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| Zhang Linghe’s Star Power Turns Chaotic as Mall Glass Shatters at Packed Brand Event, Fans Spark Safety Debate. (Credits: Zaobao) |
What was meant to be a glamorous public appearance by rising Chinese actor Zhang Linghe quickly turned into one of the most talked-about entertainment stories of the day after overwhelming crowds reportedly shattered glass doors at a shopping mall in Nanning, Guangxi. Videos circulating across Chinese social media showed thousands of eager fans packing the venue long before the event officially began, creating scenes that many viewers described as both astonishing and deeply concerning.
The 28-year-old star, whose popularity has soared following the success of drama Pursuit of Jade (逐玉), was scheduled to attend an eyewear brand event organised by MOLSION on 31 May. However, before Zhang Linghe even appeared on stage, attention had already shifted elsewhere as footage emerged showing crowds pressing forward the moment the mall doors opened.
According to eyewitness videos shared online, fans had reportedly begun gathering outside the venue from the early hours of the morning.
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| Zhang Linghe Event Descends Into Chaos After Crowds Break Through Mall Glass Doors |
By daylight, the entrance area was completely packed, with long queues stretching around the shopping centre. The situation escalated within seconds when the doors opened and people at the back surged forward in an attempt to secure better viewing positions.
The force of the crowd reportedly caused the mall's glass entrance doors to break apart, producing a loud cracking sound that startled those nearby.
Several people were seen stepping around shattered glass scattered across the ground while staff rushed to clear the area. Despite the obvious danger, some determined attendees continued moving into the building as quickly as possible, creating even more tense scenes.
Inside the mall, conditions appeared no less crowded. Videos showed multiple floors packed shoulder-to-shoulder with spectators, while escalators were filled with people attempting to move between levels.
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| Panic at Zhang Linghe Brand Event as Packed Crowds Shatter Mall Entrance Glass |
In several clips, nearly every visible space overlooking the event area was occupied, leaving many online viewers wondering how the venue could possibly hold any more people.
The incident has triggered intense discussion across Chinese social media, with many users directing criticism towards crowd management and event planning rather than the fans themselves.
While most acknowledged Zhang Linghe's enormous popularity, many questioned whether organisers had underestimated just how many people would show up.
Cnetz pointed out that once crowds reach a certain size, excitement can turn into chaos within moments, making proper planning essential..
The irony was not lost on observers. An event promoting eyewear somehow ended up generating headlines about broken glass instead. For many netizens, that unfortunate twist practically wrote the jokes by itself.
🗞️ frightening scenes at a #ZhangLinghe brand event after crowds of fans rushed forward, reportedly breaking through glass doors at the mall
— Oolong Dispatch (@oolongdispatch) May 31, 2026
many cnetz are questioning why stronger crowd management measures were not put in place by organisers given how quickly these situations… pic.twitter.com/CSLZBlOxdt
The attention also reflects the remarkable commercial impact of Zhang Linghe. After being announced as a brand ambassador for MOLSION in April, reports indicated that the company achieved sales of more than 21 million yuan on the first day alone.
Those figures have frequently been cited as evidence of the actor's growing influence among consumers and entertainment audiences alike.
As concerns mounted, MOLSION released a statement announcing temporary adjustments to the day's programme.
The brand explained that the decision was made in accordance with safety requirements and was intended to reduce crowding risks. Organisers urged attendees not to gather unnecessarily, avoid congestion and follow future announcements through official channels.