Legend of Zang Hai (2025)

Zang Hai Playing Chess While Everyone Plays Checkers

"Stay Alive." These two words are about to throw us into an epic revenge plot, and I am sooo seated. Also, imma need that revenge to hurt, like super hurt to the point even their ancestors' goat would get theirs, cuz what the hell was that angsty sad fest of a first episode?

Listen, you need to watch this, cuz in only five episodes, the main character went from being a young master, to an orphan, to a disciple, to mastering geomancy, to a feng shui master, to a scholar and to assistance supervisor of the imperial astronomical bureau. At one point he was even a dream interpreter, dude said the ghost of the dowager came to him on his afternoon nap. LOL. Oh, and he also dabbled in kidnapping as a kid, though he fed his prisoner sweets so that don't really count. Like the man is an overachiever to the point, he even said yes to the job/honor of being buried with a dead queen. I can't wait to see just how far he'd rise on the ladder of power on his way for revenge.

Zang Hai is smart and cunning, and I so love that in a character. Fam, dude was like, when I get bored while patiently waiting for my revenge, I count the bricks in this compound, the roof tiles, and the dead bodies of my father's household. Fam, that Marquis is about to rue the day he was born and I am so seated. Fool just invited him to work for him, can't wait for Zhan Hai to destroy him from the inside, it's gonna be sweet.

First off, was I the only one who in ep1 was going, 'dude, don't touch the green glowing box thingy,' but what does Zang Hai's father do? Immediately touches it and gets his whole household slaughtered like cattle. My mouth was opened when his little sister hit the ground. I was so sad until I saw Xiao Zhan's back in episode 2. Though, what the hell was that glowing green box thing? Who were those people in that underground place? Zombies? Like some experiment gone wrong? Ancient magic? Why does that plastic spoon Marquis want it? Why did Zang Hai's father watched his entire household die for it? Ahhh, I can't wait to find out.

Also, I would have immediately died in that tomb in episode 3. Zang Hai was out there going 'Speaking some fancy poems riddles and going move southwest to the fourth tile.' Where? Whomst? I can't even tell my left from my right on a good day, dafug am I to know where northeast is?'

First impression after first 4 episodes:
Plot wise, this is amazing. I love revenge plots and this is shaping out to be amazing. Zang Hai isn't martially strong so he'd have to rely on his smarts and that always makes for an interesting story. I felt his pain in the first two episodes when he lost everything and had to rely on strangers to give him the revenge he wanted and to seek justice for his entire family. Acting wise, everyone is doing great, and as always Xiao Zhan brings his A game to every project. The pacing is also good, and I like how we got to his him grow from a child to an adult.

Characters:
So far, I like those I'm suppose to, and hate those I am supposed to, so everyone is doing a good job. The main character Zang Hai is super clever which I love. Dude is fast with his thinking, good at playing dumb so the enemy undermines him. Like he's out there playing chess while everyone else play checkers, but they all think he's some bumpkin carpenter who he thinks he's smart enough for them. Though, this dude said he'd stay away from matters of the heart, only to immediately give his only seven silvers to a beauty who immediately betrayed him and almost got him killed. Dude, if you let love ruin this revenge for us, imma sue. Like, it's on sight!

His two masters are also great, teaching him all he needs and keeping him on his toes. Personally, I don't trust anyone on this show except Zang Hai ,cuz who is that dude who showed up in the mask? Where is he wearing it? What's he hiding? Who really are his two masters? Can anyone be trusted? That palace seemed like the most dangerous place on the planet cuz everyone seems to be wanting something, and people lives don't really matter to them. The power balance here feels so dangerous, so both my fingers and toes are crossed. Zang Hai better not die before he get's his revenge, or imma set fire to the ocean.

What I am looking forward to:
- Zang Hai making more clever decisions/ outsmarting everyone around him.
- Finding out what the hell that box his father took from the underground tomb was.
- Who is that benefactor in the mask?
- Lowkey here for the romance bit too ^^
- How high is Zang Hai gonna rise to power?
- That Marquis dying painfully on a Tuesday
- Palace schemings
- Sweet sweet revenge.

All-in-all, amazing first four episodes, I can't wait to see how everything turns out. I am seated to see how cunning everyone is gonna get in the next 36 episodes, and how bloody it's all gonna turn out.

