When people think of Zheng Yecheng, the first image that comes to mind is often his graceful moves in historical dramas—long robes fluttering, agile spins, and precise strikes. He looks like he walked straight out of a wuxia novel. But what makes those moves so captivating isn’t CGI or camera tricks—it’s real skill, honed from years of hard training.
Zheng Yecheng began learning Peking Opera at a young age, specializing in martial roles (wusheng). While other kids were still focused on regular schoolwork, he was flipping, stretching, and drilling combat routines. His body remembers every movement, and his sense of rhythm and stage presence were shaped through countless performances—and falls—on stage.
So when it comes to filming action scenes, he rarely uses a stunt double. “It’s not that I don’t trust stunt actors,” he once said, “I just think I fight more beautifully.” It might sound like a joke, but he means it. For him, every punch and kick on camera should look genuinely good. It’s not just about dedication—it’s about professionalism and pride in his craft.
Of course, dedication is part of it. He’s known for getting bruised and injured during filming, but he powers through. In one scene, he jumped from a high platform and landed hard, leaving his arm bruised. Still, he finished the scene in one take. “That’s just part of being a wusheng,” he shrugged. But more importantly, he sees action scenes as part of storytelling—not just filler.
Many actors understandably rely on doubles for safety and efficiency. But Zheng Yecheng proves that a real action actor doesn’t just pretend—they perform.
Maybe that’s why his fight scenes carry a special kind of authenticity. It’s not just thrilling choreography—it’s power, effort, and discipline behind every move. Watching him in action, you can’t help but believe: this guy can actually fight.
