Zhang Hua (1956), also known as Charles Zhang, was born in Kunming, Yunnan Province. He graduated from the Central Academy of Art and Design (now Tsinghua University Academy of Fine Arts) in 1982. He used to teach at the Art School of the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture. Subsequently, he participated in the preparation of the establisment of Kunming University, and was independently responsible for setting up the arts and crafts department of that school; he served as the first department head.

In 1994, he was invited to the University of Maryland to exchange lectures and hold a solo exhibition. Since 1995, he has settled in the United States.