Once a poor village boy, famous China educational guru Zhang Xuefeng dies at 41 after a run
hang Xuefeng, one of China’s most prominent educational figures, has died at the age of 41 after a run.
Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/ntit.edu.cn Top Chinese education influencer Zhang Xuefeng, who had over 30 million online followers, died on March 24 at the age of 41 after suffering a cardiac arrest.
His studio announced the news in an obituary, while CCTV News reported that Zhang felt unwell after a run and was rushed to the hospital.
Doctors were unable to revive him and ruled cardiac arrest was the cause of his death.
Possible triggers include strenuous exercise after staying up late or sharp emotional swings.
Zhang Xuefeng, above, was one of China’s most prominent educational figures.
Photo: QQ.com For years, Zhang maintained a punishing work schedule.
At the height of his career, he slept as little as two to four hours a night and had previously been sent to hospital with symptoms linked to overwork.
Just hours before his death, he appeared in what became his final live-stream, speaking with students and their parents as he often did.
Zhang built a lucrative business advising families on university applications for the gaokao, China’s fiercely competitive college entrance examination.
His consultation services cost between 11,999 yuan and 17,999 yuan (US$1,700 and US$2,600).
A tired-looking Zhang during one of his live-streams.
He was known to sleep just two to four hours a night at the height of his career.
Photo: QQ.com In a speech, he once said he owned three companies: one could generate several hundred million yuan after a future stock market listing, while another was valued between 500 million and 800 million yuan (US$72 million and US$116 million).
Born into a poor rural family in Heilongjiang province, China’s northernmost province, Zhang grew up in a shabby rented home.
At the family’s lowest point, their monthly income was just 600 yuan (US$87).
He later gained admission to Zhengzhou University and started out as a tutor after graduating.
Zhang pictured with his daughter whom he leaves behind, along with his wife.
Photo: QQ.com Zhang rose to fame in 2016 with a video explaining how to choose majors for top universities, which drew more than one billion views.
Blending humour with sharp practical advice, Zhang broke down universities by location, the strengths and weaknesses of their programmes and graduate job prospects.
His style resonated with students and parents navigating the anxiety and complexity of China’s educa
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