Zhen Cao, born in September 1962 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, is a native of Langzhong, Sichuan. He is an experimental high-energy cosmic ray physicist, the chief scientist of the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO). In 1986, he began his research career in cosmic rays under the mentorship of Youheng Tan, participating in the construction of the YBJ Observatory before furthering his studies in the United States and engaging in cutting-edge international experiments. After returning to China in 2003, he led the ARGO-YBJ experiment. In 2008, he proposed the LHAASO project, which integrates multiple detection techniques, with its site selected at Haizishan in Daocheng, Sichuan. Leading his team, he overcame the challenges of high-altitude construction and completed the world's largest high-altitude cosmic ray observation array in 2021. LHAASO has published groundbreaking results in Natureand Science, ushering in a new era of ultra-high-energy gamma astronomy and establishing China's internationally leading position in this field.