Zhang Linghe swooped into New York for a mere two nights, but the Chinese superstar made sure his visit was unforgettable. The actor, known for his role in 'The Pursuit Of Jade,' has been a Gucci ambassador since 2024 and was in the Big Apple for the Gucci Cruise 2027 fashion show at the iconic Times Square.
On May 16, Zhang treated his fans to a delightful Instagram live session, showcasing his lunch, which included tasty dishes like mapo tofu and stir-fried beef. During the 20-minute video, he chatted with his followers in Mandarin, fulfilling his promise of a mukbang session. When asked to speak English, he bashfully admitted, "I feel so nervous to speak to so many of you in English," but managed a cheerful "hello" before greeting fans in various languages, including Thai, Spanish, and French.
"C-u-t-e… see you tonight!" Zhang exclaimed, redefining 'cute' in his charming way, leaving fans smitten with his humor and charisma.
Zhang's playful definition of 'cute' quickly spread across social media, with fans gushing over his adorable demeanor. This wasn't his only live session in NYC. Earlier that day, he shared a candid Weibo post while en route to a photo shoot, expressing his preference for Chinese cuisine and joking about his 'Chinese stomach.'
He recounted his arrival at JFK Airport on May 15, where the unexpected fan turnout caught airport security by surprise. "The bodyguards were huge… I felt like they lifted me from the ground, like I was flying through the air," he laughed, describing the whirlwind experience.
Fans of Zhang went the extra mile, purchasing ad space on Times Square billboards to welcome him to New York. The GucciCore Cruise 2027 show, a highlight of the fashion season, featured supermodel Cindy Crawford and other stars like Tom Brady and Paris Hilton. The event marked Gucci creative director Demna's debut Cruise collection.
The guest list was a who's who of celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Shawn Mendes, Kim Kardashian, Lee Young-ae, Anne Curtis, and Davika Hoorne. Zhang's visit turned into a celebration, with fans making the most of every moment, cementing his status as a global sensation.