Legend of Zang Hai
Cast & Crew
Plot Core: Ten Years of Revenge and Political Intrigue
The story centers on Zhinu (played by Xiao Zhan), the son of Kuai Duo, the Chief Astronomer of the Imperial Bureau, whose family was annihilated in the aftermath of the "Astrological Catastrophe" conspiracy. Ten years later, Zhinu returns to the capital under the alias "Zang Hai," utilizing his family’s expertise in construction and newly honed political tactics. Rising from a humble craftsman in the Ministry of Works to a key court official, Zang Hai embarks on a journey of revenge, uncovering deep-seated corruption and conspiracies.
The narrative unfolds across three major storylines:Revenge Line: Through major projects such as rebuilding the imperial tomb and managing flood control efforts, Zang Hai uncovers the truth behind the "Astrological Catastrophe" and confronts its mastermind, Prince Ning (played by Qiao Zhenyu).
Craftsmanship Line: The series highlights ancient construction techniques, such as the "Underground Palace Drainage System" and "Wooden Bracket System Mapping," showcasing the ingenuity of traditional craftsmanship.
Emotional Line: Zang Hai forms a bond with Shen Zhao (played by Zhang Jingyi), the daughter of a military family. Initially using each other for their own purposes, they eventually join forces to expose a corruption scandal involving military supplies at the border.
In the end, after restoring order in the court, Zang Hai sacrifices personal vendettas for the greater good, using the "Dragon-Sealing Stones" strategy to secure peace at the borders, symbolizing his transformation from personal revenge to national duty.
Production Highlights: Historical Accuracy and Aesthetic Grandeur
Set Design: The production team meticulously reconstructed key locations based on the Ming Dynasty's Treatise on Architectural Methods. The Imperial Astronomical Observatory and Ministry of Works were built to scale, while scenes such as the "Armillary Sphere Explosion" were shot using 300 kilograms of real explosives.
Costume Design: Zang Hai's outfits reflect his social ascent, transitioning from coarse craftsman attire to crimson official robes, with embroidery designed according to the fictional Dayong court system. Shen Zhao’s soft armor blends elements of Tang and Song Dynasty female warrior designs.
Weapons Crafting: Renowned traditional weapon artisans were invited to forge Prince Ning’s Chiwen Sword and Shen Zhao’s Breaking Army Spear, showcasing the artistry of ancient craftsmanship.
Industry Recognition and Market Expectations
Since its early development, Legend of Zang Hai has garnered significant attention:
September 2024: Selected as a flagship project in Youku’s "Historical Saga Series."
October 2024: Included in Dragon TV’s "Top 12 Dramas of the Year."
December 2024: Nominated for CCTV’s "2025 Premium Drama Selection."
February 2025: Won the "Most Anticipated Drama" award from Coolcloud Data Media.
Broadcast Information and Highlights
Platform Schedule:
CCTV-8: Two episodes aired daily at 19:30 (prime time).
Youku Members: Simultaneous updates with the broadcast.
Non-Members: Episodes available 24 hours later.Key Selling Points:
Xiao Zhan’s first role as a "craftsman-official," portraying a character who transitions from a carpenter’s plane to a court official’s tablet.
Zhang Jingyi as a resourceful military daughter, performing her own stunts in horseback riding and wall explosion scenes.
Zheng Xiaolong, after Empresses in the Palace, delves deeper into political intrigue, enhancing the narrative framework of historical dramas.
Legend of Zang Hai employs the themes of "craftsmanship as a blade, astrology as a chessboard," redefining the epic scope of historical-political dramas. As executive director Zheng Xiaolong puts it:
"This is not just a story of personal revenge, but an allegory of how an era rises from decay and rebuilds itself."- Release Date2025 年 5 月 18 日
- Languages
- Regions
- Production Companies
- Filming Locations
- Hengdian World Studios
- Filming Dates
- 2023 年 12 月 30 日 - 2024 年 6 月 2 日
- Runtime0 hour 45 minute
- Picture Format
- User Reviews
- IMDb RatingN/A