The second son of former Chinese politician Bo Xilai and the only child of Gu Kailai, he attracted media attention for his family background and lifestyle, often being described as a "red aristocrat" and "playboy".

His mother, Gu Kailai, spent most of her time in Dalian, where his father, Bo Xilai, served as mayor, only returning to Beijing when Guagua was ill.

The Daily Telegraph reported that three Chinese diplomats, including the Chinese Abassador to the UK, went to see Dr. Andrew Graham, the Master of Balliol College, and sought to have the rustication revoked, explaining that Bo's academic probation would be a source of embarrassment to "his father and grandfather" in China (even though his grandfather, Bo Yibo, had died by the time), but their request was denied.

After a year's delay in his graduation, Bo returned to Oxford to take his final examinations, achieving remarkable grades and obtaining an Upper Second-Class Honours degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.

[14] He currently serves as an advisor to Power Sustainable Capital of Canada and a partner of Ginkgo Lake LLC, a Boston investment manager.

[17][18][19] Bo first rose to public attention in May 2006 when Esquire China published a feature titled Bo Guagua: PPE and a London Accent, highlighting his British education since the age of 11, his skills in horseback riding, fencing, rugby, tango dancing, as well as his English book Uncommon Wealth, "an experimental work composed of English text, illustrations, poetry, and manifestos" published when he was 17.

Since then, unlike most children of party leaders who maintain a low profile, Bo cultivated a highly public persona, often described as a "red aristocrat" or "playboy".

His Westernized and privileged lifestyle stood in stark contrast to his father's efforts to revive a "red culture" in Chongqing, which included promoting revolutionary songs and Maoist slogans.

Bo's playboy lifestyle, widely reported in the international press, has been a source of embarrassment for the Communist Party leadership in Beijing.

[23] In April 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported that Bo had been living at a luxury apartment in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at a monthly cost of approximately $2,600.

He was also reported to drive a $80,000 black Porsche sports car, having collected violations for running stop signs in December 2010 and May 2011, and for speeding in February 2012.

"[23][25] On the other hand, his father told the Chinese news media that his son was on full scholarship and his wife was a successful lawyer, but she was afraid of people spreading rumors, so she closed down her law office a long time ago.

[27] In November 2011, The Wall Street Journal reported that Bo had once worn a tuxedo and driven a red Ferrari to pick up one of Jon Huntsman Jr.'s daughters at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Beijing.