Biography
Zhang Chaoyang (张朝阳), widely known as Charles Zhang, is a foundational figure in China's internet history. As the founder, Chairman, and CEO of Sohu Inc., he is one of the original "sea turtles" (a term for Chinese who return after studying abroad) who brought the concept of the internet back to a country where it was virtually unknown.
Armed with a Ph.D. in physics from MIT, Zhang returned to Beijing in 1996 with a bold vision. He founded Internet Technologies China (ITC), which would soon become Sohu, China's first search engine and one of its original web portals. For years, Sohu, along with Sina and Netease, formed the triumvirate that dominated China's early internet landscape.
Zhang became China's first celebrity CEO, known for his high-profile lifestyle, which included posing for fashion magazines, climbing mountains, and socializing with movie stars. He cultivated an image of success and Western modernity that was unique among the typically reserved Chinese business elite.
However, the immense pressure of staying at the top took a severe toll. Around 2011, Zhang entered a period of deep depression and anxiety, forcing him to step away from his company for nearly two years in a self-described "retreat." He has since returned, profoundly changed by the experience.
In his later career, Zhang has found a new sense of purpose, famously returning to his academic roots by teaching physics classes via live stream, reinventing himself from a high-flying tycoon into a public educator and a more introspective leader.
Major Achievements
- 1996: Returned to China and founded Internet Technologies China (ITC), the predecessor to Sohu.
- 1998: Launched Sohu.com, one of China's first and most successful web portals.
- 1998: Named by Time magazine as one of the "50 Global Digital Heroes."
- 2000: Led Sohu to a successful IPO on the NASDAQ.
- 2000s: Pioneered several key internet sectors in China, including search, online gaming, and media content.
- 2020s: Reinvented himself as a public intellectual, using his platform to teach physics and promote a philosophy of self-discipline.
Business Philosophy
Zhang Chaoyang's philosophy is rooted in a blend of Western individualism and a deep-seated sense of mission. His early approach was defined by a belief in the Silicon Valley model of "winner-take-all," driving the aggressive expansion of Sohu during the portal wars. He believed in the power of branding, both for his company and himself, using his celebrity status to keep Sohu in the public consciousness.
After his personal struggles with mental health, his philosophy evolved. He now espouses a doctrine of personal responsibility, discipline, and perseverance. He famously advocates for a demanding "4-hour sleep method" and emphasizes that true success is not just about wealth or fame, but about fulfilling one's duty and finding meaning through persistent effort. His return to teaching physics reflects a new belief in sharing knowledge and contributing to society in a more direct, fundamental way.