Abstract: Zhang Jian experienced a variety of disasters such as collapse of river bank, rage of sea tide, flooding of Huaihe River and mass deaths in plague. Zhang Jian adopted primary strategies such as pleading, raising funds, recruiting talents, appealing to collaboration and comprehensive administration. Zhang Jian's cognition, concept and practice provide reference as well as enlightenment for disaster combat and prevention at present and in the future. It is obliged to conform to the principles of putting civilians in the first place, adhering to scientific precaution and treatment, making precise policies, persisting in open, objective and transparent information, transforming crises to opportunities and building up confidence. Zhang Jian's spirit of combating disasters and providing relief is worth advocating.