刘胡兰
In 1952, Zhang went to take care of her aunt who was in Shanghai’s Minfeng Troupe of Suzhou opera. Unexpectedly, seeking refuge with her aunt because of poverty, Zhang inadvertently began her life as an artist. Zhang Jiqing joined the Minfeng Troupe of Suzhou opera when she was 14 years old. She studied Suzhou opera and played Dan (Chinese opera) role in her early career life. Later, the Minfeng Troupe of Suzhou opera was settled in Suzhou in October, 1953. In March, 1954, You Caiyun, a famous expert of Kunqu in the last years of Qing Dynasty, was invited to the Minfeng Troupe of Suzhou opera to teach the "Ji Generation" () about Kunqu. At the beginning of 1955, Zhang Jiqing played the leading role of two Korean operas, Legend of Chun Xiang (Chunhyangjeon)and Legend of Shen Qing. In addition, she played a role in a modern drama named Liu Hulan with her mother Zhang Huifen (She was also a Chinese opera actress.) from the Qingfeng Troupe of Suzhou opera after the two troupes were consolidated.