Legend of Zang Hai with Xiao Zhan Hits 9500 Heat Index on Youku within 24 Hours of Strong Premiere
The warm up in May has started to turn fire in drama land with the addition of another hot heat index period drama. Legend of Zang Hai with Xiao Zhan premiered this week and within 24-hours already hit 9500 heat index on platform Youku. Just a smidge more and it hits 10,000 and is well on its way to being a hit. The first reviews and impressions are in and is skewing strong and positive, and there appears to be audience patience with the lead up to revenge setting the stage background and with this drama being 40 full episodes there will be plenty of time to get more exciting and the payoff arriving. There are occult and bits of fantasy elements that was unexpected from the synopsis but nothing else is a surprise, this drama stands firmly in the young child from parental death and betrayal trauma grows up to get revenge which is always satisfying when done right and executed smartly.
So far Legend of Zanghai looks like it has potential to be added to my list of rewatchable dramas. The cinematography is stunning, plot is fast-paced and acting on point. I snatched up a free 1-month Youku VIP from XZ fans but couldn’t resist getting the SVIP to unlock episode 4 after 3 episodes in. That’s how wonderful this drama is.
I have already watched some episodes and I love it can’t wait to see more
His Brand power is just so huge… wow. I am so happy for him!
The drama just broke 1000 heat index in 38 hours of broadcast. It has set a new record for the fastest drama to break 10K heat index since Youku revised its system. Congratulations to the cast and crew on their hit drama! 🥳
I have watched all the six episodes, and I am loving it. The pace is good and the story is intriguing.
This is looking to become the best historical drama of the recent years. Everything is just great about it! I would binge watch if I could
Hit 10k of heat index on Youku now! I saw the first 6 episodes and it is amazing so far, Zheng Xiaolong is a master of his craft and Xiao Zhan is better than ever
I like how XZ is a lot more nuanced in his acting, but the story is falling flat for me. Those who like it, enjoy it.
Flawless, exciting, scary, shocking, amazing, sorrowful- too many adjectives to describe the first 6 episodes of Zang Hai! The episodes move quickly and fast paced. The director’s control of rhythm is really amazing. The drama buzz is all over weibo, xhs and douyin with numerous drama discussions, memes and analyses.
There are no filler episodes. Every min counts to set up and explain the origin of the blood feud, the background and current situation of the enemy, and the growth of the male lead. Zheng Xiolong has another massive successful on his hand.
Between this and TPOB it’s a great time to be a cdrama fan! Waiting for more amazing dramas this year!
Stupid drama with stupid logic full of plot holes😂 The data is so watery that the heat index jumps at one in the morning🤣🤣
The drama is boring. The leads have no chemistry. The story makes no sense.
The story hasn’t yet come to a point where there is any romance between them.
There are some parts that are not explained now, like those ghost soldiers/zombies in the first episode, the masked man, etc. As the story progresses, everything will be revealed. The story does involve some elements from Daomu Biji novel. But, if that’s not your cup of tea that’s okay 🙂
😂😂
Are you serious bro ? Only 6 Episodes so far, you expecting romance ? Moreover it’s revenge based drama. So quick to judge 😂😂
Yeah dude is into romance but im loving the drama it’s so good and it is worth it
Most history drama is romantically all from the begin
This was my most anticipated c-drama of the year, and I’m pretty disappointed after 4 episodes. I thought I would be getting another 琅琊榜 / Nirvana in Fire, but instead the show is more idol-like, the script is weak, and the characters fall flat. I’m not impressed by the pacing, the writing, or the acting. There haven’t been any quality historical c-dramas in recent years.
Care to explain how it’s more idol-like? And which part of the script is weak?
The conversations in LZH are not “deep” from a language perspective, and I find the plot twists unbelievable, rushed, and relying too much on deus ex machina, with zero emotional payoff. For example, within the span of 7 episodes ZH has already emerged as the sole survivor of two “expeditions” where his compatriots died around him in an agonizing manner. However, ZH recovers and is fine and dandy 10 minutes after, with no sign of deep trauma or lingering memory of his peers. I find it difficult to connect with his journey.
