Zhang Linghe is currently facing widespread criticism and mockery across China due to his highly stylized appearance as a general in the drama “Jade Chase.” In the series, she appears with thick makeup, red lipstick, eyeliner, foundation, and carefully styled hair adorned with feathers combined with notable beauty filters. On Weibo, netizens sarcastically nicknamed him the “general of the foundation”, criticizing him for prioritizing appearance to the point of undermining the image of a battle-hardened warrior.
Amid the controversy, the public began digging up behind-the-scenes photos of Zhang Linghe that had not been edited. These images revealed a more natural look, sparking a heated discussion about her true appearance. According to many netizens, her facial imperfections may explain why heavy makeup and skin-smoothing filters are often used to enhance her on-screen images.
Zhang Linghe, born in 1997, is one of the most prominent emerging actors in the Chinese entertainment industry. With his sharp features, masculine appearance and impressive height of 1.90 meters, he was often considered a high-class actor among Gen Z actors. His appearance was even compared to that of a luxury Maybach, expensive, refined and powerful.
In the official photos released by his studio, Zhang Linghe often appears flawless and almost unreal. As many heartthrobs of the older generation see a decline in popularity, the young actor is expected to become a new star thanks to his sculpted images and charismatic aura.
However, the illusion seems to fade in the unedited images. Without heavy retouching, some viewers have expressed disappointment, noting that despite being under 30, the actor’s skin shows signs of reduced elasticity and premature aging.
With the help of makeup, editing technology, lighting, and flattering camera angles, Zhang Linghe can still deliver stunning images in stage performances and public appearances. But without these improvements, its imperfections become more visible. In particular, when she smiles widely, the wrinkles around her eyes and cheeks become more pronounced, creating moments that some viewers found it embarrassing.
During past appearances at international fashion events, Zhang Linghe has also been scrutinized via Getty Images, often referred to as the “ruthless camera”. The photos revealed uneven skin texture, enlarged pores and deeper facial lines. Without filters or retouching, his true appearance surprised many netizens, especially fans who had long believed in her flawless image.
Sources: K14
