Wenqian Zhang was born in Taizhou, China. She graduated from Nanjing University in 2017 and holds a Master's degree in Theater. Later, she studied and achieved another Master's degree in Filmmaking from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2019.
In 2020, Wenqian returned to China and co-founded Trembling Flame Films with her partner Yue. In 2021, she produced Yue's short film, The Executioner, which was selected for the International Competition of Clermont-Ferrand SFF. Later on, Wenqian completed her feature documentary debut, A Long Journey Home, which premiered at the Visions du Réel 2022 and won the jury prize in the Burning Lights Competition. It was also invited to film festivals including the 33rd Singapore IFF and 23rd MoMA's Doc Fortnight. In 2024, Wenqian finished her first fictional short film, Remains of the Hot Day, which won the Silver Bear in the Shorts competition of the 74th Berlinale.