Zhang was born in 1966 in Shanxi Province, China into a peasant family. His parents and brothers and sisters of medium height. Growth began to increase from 16 years old when he was 180 cm. But two years later, quickly rose to 210 cm. Was invited to join the basketball team, but due to injury left the sport. In 1999 he began to complain of headaches and was admitted to the hospital. He underwent surgery to remove the pituitary tumor. After that, its growth has stabilized at around 242 cm. Main problem for Zhang was to find suitable clothing and footwear, as well as its growth has attracted the attention of onlookers, has long been at home in his native village. Suffers from a weakening of the lower extremities, as well as heart disease. Guangzhou were retried brain surgery and radiation.
April 16, 2009, he went to the hospital to visit his friend - a woman Yao Defen , with the growth of 236 cm who received a head injury, which nevertheless soon died.