Read More

A TRUE MASTERPIECE

I've been getting so bored with c dramas lately because of the repetitive storylines & insistance on exaggerated romance or powers. It's always the same boring, predictable plots over & over again. I was beginning to miss the heavily political, plot lidden, intricate stories that get you hooked on your toes all the time. With this one you really don't know what to expect. Every episode is better than the last & every new plot outsmarts the previous. Best part is it still does use supernatural elements but it does so very tastefully, so it really blends into the background. The romance still hasn't kicked in where I reached but I'm already loving the prospective dynamic of the two characters. The chemistry between the two actors was insane in the bts & press conference.

Also, very special shout out to the casting team for choosing such a talented selection of actors. So far the acting is what impressed me most. From the children to the side characters, they all did a fabulous job so far conveying their scenes. The child actors for one truely impressed me & they look so much like the older versions it's scary lmao. And of course we need to applaud XiaoZhan for this portrayal. Xiaolong really wasn't playing around when he chose him. Now I get why he is so popular. I always stumble upon him on social media. Whether it's his dramas or fashion related stuff but still didn't get to try anything of his. Thought it was mostly bcz of his good looks but now I know better. Gotta give his other shows a try too now, I've become a fan. Really this man was BORN to act. He makes it look so natural, so easy to be immersed with his emotions. I've rarely seen actors so openly emotional & expressive in their roles. It really impressed me. It's like he really is zanghai. Everything about him there is impactful when conveying the scenes. His eyes alone are paid actors lmao. It's literally scary how alive they get. When you have eyes like that, what's the need for lines even?! Yeah I'm totally raving over him. To think I came to this show bcz of my girl Jingyi 😭. I was so excited to see her work with such a high profile actor. Figures maybe popular stuff are popular for a reason lmao. Hope I'll get more content to blabber about her too in the future. But for now, I'm really not complaining.

Read More

Zhang Jingyi’s Bold Charm Meets Xiao Zhan’s Intensity

After so many days, I'm finally watching a Zhang Jingyi drama again — and also a Xiao Zhan drama! Let me talk about Xiao Zhan first. His acting here is so powerful 😭 and he’s insanely handsome. I seriously can’t take my eyes off him. I originally started this drama for the Zhang Jingyi and Xiao Zhan pairing, but now I’m falling hard for Xiao Zhan.

In just one episode, he’s already showing us his innocent side, his thirst for revenge, and his good looks. After watching the first episode, I cried a lot and thought, “Yes, we need revenge!” His acting is truly praiseworthy — I honestly can't put it into words.
Now about Zhang Jingyi — as a fan of hers, I can say this role is completely different from her previous ones. She’s extroverted, cunning, and a total badass lead here. I’m eagerly waiting to see more scenes of her with Xiao Zhan. I already know she has great chemistry with her co-stars, and this time is no exception. Even though they’ve had only a few scenes together so far, they’re killing me with their chemistry.

Read More

Contain spoilers

I’ve been waiting for this drama to air. And I am not disappointed. I like the build-up, I’m not Chinese and I do not also live in China and also do not know the other tomb stories as mentioned by a well-versed audience, so I appreciate that I can enjoy this without knowing the other stories. I like the political plot, although Zang Hai is not a martial artist, I like the cunningness of his character but you can still see his heart. Xiao Zhan embodies once again the character, he is an excellent actor, I will not say much about Zhang Jingyi’s acting prowess yet since she doesn’t have many scenes where she can showcase it at this point but I know her as a good actress, and Xiao Zhan as a phenomenal actor which is very few in c entertainment.
** Start of spoilers**
In episode 9 where Zang Hai discovered his parents were skinned, the emotions he displayed at that moment made me tear up, it was so raw and you can feel his sorrow, his disbelief, and his unrelenting anger for the disrespect his parents had to endure even after death. This reminds me of the young Zang Hai (Zhinu), the child actor who is also outstanding, as young as he may be.
In episode 14, once again Zang Hai (Xiao Zhan) displayed his versatility, the awkwardness when he looked for Xiang An Tu and found her bathing, I watched many and I always cringe because they cannot display it fully. Still, Xiao Zhan can bring it to life, the awkward smile, his eyes conveying his awkwardness, and his body language, excellent! Also, in later scenes where he was dragged by Cao Jiang Xian, the seemingly innocent act where he didn't know what was happening, he is a masterclass!
For Zhou Qi, he is also someone to look out for, he’s still kinda rough around the edges but he can act nicely. Duke Ping Jin (Huang Jue) is phenomenal too, in c entertainment the villains are the ones who are usually all good actors. Another villain who can display their acting skill is Jiang Xiang (Zhao Zi Qi), the way she delivers her line and the minute detail of her expression is a chef’s kiss!
These are just the tip of the iceberg, I cannot wait and I am getting ready for the heaviness and looking forward to the acting prowess of Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi and the other cast. I am excited about what they can bring to the table.

