The title of Miss World 2007 was awarded to Zhang Zilin at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, Hainan, making her the first Chinese woman to hold the distinction. Beyond her success in pageantry, she built a career as a professional fashion model and a film actor, while maintaining a foundation in higher education.
Early Education and Athletics
Born on 22 March 1984 in the Huancui District of Weihai, Shandong, Zhang transitioned to Haidian District, Beijing, for her high school education between 1996 and 2002. She pursued a degree in business administration at the University of Science and Technology Beijing, graduating in 2006. Alongside her academic focus, Zhang began athletic training at eight years old. She specialized in the triple jump and hurdles, winning the 10th Beijing City Youth Games in 1999 and receiving the Sports Advance Distinction Award at her university in 2005.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Modeling and Pageantry
Zhang entered the fashion industry in 2003 through a contest organized by the New Silk Road Modeling Agency. Though she reached the top ten, her professional trajectory shifted after discovery by the agency's executive manager, Lee Xiaobai. She later participated in the 2007 Autumn/Winter Collection for Giorgio Armani in Paris and was recognized as the Top Model of the Year by New Silk Road. In 2006, she earned a place among the top ten professional supermodels during the Chinese Fashion and Culture Awards. Following her 2007 crowning as Miss China World and subsequently Miss World, she completed an international tour spanning 20 countries and 80 cities, including engagements in the United Kingdom, Russia, Mexico, and South Africa.
Performance and Media
In 2008, Zhang contributed to the soundtrack for the Summer Olympics and appeared in the music video for the song Beijing Welcomes You. Her transition into film began with the 2011 production He-Man. Over the following five years, she appeared in various features including Badges of Fury, The Monkey King, The Break-Up Artist, Bugs, Meet Miss Anxiety, and Spicy Hot in Love.
Personal Life
Zhang married Nie Lei in 2013 during a ceremony in Phuket, Thailand. In April 2016, she gave birth to a daughter.
Fast facts
- Born: 22 March 1984
- Place of birth: Huancui District, Weihai, Shandong
- Education: University of Science and Technology Beijing, 2006
- Miss World 2007: Crowned 1 December 2007
- Athletic specialty: 100 meter Hurdles
- Film debut: He-Man (2011)
- Spouse: Nie Lei
Questions readers ask
Was Zhang Zilin the first Chinese Miss World?
Yes, she was the first woman from China to win the title when she was crowned in 2007.
What degree did Zhang Zilin earn?
She graduated from the University of Science and Technology Beijing in 2006 with a degree in business administration.
