Zhang Ziyi is one of the most well-known Chinese actresses working today, with a string of international hits to her name. She has worked with renowned directors such as Zhang Yimou, Ang Lee, Wong Kar-Wai and Rob Marshall.

Of the characters making up her name, Zhang is her surname (not to be confused with the more common Zhāng), and can be literally translated as an essay or a chapter of a book, Zi means child or esteemed person, and Yí means joy or happiness. Her name is sometimes represented in the Western order (Ziyi Zhang).