Zhan Shichai (1841 - 5 November 1893) was a Chinese giant who toured the world as 'Chang the Chinese Giant' in the 19th century. His stage name was 'Chang Woo Gow'.

Zhan was born in Fuzhou; Fujian Province in the 1840s; though reports of the year vary from 1841 to 1847. His height was claimed to be over 8 feet (2.4 m); but there are no authoritative records. He left China in 1865 to travel to London where he appeared on stage; later travelling around Europe; and to the US and Australia as 'Chang the Chinese Giant'. Zhan received a good education in various countries; and developed a good understanding of ten languages. In America; he earned a salary of $500 a month.

Kin Foo; the Chinese wife who accompanied Zhan from China; died in 1871; and Zhan later married Catherine Santley; a Liverpudlian whom he met in Sydney; Australia. They had two children: Edwin; born in 1877 in Shanghai; and Ernest; born in 1879 in Paris.

In 1878; Zhan retired from the stage and settled in Bournemouth; where he opened a Chinese teahouse and a store selling Chinese imports.

Zhan died in Bournemouth in 1893; four months after his wife; aged around 50. His coffin was 8 feet 6 inches (2.6 m) long. Pictures From History