In 1897 he studied at the Imperial Tientsin University, after graduating, he became an English teacher of the Queen's College (reformed from the Government Central School).

In October 1911 Xinhai Revolution broke out, Wen Zongyao, Wu Tingfang and Zhang Jian declared their support for republicanism.

But in November, Cen was defeated by Sun and Chen Jiongming's troops, Wen also retired and hid in Shanghai for over 10 years.

In February 1938 Wen Zongyao was contacted by the Japanese who were invading China, and started to organize the Puppet Government for Japan with Liang Hongzhi.

In the next month, they established the Reformed Government of the Republic of China in Nanjing, Wen was appointed Chief of the Legislative Yuan (立法院院長).

In March 1940 the Wang Jingwei regime was established, Wen was appointed Chief of the Judicial Yuan (司法院院長), and successively held many important positions.

After Japan unconditionally surrendered and the Wang Jingwei regime collapsed, Wen Zongyao was arrested by the Nationalist Government in Shanghai on September 27, 1945.