Ethnic Han, native of Dingyuan, Anhui Province, born in July 1955. Joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in May 1976 and began working in March 1974. Graduated from the School of Economics of Peking University, majoring in economics. With on-the-job postgraduate education. Doctor of Economics.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, vice-premier of the State Council and deputy secretary of its Leading Party Members' Group.

1974-1976 Secondary school graduate sent to work at Dongling Brigade, Damiao Commune, Fengyang County, Anhui Province

1976-1978 Party branch secretary of Damiao Brigade, Damiao Commune, Fengyang County, Anhui Province

1978-1982 Student of the Department of Law and leading member of the Student Union of Peking University

1982-1983 Secretary of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) committee of Peking University

1983-1985 Director-general of the School Department of the CYLC Central Committee and concurrently secretary-general of the All-China Students' Federation, alternate member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee

1985-1993 Member of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee and vice-chairman of the All-China Youth Federation (September-November 1991: studied at the Party School of CPC Central Committee)

1993-1998 First secretary of the Secretariat of the CYLC Central Committee and concurrently president of the China Youth Political College (1988-1994: obtained MA and doctorate of Economics after attending the on-the-job postgraduate program on Economics at the School of Economics of Peking University)

1998-1999 Deputy secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and acting governor of Henan Province

1999-2002 Deputy secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and governor of Henan Province

2002-2003 Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and governor of Henan Province

2003-2004 Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Henan Provincial People's Congress

2004-2005 Secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee

2005-2007 Secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Liaoning Provincial People's Congress

2007-2008 Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee

2008- Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, vice-premier of the State Council and deputy secretary of its Leading Party Members' Group

Member of the 15th, 16th and 17th CPC central committees. Member of the Political Bureau and its Standing Committee of the 17th CPC Central Committee. Member of the Standing Committee of the 8th National People's Congress.