Zhang Xiaoyou

Zhang Xiaoyou, born in China with unspecified birth date, is the mother of the renowned director Zhang Yimou. She worked at the Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University as medical staff until her retirement. Her family includes her husband, Zhang Bingjun, who passed away in 1997. After his death, Zhang Xiaoyou continued to live in the old staff building of the hospital in Xi'an, leading a simple life and maintaining self-care.

Zhang Xiaoyou has three sons: Zhang Yimou, Zhang Weimou, and Zhang Qimou. According to the 2008 biography of Zhang Yimou, he has an introverted personality, enjoyed swimming alone during childhood, and achieved excellent academic results. He is considered to resemble his father most in character. The family’s internal communication was limited, and the overall family atmosphere was described as somewhat oppressive.

Her two younger brothers face health challenges and do not live with her. The second brother suffers from severe myopia and worked repairing bicycles; the third lost his hearing after a high fever in childhood. These health issues restricted their lifestyles and living arrangements.

Regarding her later years, since her husband's death, Zhang Xiaoyou continued to live in the old staff quarters of the hospital, reportedly residing there for over twelve years. Neighbors describe her as leading a modest life, rarely mentioning her son Zhang Yimou, and he seldom visits her. Their relationship is relatively low-profile; there are no public accounts indicating close daily interactions between them.

In 2004, Zhang Xiaoyou attended the filming of Zhang Yimou's movie "The Go Master" throughout, working alongside the crew at the shooting site in Yunnan. During filming, she often sat on-site to watch the process. Crew members describe her as kind and well-respected, affectionately nicknamed “Mom Zhang.” This attendance was seen as a special form of companionship, given her generally limited involvement in her son’s professional activities.