Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, known today for his tall, elegant appearance and leading roles in costume dramas, recently became a trending topic after old photos from his college years resurfaced online. The images show a very different version of the star—one that many fans say they could hardly recognize.
The photos date back to around 2017 when Zhang Linghe was still using his birth name and studying electrical engineering at Nanjing Normal University. Standing at 190 cm tall, he already had impressive height, but at his heaviest, his weight reportedly reached nearly 100 kilograms.
At the time, his face had noticeable baby fat and fuller cheeks, giving him a softer and more innocent appearance. Despite the heavier build, classmates still noticed his striking facial structure, including a high nose bridge and defined brow bone. According to people who knew him during college, he was still considered attractive on campus, and some students even secretly took photos of him while he was eating in the cafeteria.
His transformation reportedly began after an awkward encounter with a classmate who failed to recognize him. The moment motivated Zhang to seriously focus on losing weight. He adopted a strict routine that included cutting down on carbohydrates and doing high-intensity running every day.
Within just four months, he lost more than 25 kilograms, dropping from around 100 kg to roughly 67.5 kg. As the weight came off, his jawline became more defined, revealing the sharp features that would later help him stand out on screen.
The dramatic change soon led to an unexpected career opportunity. While studying at a café, Zhang Linghe was reportedly discovered by a talent scout. After attending auditions, he quickly landed the male lead role in the historical drama Maiden Holmes, marking his entry into the entertainment industry.
Before becoming an actor, Zhang had originally planned to pursue a career in engineering and even hoped to work for China’s national power grid. However, his discovery by the entertainment industry changed the direction of his life entirely.
Today, Zhang Linghe has established himself as one of the most recognizable rising actors in Chinese costume dramas. Through roles in popular series such as Zhu Yu, he has gradually moved beyond the label of being known only for his looks. Although some critics once argued that his visuals overshadowed his acting skills, his recent performances have earned growing recognition from audiences.
The resurfaced photos serve as a reminder of his impressive personal transformation—from a university engineering student weighing nearly 100 kilograms to a leading man admired by fans across Asia.
Sources: Yahoo News
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