A brand event in Nanning, China, featuring actor Zhang Linghe was abruptly canceled after a massive crowd surge caused a glass mall door to shatter. The resulting chaos left five people injured.
Thousands of fans gathered hours before the event
Thousands of fans gathered outside a mall in Nanning on May 31 to see 28-year-old Chinese actor Zhang Linghe at an eyewear brand event. Crowds packed the entrance from the early morning, swelling out of control as the shopping center’s opening time approached. When the doors finally opened, people pushed forward, causing a large glass panel at the entrance to shatter.
Despite the danger, crowds kept rushing into the building while mall staff and security worked to clear debris and regain control. As reported by Taiwanese media outlet ET Today, local authorities confirmed that five people suffered minor cuts and scratches from the broken glass. They were hospitalised for treatment, but fortunately, none of the injuries were serious.
The chaos did not stop at the entrance. Videos from inside the shopping centre showed fans packed across multiple floors, crowding balconies, escalators and walkways as they waited for his appearance. As concerns over safety continued to grow, organisers decided to cancel the in-person event altogether. The planned appearance was moved online, and Linghe later interacted with fans through a livestream instead of attending the mall event.
Zhang Linghe’s team issues apology
Following the incident, Zhang Linghe’s studio posted a Weibo statement addressing the sudden cancellation in Chinese, “The brand event originally scheduled to take place today was adjusted at the last minute. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience this has caused everyone. Your safety has always been our top priority, and it is also the fundamental condition for holding any event.”
According to the statement from the studio, all transportation and accommodation losses caused by the event for fans who came to Nanning will be fully compensated by the artist and his team. This includes plane tickets, high-speed train tickets, hotel stays, and taxi fares. The studio sincerely asked fans who incurred these losses to prepare the relevant documents and fill out the required form before 12:00 PM on June 3. After reviewing each case, the team promised to reimburse the losses as quickly as possible. All compensation was expected to be completed by June 15.
The brand also apologized to fans and Zhang, confirming that those injured received medical care and that attendees will be contacted individually regarding compensation.
The growing popularity behind the frenzy
While the massive crowd shocked people online, it didn’t surprise Zhang Linghe’s fans. His popularity has surged in 2026, driven by the historical romance drama Pursuit of Jade alongside Tian Xiwei, which became one of the year’s biggest hit C-dramas.
The story follows Fan Changyu (Tian Xiwei), a fierce butcher’s daughter who saves the life of a wounded man during a snowstorm. He claims to be a poor scholar, but he is actually Xie Zheng (Zhang Linghe), a powerful Marquis undercover to avenge his family’s massacre. To protect her home from a greedy uncle, Changyu enters a fake marriage with him. As their strategic alliance turns to real love, war forces them to the front lines to fight court conspiracies together.
Zhang Linghe is also well-known for his roles in major C-dramas like My Journey To You, The Best Thing, Story of Kunning Palace, and The Princess Royal.