Read More

Compelling revenge story!

Initially, I was not interested to watch another revenge series as I find the story line is always about the same. Then, I like the two leads actors and decided to give a go!

Only one episode I watched and was totally hooked by the riveting story with scheming detail plots of revenge, mystery, intense moments to craft his revenge. This is a series a must watch series unbelievable story.

The ML is a perfect actor for this series, Zang Hai is highly intelligent and witty and very confident in his role. The FL is gorgeous and the chemistry between them is well matched. I believe the romance between the leads will be interesting in the coming episodes. The rest of the cast is brilliantly written in their characters. Love the acting and superb storytelling. Just hope the series will continue its strength to captivate audiences and doesn’t wane after 20 episodes.

Honestly, do not miss this series ! It is an artistry of storytelling at its best!

Read More

A HEAVENLY CRAFTED MASTER PIECE

When I first began watching The Legend of Zang Hai, a part of me wondered—how could a revenge plot possibly hold its weight over 40 episodes? In my experience, many dramas start strong, only to fumble midway, dragging out plotlines until they barely find their rhythm again near the end. But let me tell you—this is not one of those dramas. This is a new generation masterpiece, a stunning triumph of storytelling, acting, and visual artistry.

From the very first episode, I was captivated. The cinematography is breathtaking, every frame meticulously crafted like a moving painting. The acting is compelling, grounded, and nuanced—each expression, each silence, each word uttered carries weight. But above all, it is the storytelling that truly sets The Legend of Zang Hai apart. The tale of revenge unfolds slowly, not out of laziness, but with calculated brilliance. Normally, I’d grow restless if it took 24 episodes just to eliminate a single enemy—but here, it’s different. It’s so well written, so realistic, that you come to understand: it takes time to lower your enemy’s guard, to be welcomed into his comfort zone before striking.

And this drama does exactly that—with elegance.

Each character, from the leads to the most minor side roles, is meticulously layered. The supporting characters aren’t just filler—they are essential puzzle pieces, enriching the central arc and breathing life into the world around them. The leads, oh the leads! They own the narrative, shaping and reshaping it with each episode. Watching their stories evolve is a slow burn of satisfaction, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

Though the romance is subtle, it’s never shallow. The female lead, Antu, is refreshing—a woman of strength, grace, and depth, far from the overused “princess in distress” trope. Honestly, one of my only wishes for Joy of Life—a longtime favorite of mine—is that its female lead had been as well-characterized as Antu. She truly holds her own.

To the entire production team, bravo. It takes vision, courage, and exceptional talent to deliver something of this magnitude. And now, let me address the heart of this drama:

Xiao Zhan.My boy—you delivered. I prayed for the day you would grace a historical drama again, and you absolutely devoured this role. You didn’t just act—you became your character. Every scene, every emotion, every gaze—pure gold. I dare say, this is the crowning jewel of your career so far. Yes, The Untamed was incredible, but The Legend of Zang Hai? It’s on another level. You left no crumbs.

Zhang Jingyi, ever since Fall in Love, you’ve had a special place in my heart. I couldn’t be happier to see you paired with Xiao Zhan—you brought poise and warmth that balanced the intensity perfectly.

And we can’t forget the OST—my goodness, the ending song is a whole mood. As someone who’s a sucker for good soundtracks, this one hit all the right notes. It’s emotionally resonant and lingers long after the credits roll.

There’s so much more I could say, but I’ll leave it here:
If you come across The Legend of Zang Hai, do yourself a favor—sit down, unplug, and immerse yourself. This isn’t just a drama; it’s an experience, a legend in motion, and it will stay with you long after it ends.

Read More

It's so slow and that make it also boring

legends of the zang hai so much slow
and that make it boring 40 episode for what
when there not much to show at lease its 22 episode by now and there is nothing to be excited about
all is who is 3rd person and did not show the king till now it obvious its the king for real what are they doing .

if its not for Xiao Zhan i don't thing there will be much watchlist and rating to it

Read More