1938, Zhang Yali was born in an embarrassed scholarly family in lingbao city, Henan province. Her father died at the age of ten, and she was helped by her uncle. Her mother tried to raise five brothers and sisters.

1950, there is a literacy class in the countryside, and Zhang Yali was lucky enough to attend the literacy class in the evening. After hard work, Xiao Yali entered Pohu School (senior primary school) with excellent results to read the fifth and sixth grades.

1954, Xiao Yali became the only girl in her village who was admitted to lingbao city. Because of the long distance and lack of money at home, she had to stay at Gu Si's home to finish her middle school. Then I was admitted to Luoyang Academy of Fine Arts.

From 65438 to 0965, Zhang Yali went to Wuhan Federation of Trade Unions under the introduction of model workers Ma Xueli and Liu Daocheng to undertake the exhibition of "Double Leather" (formerly: Sino-Soviet Friendship Exhibition Hall) and undertake the task of drawing models of advanced figures such as Jiao and Lei Feng. During the day, she makes movie advertisements and posters for Wuhan Cultural Palace. In the evening, she helps others make clothes for home use. Because of her serious and responsible work, she was well received by the leaders. She was arranged by Wuhan Federation of Trade Unions to work in the Qintai Workers' Cultural Palace for publicity, book management and fine arts. The unit leader also sent her to Hubei Institute of Art for further study for two years, under the guidance of Tang Wenxuan, which laid a very important foundation for her future painting career.

1988 After retiring due to illness, she studied at Wuchang District University for the Aged.