment. Zhang Linghe plays Murong Qing Yi, the youngest son of a warlord whose childhood is marked by abuse, mistaken identity, and loss.
His character’s reunion with Ren Su Su, played by Wang Churan, is anything but simple. Their love story is filled with secrets, sacrifice, and emotional distance, especially when she returns years later as his future sister-in-law.
Expect heavy emotional scenes, internal conflict, and a darker, more restrained performance from Zhang Linghe. This drama leans strongly into tragic romance, with a backdrop of national crisis and personal revenge, making it one of the most anticipated titles of the year.
Chasing Jade (逐玉)
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Episodes: 40
Platform: iQIYI, Tencent Video
Planned Release: Late 2026
Genre: Historical Romance
Director: Zeng Qing Jie
Cast: Zhang Linghe, Tian Xiwei, Snow Kong Xueer, Yu Zhongli, Deng Kai
Chasing Jade brings a completely different flavour. This is a story about resilience, partnership, and survival during wartime. Zhang Linghe stars as Xie Zheng, a fallen noble driven by revenge, who enters a fake marriage with Fan Chang Yu, a butcher’s daughter played by Tian Xiwei.
What starts as convenience slowly turns into genuine devotion, only to be tested by war, separation, and political upheaval. One of the most refreshing aspects here is the strong female lead who takes an active role on the battlefield.
Zhang Linghe’s character balances vulnerability with authority, marking a shift towards more grounded, mature male leads rather than purely idealised heroes.
The Road to Glory (归鸾)
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Episodes: 40
Platform: Tencent Video
Planned Release: Late 2026 to Early 2027
Genre: Historical Romance Drama
Director: Chu De Jian
Cast: Zhang Linghe, Jelly Lin Yun, Ya Yunghao
Still in production at the time of writing, The Road to Glory focuses on fate, ambition, and the price of power. Zhang Linghe portrays Xiao Li, a street rogue whose life changes after rescuing Wen Yu, a princess from a fallen kingdom.
The drama charts his rise from obscurity to becoming the King of Wei, while exploring how love survives when power enters the picture.
Unlike his previous roles, this character arc leans heavily into transformation and moral conflict. Viewers can expect political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and a romance tested not by misunderstandings, but by ambition and responsibility.
Eternal Faith (吉星高照)
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Episodes: 60
Platform: iQIYI
Planned Release: Late 2026 to Early 2027
Genre: Fantasy, Wuxia, Mystery
Director: Chan Ka Lam
Cast: Zhang Linghe, Zhai Xiaowen
Arguably the most ambitious project on this list, Eternal Faith is adapted from the massively popular novel Heaven Official’s Blessing. Zhang Linghe takes on the role of Xie Lian, a former crown prince whose life spans eight centuries of ascension, exile, and quiet perseverance.
This drama blends mythology, mystery, and emotional depth, with long-form storytelling that allows characters to evolve over time. Zhang Linghe’s portrayal requires subtle emotional control rather than loud heroics, especially opposite the mysterious ghost king Hua Cheng. With its large episode count and dedicated fanbase, this series could become a career-defining moment if executed well.
From tragic Republican-era romance to battlefield love, royal ambition, and celestial fantasy, Zhang Linghe’s 2026 drama slate shows a clear effort to avoid repetition and push his range further.
Each project highlights a different shade of maturity, suggesting he’s carefully choosing roles that challenge both himself and audience expectations.
So now it’s over to you. Which of these dramas are you most excited for, and which role do you think will suit Zhang Linghe best?