Zhang is a graduate from Beijing Shichahai Sports School, where Li Jiawei of Singapore studied as well.

[citation needed] She announced her retirement from international play in 2011 and she went to the United States to study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and learn to better speak English.

[4][5] This makes her one of few players to retire whilst holding both the World and Olympic titles for singles and team event in table tennis.

[6] Since 2010, Zhang serves as the assistant president of the China Table Tennis College in Shanghai.

Zhang successfully defended her singles Olympic gold medal, defeating compatriot Wang Nan in the finals 8-11, 13–11, 11–8, 11–8, 11–3.