The 15-year-old easily beat the rest of the field with a total of 88.80 points at the Secret Garden Resort close to Beijing.

Zhang, competing in only the third World Cup competition of her career, topped the podium ahead of Japan's Yurie Wantabe.

Wantabe scored 86.20 points to seal the silver medal, while bronze went to Valeriya Demidova after the Russian's routine was rewarded with 82.20.

The triumph for Zhang at the venue, due to host freestyle events when the Chinese capital stages the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, saw her take the overall lead on the standings.

Zhang now has 189 points, with Marie Martinod of France, who has opted not to compete in Beijing, second on 160.

Cassie Sharpe of Canada is third on 129 points.

"To compete in my homeland and be successful is maybe more important to me than the leader’s bib right now, though,” said Zhang.

“It’s a special moment for me. 

"I want to be on the podium this February in Pyeongchang, and today gives me more confidence to do that."

France's Thomas Krief made a triumphant return to the top of the podium following an injury as he claimed victory in the men's event with 90 points.

Krief, who underwent surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament 11 months ago, clinched gold 3.40 points in front of silver medallist Joel Gisler of Switzerland.

Gisler's compatriot Robin Briguet did enough for bronze as he scored 78.20.

Alex Ferreira of the United States currently occupies top spot on the men's leaderboard on 122 points.

Canada's Simon D'Artois is second, two points behind, while American David Wise is third on 100.