The villains themselves so far are cartoonishly evil instead of being morally gray and multi-faceted. In the latest episode, the Duke just gave up his subordinate and ordered him to death within 5 minutes, in front of half the court. Realistically, the political calculus for such an act would be much more complex and take longer to execute.
I see. I don’t know what is this language deepness you are talking about, it seems pretty much on par with dramas like Nirvana in Fire, Joy of Life etc to me, but then again Chinese is not my native language. The plot twists feel realistic to me too, Zang Hai was trained from young to not let his emotions get in the way of his goals, plus he hardly knew some of the compatriots for long. As for the Duke, it shows the grim and dark part of history, where the nobles/elites treat the people below them as expendables.
Yeah I also want to know how it’s idol like
There was a scene where the masked man gave zang hai a puzzle to solve, and while he was solving it he asked the question
“how many people in your household died that night?”
Zang Hai: “my household had 10 disciples, all killed by those men in black. i saw my senior gousheng’s neck being snapped. my sister and mother were both slain by the sword. that night, 14 lives were lost in total. it’s been 3,325 days since then.”
He said this with almost no emotion, because that is what his masters taught him, that there is no need to show hatred on the face, to keep it in the heart. There is still a lot of hatred and trauma inside him, and he does get emotional from time to time. He just has a different way to cope with trauma.
After the first time in the tomb, he did plead with the marquis for all the people who died, and got angry when his plea was ignored. So, it’s not like he forgot about them. In fact, his hatred must have increased more.
Personally, I feel that drama has a fast pace (which I like it), and they move on to next step pretty fast which is why you might think he is all fine and dandy.
Based on the promo material, I know there will be lot more instances when he thinks about the past.
Oh, and I don’t think qu jiao is dead, and I feel marquis pingjin is not the main villain. But, I maybe wrong.
Sorry, you were talking about yang zhen’s death in episode 7. I thought you were talking about episode 8.
It is a far cry from NiF, but then I have no such expectation, am checking it out for the hype and so far enjoying it as it is fast-paced and an easy watch.
Really boring. I was constantly yawning through the first 2 eps.
It’s been awhile since I’ve watched such a good Chinese drama, Legend of Zanghai is a masterpiece! I don’t know how some people can claim it’s boring, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Absolutely brilliant. Episode 7 had me in tears, Xiao Zhan is really fully grown into the role of a solo male lead. I cannot wait to see the plot development because so many people are suss and we haven’t even met all the players yet.
Negl, seeing all the anti crying about this drama is also especially nice.
Episode 7 is soo good, my favourite episode till now.
Zhz is a historical costume drama about power struggles, mystery, and revenge. Anyone who enjoys this kind of high-quality drama will like it. If you only want to see an idol drama full of romance and frivolous plot, then this drama is not for you. This is a character driven and plot driven drama, where you need to pay attention to details. If you enjoyed Empresses in the Palace (Legend of Zhen Huan), then this drama is perfect for you. Especially the latest ep7 is very impressive and went viral on Chinese social media!
Hmmm…This site is still not working well. I can only see two comments although it said 24 replies on the home page.
Please Episode 7 release date
Ep 7&8 will be released tomorrow, 5/21. VIP/SVIP saw the episodes one day earlier.
I think the high enthusiasm and nonstop discussion about this drama on every Chinese platform just proves how explosive and well received this drama is right now.
I can definitely say that this drama will be a certified hit!
Check the discussions on drama forums both in China and outside China!
And because this drama is the hottest drama and most talked about rn in China, you can see new dramas suddenly releasing teaser and making official announcements, or how many dramas trying to air within May at all cost because they want to ride the wave of popularity of this drama. There will definitely a revenge theme trend after ZHZ!
I’m going to wait until at least half the episodes before I start diving in 🙂 I’m super impatient and hate waiting for new episodes
The drama is doing extremely well both on TV, Youku, and other streaming sites. I guess the drama departments of both CCTV8 and Youku are thrilled. It also tops #1 on Taiwan Disney+ beating all other international dramas. I read mostly very positive reviews from the media and social media so far except for a handful of XZ antis bitching here and there as usual, but they still kept watching his drama LOL. They must be butthurt! If I were these bigots always hoping to see XZ’s drama flop, I wouldn’t even bother to increase the viewership of his dramas. LOL. It’s such an irony cuz their bitterness galore online also contributes to XZ’s hot index now toppling Liu Yu Ning’s #1 spot on Vlinkage soon after LoZH premiered.
