He began playing badminton at age eight. His journey in the sport started with a badminton class. Over the years, he has become a right-handed player known for his skills and dedication. He has looked up to Indonesian badminton player Taufik Hidayat and Chinese badminton player Lin Dan as his idols.

| Season | Event | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Men's Singles | S Silver |
| 2016 | Men's Singles | G Gold |
| 2012 | Men's Singles | B Bronze |
He received numerous awards and honours. In 2018, he was awarded the Sport Medal for Outstanding Athlete of the Year by the General Administration of Sport of China. He received the National May 1st Labour Medal from the All-China Federation of Trade Unions in 2016. In 2015, Xinhua News Agency named him one of the Top 10 Chinese Athletes.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) named him Male Player of the Year in both 2014 and 2015. These accolades highlight his contributions and achievements in badminton.
He is married to Wang Shixian, who also represented China in badminton at five world championships between 2010 and 2015. She won a bronze medal in singles in 2010. They have one son together.
His sporting philosophy reflects his resilience and determination. He once said, "When I face defeats and challenges, I still keep the faith and believe in myself. I stick to my plans, and I feel I have accomplished these well so far. I'm happy to keep believing after all these years."
He retired from competitive badminton in 2022. His career has been marked by significant achievements and recognition, making him a notable figure in the sport.
He speaks Mandarin fluently, which has helped him connect with fans and peers alike. His journey from an eight-year-old beginner to a celebrated athlete is inspiring for many aspiring players.
He began playing badminton at age eight. His journey in the sport started with a badminton class. Over the years, he has become a right-handed player known for his skills and dedication. He has looked up to Indonesian badminton player Taufik Hidayat and Chinese badminton player Lin Dan as his idols.