Zhang Linghe is making headlines for his dedication to his latest role in the historical drama Zhu Yuwhere he underwent a significant physical transformation to play a powerful general. The series, which also stars Tian Xiwei, is currently airing and has quickly become one of the most talked about Chinese drama series thanks to its strong performance in terms of ratings.
According to Yunhe Data on March 18, “Zhu Yu” captured 44.5% of the market share, reaching around 97 million daily views. The drama had previously crossed the 50% mark and surpassed 100 million views in a single day, highlighting its overwhelming popularity among audiences.
In the drama, Zhang Linghe takes on the role of General Xie Zheng, impressing viewers with his commanding presence and muscular physique. However, behind this image there is a rigorous preparation process. Speaking in a recent interview, the actor revealed that he deliberately gained weight to better fit the role, explaining, “A general must be bigger and stronger” also noting that the heavy armor used in the drama required significant physical strength just to wield.
The armor worn by his character reportedly weighs over 20 kilograms, posing quite a challenge during filming. Zhang Linghe admitted that it was wearing it for the first time extremely difficultas it limited movement and made even the simplest actions tiring. This experience motivated him to radically improve his physical condition rather than relying solely on appearance.
To meet the demands of the role, the actor committed to a structured fitness routine for six months. He set up a home gym, focusing on daily strength exercises and following a scientific muscle-building plan to reshape his physique. The transformation was not only visual but also functional, allowing him to perform challenging action scenes more effectively.
From intense horseback charges to battle sequences in harsh conditions such as snow, Zhang Linghe’s improved strength contributed to a more realistic portrayal of a general on the battlefield. Reflecting on the experience, he shared that he was able to do so “I truly feel the difficulties of the ancient generals”, adding depth to his performance.
The actor also praised his co-star Tian Xiwei, noting her impressive physical stamina and suggesting that she will likely work out regularly. Their joint efforts improved the overall quality of the drama, further fueling its success.
With high ratings and positive public response, Zhang Linghe’s transformation into “Zhu Yu” stands out as a testament to his commitment to craftsmanship, reinforcing his growing reputation in the industry.
Sources: Sohu, Yunhe data