There are plenty of C actors in my unwatchable blacklist. I just don’t check out their dramas to annoy myself at all. If you don’t like XZ’s acting, just stop torturing yourselves by following his dramas while YYGG (歪歪嘰嘰 LOL) here and there. Go have peach with yourselves and leave peace to the viewers of this drama as well. I’ve quit so many so called hit dramas including Joy of Life that got flat halfway through and ridiculous with numerous flirting scenes between the ML and a few supporting actresses suggesting affairs LOL.
Drama is nothing but entertainment. Fine to quit what you don’t enjoy. But better leave other viewers in peace without YYGG on bullet screen.
I’ve been enjoying the journey of Zhang Hai so far. The plot is solid and nicely paced. This drama has been a visual treat both in elaborate Cinematography and XZ’s visuals too LOL. There aren’t hyperbolic schemes that were seen in many recent hit dramas such as the Double or Blossom. The directing approaches are more classical but also more sophisticated in a way. Some fans may prefer more recent approaches with a lot of exciting short-drama vibes. I don’t see Directors Zheng and Cao take these approaches. Specifically Director Zheng is reputable with classics such as Legend of Zhen Huan under his belt. He is meticulous and detail oriented so that the narratives under his direction would make maximal impact on fans’ viewing experience.
I enjoyed the Double and Blossom purely for entertaining purpose, and hot MLs too LOL. But I’m anticipating that Legend of Zhang Hai has more depth in its plot. So far so good. I haven’t disappointed yet. If this drama keeps the buzz to be a hit, then XZ will be several rungs up his ladder. News reported that Director Zheng already asked to collab with XZ again, and the new script is already in the working.
I love the episodes 1-6 ,free,so far .
Xiao Zang acted well and it is so refreshing to watch how revenge is done with ingenious plots unlike just with Kung Fu fighting skills but with clever manoeuvres, dialogues and good actings . Cinematic skill and lightings effects needed further improvement.Then,it is ultimate enjoyment to watch.
Xiao Zang is doing well here with his fresh, good expressions and actings! Keep it up,Xiao Zang.
Suggest cut down on too many women acting in the episodes,flattening the effect of something terrific is about to happen by Xiao Zang .Not sure what these women actresses are doing …..I like the main actress,though. Thanks,so far .
Sorry for any frank negative remarks,meant no harm to anyone concerned.
Looking forward to follow up the forthcoming episodes! Xiao Zang,the Hero!
Happy to see xz again, waiting for the next episode
Bravo, 👌👏 Congrats 🎉 Can’t wait. Love you, 🤟 Always..EP TX USA 🙏
Xiao Zhan has shown a good acting skills on this drama series….
Amazing actor and would HV
have like it even more if they don’t have so many unnecessary deaths. His master didn’t need to burn himself alive nor the tomb builders’ He’s supposed to be smart n devious n yet he cldnt save the girl fr getting burnt n those deaths of 2 batches of men? One or two death sure but everyone died except him? Writers wanted him to b smart but naive but they forgot that fact that he had been studying under great masters and went for the shock factor. Very disappointing when we HV great actors.Oh n the feeble attempt to teach him abt women and sexuality.. Pretty pathetic. The main girl is not very endearing either. Thank goodness her scenes r short. OK enough grousing. On a hunt for the next cdrama. I so miss Nirvana on fire!
The acting is solid, the drama is fast paced and a bit too dark (e.g. bloody romance style) which is all good. My only pet peeve is so far the story does not have much depth. The male lead keeps ‘winning’ and everyone around him keeps dying while he is mostly unharmed, as if other characters only exist to make him shine. This is nowhere close to Nirvana in Fire (which had many layers) but Joy of Life might come close. This feels like the male version of bloody romance (even BR did not have so many folks dying at once on each challenge). I’m on episode 9 and I can already predict who would be the mole. As of now I found the story to be shallow and predictable. It is supposed to be a revenge drama but it is too black and white. I hope it changes soon and we see some depth and I am proven wrong (fingers crossed). So far the drama only works well because of Xiao Zhan, with a less attractive actor, it wouldn’t have been that good.