I wanted to escape so badly. But of course I knew I couldn't just give up and leave school. It was only when I heard my mom's voice that I came out of my hiding place.

86 in FHM's sexiest women in the world in 2006. Personal life
Soon after Zhang's debut in Zhang Yimou's The Road Home rumors arose regarding a possible affair between the actress and the older director. Shootings were scheduled to begin in September 2010 but ultimately did not commence due to insufficient financial resources.

Chinese media have called her one of the Four Dan Actresses (四大花旦) in China's film industry along with Zhao Wei Xu Jinglei and Zhou Xun. Her first major role was in The Road Home (1999). Zhang Ziyi (born 9 February 1979) sometimes credited as Ziyi Zhang is a Chinese film actress and model.