Zhang appeared in a minor, uncredited role in the 2007 film The Longest Night in Shanghai. Stephen Chow first noticed her in an advertisement for Kentucky Fried Chicken, and recruited her into his agency. Zhang was given arduous training in acting, dancing, and singing. She made her debut in the science fiction film CJ7, playing a young Teacher. The role brought her major media attention, and because of Chow's tradition of starring alongside new actresses who later gain other major roles, Zhang has been called one of the "星女郎" (xīng nǚ láng, "star girls" or "Sing girls"—Sing Yeh is a Common nickname of Chow's).