Born in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Zhan belongs to the Manzu(Manchu) minority. He graduated from the Central Art Academy in 1953, but took up his studies again in 1955, when he entered the Oil Painting Research Class of the Central Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under the Soviet painter Konstantin Maksimov until 1957. Vice Chairman of China Artists Association, Chairman of Chinese Oil Painting Association, professor in CAFA. Award: Gold Prize of National Art Exhibition.