Xing Yanzi was born in Tianjin in 1940 and brought up by her grandfather in Baodi Town outside the city.

Xing's father was a prosperous factory manager, but when Xing graduated from high school she decided to return to the countryside to try to improve the lives of the peasants. She organized the "Xing Yanzi Pioneer Team" to plough the land collectively with her neighbors. They made great achievements and in 1960, a story entitled "Xing Yanzi strives to achieve her agricultural blueprint" appeared in the People's Daily. Xing became a celebrity among young people and Chairman Mao singled her out for praise.

In 1964, she took part in the 9th Congress of the Communist Youth League of China and was elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress. She met Mao Zedong five times and Premier Zhou Enlai 13 times. She later held a number of official positions including Secretary of the Tianjin Party Committee. She is now retired.