Zhang Bingjun

Zhang Bingjun (born in 1920, died in 1997), was from Xiangqiao Town, Lintong, Shaanxi. His family was originally wealthy local landlords in Lintong, and his father once served as the magistrate of Zhashui County, Shaanxi. Zhang Bingjun had a relatively rich educational background; in 1937, he was admitted to Yangzhou Middle School and completed his studies during his youth. On the eve of the liberation, he served as a military supplies officer in the Nationalist Army, holding a certain military rank.

In 1949, just before the founding of New China, Zhang Bingjun married Zhang Xiaoyou, who was 19 years old at the time. On April 2, 1950, they welcomed their eldest son, Zhang Yimou. Subsequently, Zhang Xiaoyou was admitted to and studied clinical medicine at Xi'an Medical University, and in 1951, she was admitted to the biology department of Northwestern University. Among family members, Zhang Xiaoyou’s brother, Zhang Naiguang, also studied at Northwestern University in 1951.

In the early 1950s, Zhang Bingjun worked at the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry, earning a monthly salary of over 60 yuan, which was relatively stable income at the time. After graduating from university in 1955, Zhang Xiaoyou worked at the dermatology department of the affiliated hospital of the medical college, with a monthly wage of 59.50 yuan, which was considered relatively comfortable for the period. Among his children, Zhang Yimou had two younger brothers, Zhang Weimou and Zhang Qimou.

Regarding family life, due to his work location being relatively far away, Zhang Bingjun was usually not at home and is described as somewhat taciturn, with limited communication with his children. During her university years, Zhang Xiaoyou temporarily left the family to work, and thereafter, she was busy with her duties, leading to considerable economic pressure within the family. During his youth, Zhang Yimou grew up amidst a complex family environment, experiencing various upheavals involving his parents and the social background of the era.

During the Cultural Revolution, family pressures increased. Zhang Bingjun considered divorce as a way to provide a better growing environment for his children but ultimately did not carry out this plan. The educational and professional experiences of family members reflect the complicated lives of intellectual families within the context of their times.