Zhang was born into a military family in Changxing County, Zhejiang, in September 1969.

In 1992, he entered Dalian Naval Academy, majoring in warship combat command, he earned a master's degree in 1995.

After graduation, he worked in 91991 Army, and served various roles in there, including Staff officer, XO, and CO.

He then studied at Joint Services Command and Staff College in the United Kingdom for two years.

In September 2012 he was appointed the Captain of Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning, and held that position until May 2016, when he was promoted to Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy).