Zhangs

Zhangs refers to people who bear the Chinese surname Zhang. The name, written 张 in simplified Chinese and 張 in traditional Chinese, is one of the most common Chinese surnames and is widespread among Chinese communities worldwide. The pinyin transcription Zhang reflects Mandarin pronunciation.

The surname has multiple historical origins and lineages in China. It is associated with various families documented in ancient texts and genealogies, and it is widely distributed across northern and eastern China. Today, people with the surname Zhang live in many parts of China as well as in overseas communities in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and countries around the world.

Romanizations of the same surname vary by dialect and system. In Mandarin contexts it is usually written Zhang; in Cantonese contexts it is commonly rendered Cheung; older or regional spellings may include Chang.

Notable people with the surname Zhang span fields such as science, politics, and the arts. Historical figures include Zhang Heng, a 2nd-century inventor and polymath; Zhang Qian, a Han dynasty diplomat and explorer; and Zhang Zhongjing, a renowned physician of the Eastern Han. In modern culture, well-known individuals include film director Zhang Yimou and actress Zhang Ziyi, as well as contemporary athletes such as Zhang Weili. The surname also appears in folklore and martial arts tradition, with figures such as Zhang Sanfeng often cited in popular culture.