Jianing Zhang (Jade) is a PhD student in the Department of Humanities and Creative Writing at Hong Kong Baptist University (AY 2025/26). Her research focuses on contemporary Chinese literature and culture, with particular interests in youth culture and political activism. Her current doctoral research examines the Chinese College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) and its representations in popular culture. In addition to her academic research, she writes short stories and essays.

She holds a BA in Chinese Language and Literature from Peking University and an MA in Cultural Studies from KU Leuven, and completed an Erasmus exchange at the University of Bologna.