Chinese 'wuxia film mogul' Zhang Jizhong, 73, expects new baby with 31-year-younger wife

By Nhu Anh March 6, 2024 | 10:47 pm PT

At 73 years of age, director Zhang Jizhong, known as the “wuxia film mogul” of China, and his 42-year-old wife Du Xinglin, are expecting a baby.

Chinese director Zhang Jizhong, his wife Du Zinglin, and their children. Photo from Weibo/Xia Furen

Sohu reported that Du announced the news on her social media on Wednesday: "A child in the Year of the Dragon is on the way."

"This child is a divine blessing, a gift. To ensure a smooth pregnancy, I’m preparing both my body and mind."

This upcoming arrival marks the third child for Du and Zhang, who tied the knot in 2017. Their family currently includes a five-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. Additionally, Du has a child from a previous relationship, and Zhang has one from his past marriage.

Du once shared on Tianjin TV that being very involved and adept, Zhang excels in childcare. She recounted how, during the pandemic in 2020 and without access to a helper for their second child’s birth, Zhang took on the role of caretaker for the whole family, from her to their children. He sacrificed full nights of sleep to attend to the crying baby, change diapers, and feed them, according to Du.

She praised her husband for his capabilities, surpassing many younger individuals, saying: "He manages the laundry, cooking, and childcare daily."

"For a man over 70, he’s commendable. He’s ready to take on it all for me."

Du admires her husband’s dedication to their family and his meticulous attention to detail in caring for her and their children. She recalled an instance when Zhang repaired a minor tear in her silk outfit with perfectly matching thread, making the mend unnoticeable. Du considers herself lucky to have a husband who is genuinely caring.

Zhang is celebrated for his adaptations of classic wuxia novels by renowned author Jin Yong, such as "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," "The Return of the Condor Heroes," "Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber," and "The Deer and the Cauldron."

Besides his directorial success, he has taken on supporting roles in some of these adaptations, including in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer" and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes."

In recent years, Zhang and Du have gained popularity through their live streams where they sell various products.