Zhang Zhehan: Rebirth from the ashes

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Your directorial debut documentary August has now been out for a year, with over 14 million views and numerous global awards under its belt. What mindset did you have while creating it?

ZHANG ZHEHAN: Actually, the idea of going on a cycling trip had taken root in my mind even before 2022, but back then, I was too caught up in work, life felt out of my control. When time finally allowed, I knew I had to retrace that path. Cycling is something I’ve always loved, and filming the documentary felt like a way to hold myself accountable, to capture what I was feeling at that moment, to preserve the things I wanted to say, the emotions I needed to express.

I once came across an interview that explored why people enjoy sharing moments of their lives on social media. It described this as a kind of defiance against death – an effort to assert our presence in the world. In this web of societal connections, we all seek to be seen, to prove that we were here, that we existed. Sure, being recognized by others is a wonderful feeling; it’s encouraging, even motivating.

But I believe it’s just as important, if not more, to turn inward and pay attention to your own heart. The two go hand in hand. I wouldn’t claim that valuing the process is necessarily more important than the result, but for me, after all I’ve been through, making that documentary became a way to explore my inner world.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Your official website has always sparked a sense of curiosity and discovery. With sections like “Goodnight Story”, “English Corner”, and the points-based games, it offers more novel and engaging content than many other artists’ websites. What initially inspired you to share such fun and thoughtful material? What was your intention behind designing these features?

ZHANG ZHEHAN: I’ve always believed that joy is greater when shared. Personal growth comes through learning, and being able to pass on what you’ve learned. That’s a real blessing in itself. There was a time when I needed to listen to audiobooks every night to fall asleep, so I thought, why not share a story each day? It also helped me practice my spoken expression. In a way, it became almost meditative, like a form of recitation, and it allowed others to pick up something valuable too.

The same goes for learning English. I was studying it myself, and I invited everyone to learn along with me. Their positive feedback gave me motivation and a sense of purpose, creating a really healthy cycle of mutual encouragement. My mom says the same thing. She’ll get excited over how many people liked her posts or what comments she received. When someone says she writes well, it energizes her to keep going.

The truth is, almost everyone needs some form of recognition in society. In Chinese culture, deep emotional expressions – like telling your mother or a loved one “I love you” – are often restrained or shyly expressed. But I think we should all express love and appreciation more openly. It helps foster a healthier and more positive cycle.

My mom’s like that too. She craves my recognition. The moment she finishes writing an article, she sends it to me right away. And when I tell her, “This is so well written”, she lights up with joy. That emotional affirmation is incredibly valuable.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Your WeChat blog Zhang Sanjian is back continues to be a rich space where you share your thoughts on reading, film, and daily reflections, often filled with deep emotion and insight. What do you do in private to keep refueling your own inspiration and input?

ZHANG ZHEHAN: There’s an old saying: “Read ten thousand books, and travel ten thousand miles”. I think the two go hand in hand. You need to see and experience a lot for creative ideas to emerge.

If you don’t watch plays, musicals, or films, you won’t have that emotional spark to draw from. Reading fuels many of my thoughts. Every time I read a work of literature, it leaves a deep impression on me. Recently I read Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out, and in the preface, Mo Yan wrote: “I’ve always regarded language as my ultimate pursuit… I’m not a literary master, only a storyteller who dreams of becoming one”. Looking back, what struck me was his humility. Even as a master of his craft, he embraced a mindset of endless learning. That’s the only way to keep moving forward: Stay humble.

Once you become arrogant or complacent, you stagnate. Even where we shine the brightest, there are still weaknesses. That’s why I believe in staying open-minded and always being a student. It’s what keeps me growing.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: Why is the auto-reply message people receive after following your WeChat account Illuminate yourself, and illuminate others?

ZHANG ZHEHAN: That phrase comes from a song and also from one of my fans. During one of the hardest, lowest points in my life, a fan of mine passed away. She left me a letter that said, “Zhehan, I can’t wait for you anymore. I’m going to another world. But don’t be afraid, and don’t worry. Just remember that from now on, there’s a star lighting the way for you to come back”.

It’s always hard for me to talk about this. After reading that letter, I wrote a song. At my concert, many of my friends sent me photos from the show, all saying the same thing: The future will be better than you imagine. That fan once told me she wanted to become a star to light my path; and that gave me the strength to want to be a light for others. The VCR at my concert referenced a story I read: a monk holds a burning candle and says, “The flame is me. The candle is me. The candle is you. The flame is you. The flame is also me”.

That really struck me. I wanted to ignite a small, positive flame in people’s hearts. Of course, everyone has their shadows, but I believe we need to catch hold of those little flames to illuminate our dark corners.

HARPER’S BAZAAR: If you could say just one thing to the people who love you, what would it be?

ZHANG ZHEHAN: I’m deeply grateful to my fans – for standing by me and lifting me up during my lowest times.

***

While the world often praises Zhang Zhehan for his multifaceted identity, he himself pays little mind to such labels. Everything he truly wants to say, he has already written into his songs – from the early days of innocence and passion, to the moments of clarity when he came to understand the workings of the world. He gradually digested, reflected on, and came to accept it all, ultimately choosing to stay true to himself. Sharing that journey takes time, but he firmly believes that those who love him, those who are willing to listen, will understand.

At a time when most people strive relentlessly toward perfection, Zhang Zhehan is unafraid to reveal his inner hesitations, reflections, and vulnerabilities. In interviews, his eyes may well up when recalling letters from fans – words that take him back to his lowest point, when he had only himself to rely on for encouragement. There is a naturalness to him that exists beyond discipline or convention. He has never equated growth with concession; for him, growth is simply the pure act of “doing what he truly wants to do”. We believe that Zhang Zhehan’s future will only shine brighter than the present. Like the childlike sincerity he has always carried, he embraces life more wholeheartedly while opening himself up more freely to creation: Never choosing lightly, and never giving up easily.

*** Creative Team ***

Talent: Zhang Zhehan
Producer: Julie Chen.
Photographer: Tom.
Stylist: Miki Wang.
Makeup and Hair: Rich.
Modeling: CC.
Writer: Esther.
Assistant: Emily Rose.
Agency: Firebird PR Agency.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam