Influencer Zhang Xuefeng Dies at 41 After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

NEED TO KNOW

• Zhang Zibiao — a popular Chinese education influencer known online as Zhang Xuefeng — died on March 24 at age 41

• According to a statement from his company, Zhang died from “a sudden cardiac arrest for which all intensive life-saving efforts proved unavailing”

• The internet personality was known for sharing advice about the Gaokao, China’s rigorous college entrance exam, taken by students at the end of high school

Zhang Zibiao — a popular Chinese education influencer known online as Zhang Xuefeng — died on March 24. He was 41.

Zhang’s company, Suzhou Fengxue Weilai Education Technology Co., announced the news of his death in a statement shared to Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, noting that he died from “a sudden cardiac arrest for which all intensive life-saving efforts proved unavailing.”

“The passing of Mr. Zhang Xuefeng represents an immense loss to the educational community,” the statement continued. “We pledge to carry forward his legacy and continue our commitment to helping even more students realize their dreams.”

According to a 2024 profile in the South China Morning Post, Zhang had over 30 million followers and was known for sharing advice about the Gaokao, China’s rigorous college entrance exam taken by students at the end of high school. He also offered an extremely popular college counselling service, often fully booked two years in advance, the outlet reported.

Zhang reportedly amassed a large fortune of over $100 million, per South China Morning Post, stemming from book royalties, lectures and the three companies he owned.

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“Hailing from humble beginnings, Mr. Zhang Xuefeng dedicated his entire life to the welfare of students,” read Zhang’s company’s statement. “He devoted himself deeply to the field of education, consistently making it his personal mission to provide financial aid and foster the growth of young scholars, thereby realizing his educational ideals with a heart of utmost sincerity.”

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