[1] He grew up in a mining district and was childhood friends with his neighbor and future film director Geng Jun.
[1] At the age of 10, Zhang discovered a detonator while playing with Geng and their friends in the mines, and he attempted to open it with a knife out of curiosity, which resulted in an accidental explosion that injured his eyes and fingers, leaving permanent damage.
[5] Geng utilized Zhang's disabilities by designing his character as an armed robber who uses a walking stick as a weapon.
[11][12] In 2024, Zhang took on the male lead role in the drama film Bel Ami [zh] also directed by Geng Jun, where he portrayed a homosexual middle-aged man (also named Zhang Zhiyong) with a stable career and family who seeks to come out and pursue sexual freedom.
[16] The Golden Horse Film Festival Executive Committee commented that Zhang's performance and decision to use his real name in the film allowed him to embody the character's honesty and sincerity, describing it as "bringing the character to life with authenticity and sincerity".