Zhang Chengdong started his football career playing for Liaoning Whowin's youth academy until Serie A side A.C. Milan considered him a promising enough prospect to train with them in 2004.

Without a club, he returned home to train before going to Portugal to advertise his services until third tier side Mafra took him on a free transfer on 23 September 2009.

[4] He was quickly integrated into the team; however, it was only once he scored his first hat-trick on 21 January 2010 in a 4–3 loss against Sporting CP in the 2009–10 Taça de Portugal did he become noticed in the club.

On 13 January 2017, Zhang moved to fellow top-tier side Hebei China Fortune for a record-breaking domestic transfer fee.

[11] Zhang made his debut for the Chinese national team on 3 March 2010 in a 2–0 loss against Portugal; however, the game was not recognised by FIFA.