A life devoted to healing others
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The late Chairman Mao Zedong even received Zhang at Tian'anmen in 1970 for her service and devotion to others.
"I still remember seeing the leader there. It was such an honor," Zhang said.
In spite of her numerous accolades, Zhang has never let her fame or achievements go to her head.
"I provide medical treatment to my patients by my hands, not by my honors. I'm just fulfilling my obligation as a doctor."
Zhang constantly looks for things she can help with and impresses others with an enthusiasm and energy to match any young person.
In 2007, she also volunteered to help villagers applying for basic living allowances or other public services.
Since then, she has been buried with work.
When she found out that the workers were unable to see her to apply for public services during normal working hours, she gave up her rest time to help at noon or in the evenings.
"I haven't had a nap at noon for 40 years. I'm used to it," Zhang said.
"Bosses will dock workers' wages when they apply for leave. How can you let them face such losses when you can help them? I feel good when I do them a favor."
Zhang can also memorize more than 200 telephone numbers, including those of her patients, families in need, doctors and hospitals.
"Frequent use has imprinted those numbers into my memory," she said.
"Some doctors also know me well and they will simplify some procedures for the patients because of me. It's really a lot of help," she said.
One of the beneficiaries of Zhang's efforts is Li Jian, a 16-year-old outstanding student of Luzhou Senior High School of Tongzhou district. Li's teachers have high expectations of him getting into a key university next year.
But few know the boy's parents are both mentally disabled and are unable to teach him anything, or the boy himself once suffered from a terrible disease.
"Grandma Zhang always gave me food and clothes," Li said.
"My parents are not really able to take care of me. Grandma Zhang took their place and took me to doctors. She begged them to waive the medical costs. After four operations in two years, I've recovered," Li said.
"Grandma Zhang always told me that education is the most effective way to get out of poverty. I know I have a shot at success and I will do my best to earn a better life and get a chance to pay back grandma," he said.
Zhang looked at him and said: "I don't expect anything in return. What I'm most excited to see is that you have a better future."
At 2 pm, another call came. Zhang rode out on her bicycle to give a regular examination to an old man after she sent Li back home. Her stomach was empty, but she was brimming with enthusiasm for her work.
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