Li was born in Mei County (now Meixian District of Meizhou), Guangdong, on 3 October 1958.
In 1978, he attended Hunan University, graduating in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in foundry science.
[1] After graduating in June 1982, he taught at his alma mater's Mechanical Department, and moved to South China University of Technology in June 1987, what he was promoted to associate professor in January 1992 and to full professor in December 1993.
[2] He was president of Jilin University from September 2011 to October 2018, a position at vice-ministerial level.
He took office as present of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in October 2018, and was promoted to CCP committee secretary, the top political position in the university, in October 2021.