Zhang Jian started his professional football career in 2006 when he joined Chongqing Lifan for the 2006 Chinese Super League campaign.
[1] On 15 December 2011, Zhang transferred to Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan.
[2] In July 2013, Zhang was loaned to China League Two side Hebei Zhongji until 31 December 2013.
On 16 July 2015, Zhang transferred to China League One side Wuhan Zall.
[3] On 22 January 2016, Zhang transferred to fellow China League One side Dalian Transcendence.