Yan Zhang was born in Sichuan Province, China. She came to the UK in 1999. She studied Politics and Asia Pacific studies at Leeds University.

Yan worked with Leeds City Council, specialising in community work with the East Asian community. She won a government award for her work. From there she was appointed to a more senior job in community development with Manchester City Council.

Yan now works advising UK businesses on doing business with China. She also acts as a respected translator in court cases, teaches Chinese part-time, and is currently developing a Chinese fashion import business.

Yan has been an active supporter of Chinese community groups ever since she came to the UK 11 years ago.