Zhang Yunliang was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. His early life details are not widely known. As he grew up, he faced struggles that would shape his later years. Zhang had a history of gambling addiction, which troubled him for many years.

In 2006, Zhang moved to Chengdu, seeking a fresh start. However, his life did not improve. He became unemployed, which added to his financial troubles. To support himself, he relied on help from his family, especially his daughter. As time went on, the support he received was reduced, leading to conflicts within the family.

Zhang faced deep emotional distress. He once threatened to take his own life, indicating how desperate he had become. The night before a tragic event in June 2009, he expressed a desire to "die differently" to his daughter. 

On June 5, 2009, a bus in Chengdu, China, was set on fire, leading to a tragic incident that resulted in numerous casualties. At around 8:00 a.m., the diesel bus ignited while carrying passengers, with many people unable to escape due to the rear door not opening. Firefighters faced delays reaching the scene because of heavy traffic, making the situation more dangerous for those on the bus.

Officials quickly ruled out a mechanical failure and focused on the presence of gasoline on board. Witnesses, including the bus driver, reported smelling gasoline, which was unusual for a diesel bus. The investigation determined that gasoline brought by a passenger caused the fire. However, it was unclear whether the fire was an accident or a deliberate act of arson.

The aftermath was devastating. A total of 27 people died, which included the perpetrator, and 76 others were injured. Emergency services and local citizens attempted to help by breaking windows to let passengers escape. There were concerns about public safety, leading to reactions from local governments and bus companies in the region.

The perpetrator of the bus fire was identified as 62-year-old Zhang Yunliang, who was a temporary resident of Chengdu. Zhang had a history of personal struggles, including financial issues and gambling addiction. He was at the back of the bus when the fire occurred and perished in the blaze. This incident sparked a broader review of safety measures for public transportation in various cities across China.