Chen was born in Lanzhou, Gansu province.

He has degree from Peking University in political economics.

He was the CCP Committee Secretary of Jiuquan prior to the area's conversion to a prefecture-level city.

In June 2008 he was transferred to Beijing to become vice-president of the CCP Central Party School.

On March 20, 2013, he became the party chief and vice-president of the China National School of Administration.