[1] Cheng was born in Guangxi, and joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in February 1954, rising to become governor of Guangxi region and vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Cheng was involved with Li Ping, (described as his mistress)[2] and was convicted of corruption along with her.

It is alleged that the two spent the money gained from corruption for gambling in Macau.

[3][4] K. Thomas Liaw estimates that 95 percent of China's convicted corrupt officials had mistresses.

[5] Cheng Kejie is the only party and state leader in the history of the People's Republic of China who has been executed by the judicial authorities so far.