He enrolled in college in 1978 at the age of 16, graduating from the Northeast Heavy Machinery Institute in Qinghuangdao, later renamed Yanshan University, in 1982 with a degree in engineering.

In this position, he served as the chief of staff for four Shanghai Party secretaries; Cheng Liangyu, Han Zheng, Xi Jinping, and Yu Zhengsheng.

[7] Upon his nomination, Voice of America described Ding as "loyal and strong in coordination, but lacking experience in macroeconomic management and other people's livelihood affairs".

[8] Ding succeeded Han Zheng as the first-ranking vice premier of China and leader of the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs in March 2023.

[19] In October 2023, Ding visited Shenzhen, where he paid a trip to DJI, local laboratories and Hetao, a tech cooperation zone with Hong Kong.

[22] In January 2025, he attended the annual World Economic Forum summit, where he gave a speech saying China does not "seek trade surplus".

[23] In September 2023, Ding delivered a pre-recorded video message to the opening ceremony of a two-day forum on the Belt and Road Initiative in Hong Kong.

[24] In November 2023, Ding met about 150 youth representatives from Hong Kong and Macao for the first time in Beijing and conveyed President Xi's affection for young people.

[25] In March 2024, Ding met with Hong Kong deputies at the National People's Congress, where he called for swiftly enacting the Article 23 legislation.