Zhang Weiwei

Zhang Weiwei, born in the 1950s, grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. Early in her life she and her older sister ran a hair salon on Xinyi Road in Taipei called "Weiwei Hair Salon," which became famous for having entertainers such as Fei Yu-ching and Wu Zongxian as regulars. Zhang attracted industry attention for her striking looks and gentle personality. In 1990 she married Wu Zongxian in Sanchong; after their marriage the couple maintained a low-profile lifestyle.

After marrying, Zhang Weiwei lived with Wu Zongxian in Taipei and helped raise their four children. Wu has said that Zhang is quiet by nature and does not like going out. At home she devoted most of her energy to family life and to painting. Her interest in painting dated to childhood under the influence of her father, who was an art teacher. She focused mainly on oil painting, especially floral subjects, and often worked in a large studio at home with floor-to-ceiling windows. She frequently assisted her father in holding exhibitions and helped him realize his artistic aspirations.

In December 2009 Taiwanese media reported that Zhang had a breast tumor. She underwent surgery at Cathay General Hospital in Taipei to remove the tumor and was observed in the intensive care unit after the operation. Following that episode she has remained low-profile. Within the family she continued caring for her children while pursuing her painting. Her painting style is described as delicate; she once gave Wu a work symbolizing a safe passage through danger as an expression of care.

Regarding her romantic life, before marriage Zhang’s appearance and character reportedly attracted Wu’s courtship. Wu has mentioned in interviews that, in order not to affect his entertainment career, he once asked Zhang not to register their marriage. After marrying, she stayed by her parents-in-law’s side and concentrated on family and artistic creation. In 2000, when Wu publicly acknowledged that he was married, Zhang appeared as his “official wife” and gradually made media appearances.

She has also been subject to repeated rumors about medication overdoses. On June 13, 2013, the couple marked 23 years of marriage. Not long before that date she was hospitalized for physical discomfort and was found to have taken an excessive amount of sedatives; she explained this was related to periodic follow-up after her cancer surgery and a misunderstanding about the medication. To this day Zhang Weiwei remains low-profile, focusing on her family and personal art pursuits.